60 Shooting - Selecting Particular EffectsChanging the File FormatThe recording file format can be switched to the RAW format. With the standardJPEG file format, the camera processes images after capturing them to produceoptimal results. This format compresses images so that more can be stored on asingle CF card. However, the compression is irreversible, meaning that the originalimage data cannot be recovered after processing. In contrast, the RAW formatrecords the image data as captured by the camera’s CCD without furtherprocessing. RAW images are compressed, but the compression is reversible* so thata high-quality image can be obtained from the decompressed file without any lossof image quality. In addition, although a RAW file is larger than an equivalent JPEGfile, it is still only approximately one-quarter the size** of an uncompressed RGBTIFF format file, making it relatively compact.With standard uncompressed file formats, such as RGB TIFF, images are processedin the camera and require further processing by retouching software to adjust theimage parameters, which reduces image quality. With the RAW format, however,the original data can be used in special software* to adjust the image parameters(white balance, contrast, sharpness and saturation) making it possible to maintainthe image quality while making changes. The resolution (2272 x 1704) andcompression settings cannot be adjusted for these images.* The bundled software can be used to open or adjust the parameters of images recorded in the RAW file format.Please consult the Software Starter Guide for details.** As measured by standard Canon test conditions.1 Turn the mode dial to , , or .2 In the [ (Rec.)] menu, select [File Format].• See Selecting Menus and Settings (p. 35).• Recordable Images3 Select [RAW] and press the button.• The icon will show in the display panel.4 Shoot the image.• The RAW file format can only be selected in the , , and modes.
