I myself have even written an article talking about Reasons not to take photos in RAWBut the truth is that being able to take RAW photos with your mobile phone is a great advantage, and here are 3 reasons why you should take photos in this format if you have the option. RAW means "raw"The archive retains the original sensor information so you can decide on the final look in development.
1. Capture more data from the image and retrieve information
The basic reason why RAW photos are an advantage over JPEG photos is because you are capturing more data from the information captured by the camera sensor. This has a direct consequence: it is possible retrieve information in highlights and shadows which is compressed and lost in JPEG. In practical terms, we enjoy greater dynamic range and a wider color rangeTherefore, you can lighten dark areas and darken light areas without destroying detail.
Furthermore, RAW allows non-destructive editingAdjust exposure, contrast, saturation, or white balance without recalculating the final image until export. There are even phones and apps that save 16-bit linear DNG (as in Expert RAW modes), which preserves fine gradations and minimizes artifacts. Galleries may preview the RAW file with a "soft" look because it hasn't been sharpened or processed yet, but this is normal: you'll see its true potential in development.
2. Get the most out of your mobile phone's camera
If you've bought a mobile phone capable of taking RAW photos, like the LG G4You've probably spent a significant amount of money. Using RAW really pushes the sensor and lens to their limits. Better than JPEG: you'll have room to correct. ISO, shutter speed, white balance and exposure in editing, and if you activate saving RAW+JPEGYou'll get a JPEG ready to share and the RAW file to work on in detail whenever you want.
3.- The apps to work with RAW are much more intuitive and there are in greater quantity
Perhaps the idea of ​​working with RAW photos scares you because you have no idea about photography. Today there are many simple and intuitive apps to capture and reveal. To take RAWIt highlights the Pro/Advanced mode of Adobe Lightroom, and Open Room, Manual Camera y Footej Camera 2, which enable manual controls if the hardware supports it.
To edit RAW, options like Snapseed (fast development with exposure, shadows, highlights, temperature and white balance), Adobe Photoshop Express y Pixlr They allow for powerful adjustments without complications. Keep in mind that Some modern Sony cameras generate RAW files that certain apps may not be able to open. correctly; if that's your case, use Lightroom or Photoshop Express, which offer wider compatibilityIf a third-party app keeps crashing on your phone, check for updates or try more stable alternatives.
The big difference is that when we work with these photos, instead of with JPEG photos, we will be performing modifications without loss of qualityThis would degrade the image in JPEG. To organize your library, Simple Gallery It recognizes RAW files and helps classify them; and remembers that RAW files take up space. more spaceTherefore, it is advisable to manage storage.
How to activate RAW and what to do if your phone is not compatible
Currently, many mobile phones allow you to activate it from the camera appLook in advanced settings for an option like this RAW + JPEG o "RAW Copies"With this, each shot will generate both files. On some brands, the RAW file appears when you enter the... pro modeIf you don't see the option, the manufacturer may not have enabled it. Camera2 API Complete. You can check support with diagnostic apps and, if available, use third party apps like Open Camera to shoot in DNG.
If your phone doesn't support RAW, you can still improve your photos by adjusting exposure and white balance in JPEG and applying careful editing. But when your device allows it, RAW will give you more creative freedom and professional-looking results with a simple workflow: capture in Pro, develop with your favorite editor, and export according to use (TIFF/JPEG).
Adopting RAW on your mobile device is a decision that multiplies your creative controlMore range, color and editing margin, accessible apps and a quick activationWith practice, your images will gain detail, volume, and naturalness without sacrificing the immediacy of JPEG when you need it.
