Thread: Question re digital terminolagy

Well, you know how some cameras save files as JPG or JPEG etc, and thats how most pictures on the internet are saved?
RAW is the data straight from the camera sensor. It contains a LOT more information (and takes up a LOT more room!) than a JPG file does.
Because of this its easier to retouch a photo - make it brighter, make colours more vivid etc - using the RAW photo because there is heaps more data to work with.
Different cameras sometimes call it something different - my Nikon saves RAW as a .NEF file.

Translation - for the average guy who just wants to take a photo, don't worry about RAW. If you start getting into cameras as a hobby or interest, then RAW is good.
If you're out hunting and want to get a quick snap, or take a photo of that monster kingi on the back of your boat? Ordinary JPG will work just fine. (which is what most digital cameras save as)