Expert RAW Question

[Will_T]

I have downloaded this new Samsung app Expert RAW and have a few questions/confusions. In my case, probably 80%+ of my photos have no need for RAW. My main question is this:

It seems that by default, after installing the app, the original camera app on the phone still works the same and will take JPG photos the same as before. If you want to shoot a photo using Expert RAW, then opening the Expert RAW app is what you do. Is this correct procedure or is there a better, easier way to switch between shooting RAW and no RAW photos? It seems like it would be easier to only have one user interface to get good at and to just use the Expert Raw app all the time. But this would only make sense for me if there was a way in the ER app to easily switch between shooting and saving only a processed JPG file and then, when you need it, take a photo that includes saving the RAW file. Can you do this, or do I need to use the standard camera app most of the time and then open the separate Expert RAW app when I think I need a RAW file? Thanks!

I ask this mainly because I like the interface of the Expert RAW app and would use that exclusively if there was an easy way to turn RAW on and off on a per shot basis.

 

[Will_T]

Another question I have about it is whether it is best to have Auto HDR off rather than the default on?

 

[L0n3N1nja]

Samsungs default camera app has allowed RAW since the S6, it only works in the pro mode, other shooting modes are jpeg.

My understanding is the new RAW Pro app allows RAW capture and manual control on the additional cameras as the default app traditionally only allowed it on the main camera.

HDR is personal preference, I believe most people leave it on. Without it you risk highlights being over exposed and shadows under exposed with no way to recover the details in a jpeg image. RAW disables HDR since it leaves it up to the user to edit the photo to their liking.

 

[Will_T]

Thanks. I know I made my first post a little more confusing than it should be. The main thing I am trying to figure out is: Are people who are using the new app, doing everything from that app? Even able to use it when they do not want or need a RAW file saved along with the jpg? I anticipate only wanting a RAW file for at most 15 or 20% of shots. But I was hoping to be able to only use the Expert RAW app for both purposes. Hopefully someone who uses the app will know.

 

[paridge]

Both Pro mode (in the “normal” camera app) and Expert RAW enable you to shoot RAW with each lens. The result is a RAW file and a JPEG file for each shot. Expert RAW produces somewhat larger, sharper files because they are 16-bit. However, Samsung applies some post-processing. Thus, Expert RAW seems to work best when you want a bright image that is sharp throughout. If you're trying to produce specific effects, such as blurred backgrounds, smooth water, or darker images, using RAW in the “normal” app would be better because the image remains as shot. You can then edit it in post-processing software.

 

[KPMcClave]

Both Pro mode (in the “normal” camera app) and Expert RAW enable you to shoot RAW with each lens. The result is a RAW file and a JPEG file for each shot. Expert RAW produces somewhat larger, sharper files because they are 16-bit. However, Samsung applies some post-processing. Thus, Expert RAW seems to work best when you want a bright image that is sharp throughout. If you're trying to produce specific effects, such as blurred backgrounds, smooth water, or darker images, using RAW in the “normal” app would be better because the image remains as shot. You can then edit it in post-processing software.

I can use Expert RAW for RAW files, and use the camera app when I don't need RAW files, and do so without having to change any settings, right? Because I'll continue using my DSLR when the subject is important enough/near impossible to capture well on the phone, I won't shoot RAW on the S22 Ultra much at all, but if I can just open Expert RAW when I do, and not have to change any settings in the camera app (as I would if I only used the camera), that'd be perfect.

 

[Will_T]

I can use Expert RAW for RAW files, and use the camera app when I don't need RAW files, and do so without having to change any settings, right?

Yes, your question might help if it gets answered. Neither of us really need an explanation of what RAW is, etc. We just have questions about the actual use of the two apps. If you get an answer, it might indirectly answer what I am asking also.

I actually like the Expert RAW app interface better than the regular camera app so if I could just use Expert RAW for both RAW and non-RAW files, without having to change lots of settings then that might be what I would try to do. Although it is a consideration that the RAW files produced by Expert RAW are not unprocessed. In that case it might be best to use the standard camera app even for RAW files as @paridge explained.

Otherwise, I will just do what you want to do and set up Expert RAW for when I want RAW files. Hopefully someone with specific knowledge and experience using the Expert RAW app will answer both questions.

Both paridge and L0n3N1nja also said they think that using the S22 Ultra standard camera app in Pro Mode allows RAW for each and every lens. I am not sure if that is correct as I have read somewhere that the standard camera app does not work for all lenses? Maybe that is old info for the S21 or something? Maybe that can be definitively stated one way of another for the S22 Ultra. If it does work for all photos, then possibly with a S22 Ultra, there is not really any need to use Expert RAW?

 

[paridge]

I have used both the Expert RAW app and the pro mode in the standard camera app. That's how I discovered the differences (post-processing vs. no post-processing) and, therefore, the strengths and weaknesses of each for my personal use. And yes, when you open either app, you see all the lenses. Thus, you can shoot RAW with any of them. It's one of the exciting things about the 22 Ultra. For me, it's a game changer. Because of the ability to shoot RAW with the telephoto lenses, I've been able to capture a few scenes that I couldn't have got before.

 

[L0n3N1nja]

Still using a Note 20 Ultra and just found out the app will be available to me in the near future. Finally the 5x lens will be useful.

 

[Will_T]

yes, when you open either app, you see all the lenses. Thus, you can shoot RAW with any of them. It's one of the exciting things about the 22 Ultra. For me, it's a game changer. Because of the ability to shoot RAW with the telephoto lenses, I've been able to capture a few scenes that I couldn't have got before.

Expert RAW seems to work best when you want a bright image that is sharp throughout. If you're trying to produce specific effects, such as blurred backgrounds, smooth water, or darker images, using RAW in the “normal” app would be better because the image remains as shot. You can then edit it in post-processing software.

Thanks - I like the interface of Pro Mode so you recommend using Expert RAW only when you want the brightest, sharpest image? Otherwise, the standard camera app in Pro Mode seems the logical choice. I saw articles that say other than large file size, the Expert RAW photos are better in every way than the RAW photos taken with the standard camera app. Here is one of those articles. I guess each has to determine their own preference.

In the standard camera app is the only way to choose to have a RAW copy for a specific shot to go into settings and turn it on for that shot and then go back into settings and turn it off until you want it again? In Expert RAW, all shots are in the RAW format, no option to take just a jpg in that app?

 

[paridge]

I keep the Expert RAW app on my home screen because it produces excellent images. However, as I mentioned, there are times when you might want specific effects without Samsungʼs heavy-handed “assistance” in giving you its version of a great shot.

I've always customized the camera app menu so that the shooting modes that I use are always visible. For example, I've placed pro mode next to photo mode for easy access. Slide the modes to the left and tap “more.” You can then rearrange the modes. This includes moving them in or out of the list at the bottom. In addition, I customized the buttons so that double-clicking the power button opens the camera.

 

[paridge]

BTW When I mentioned using pro mode in the camera app for specific effects, I was referring to situations where you are using the manual settings. For example, sometimes you want an image to be underexposed to avoid blown-out highlights. In such cases, you don't want the phone to “fix” the image. You want to edit it yourself in post-processing software.

 

[KPMcClave]

I keep the Expert RAW app on my home screen because it produces excellent images. However, as I mentioned, there are times when you might want specific effects without Samsungʼs heavy-handed “assistance” in giving you its version of a great shot.

I don't think Samsung understands the point of shooting in RAW.

 

[Will_T]

I've always customized the camera app menu so that the shooting modes that I use are always visible. I've placed pro mode next to photo mode for easy access. In addition, I customized the buttons so that double-clicking the power button opens the camera.

I have Pro Mode and the power button the same way. Are there other customizations you use a lot?

BTW When I mentioned using pro mode in the camera app for specific effects, I was referring to situations where you are using the manual settings. For example, sometimes you want an image to be underexposed to avoid blown-out highlights. In such cases, you don't want the phone to “fix” the image. You want to edit it yourself in post-processing software.

Yes, 80% of the time I use the camera, it is for utilitarian purposes or posting a photo online. But that other 20%, a lot of them I take several varied shots to try to get what I want. For those I expect I will always use Pro Mode or Expert RAW.

 

[plentyblackcoffee]

Complete Android rookie question: when I search for “expert raw” in the Google Play store, nothing shows up. How do I find the app to download and install it?

UPDATE: Oh…just realized it’s in the Galaxy Store!

 

[rvbfan]

Nevermind

 

[Will_T]

Complete Android rookie question: when I search for “expert raw” in the Google Play store, nothing shows up. How do I find the app to download and install it?

UPDATE: Oh…just realized it’s in the Galaxy Store!

It is an app in the Galaxy Store

edit: LOL. I did not see you updated your post. Glad you found it!

 

[digitalbreak]

The RAW image format you get from the Expert RAW app is much better than the RAW output from the Pro mode in the standard camera app. This is because Samsung says they apply a wider dynamic range boost to the RAW image produced by the Expert RAW app. This means the RAW image from the Expert RAW app may look brighter and boost darker areas and shadows. However, post-processing can modify each of those settings to your liking. This is one of the main reasons you should not use the Expert RAW app to take quick photos that you want to share with your friends and family.