by LM » Tue Jun 09, 2009 12:03 am
Basically, when you take a photo in JPEG format, your exposure, white balance etc all get locked into place, so once you've taken the photo, that's what you're stuck with.
With RAW, you take the photo, but when you get back to the computer you can edit certain settings, like your exposure, which allows you to alter them if you've got it a touch wrong, or not got the effect you were looking for. It gives you more control over your photos outside the camera.
Also, RAW contains more data (i'm hoping this is right), so when you convert your RAW shots into JPEG, you get a slightly better quality photo. It gives you the maximum control, and the maximum quality from your camera.