Speedy JPEG Workflow
Shooting high volume with high megapixel cameras leads to incredible amounts of data in one folder. While newer cameras have the option of shooting lower resolution RAW-files (e.g. Nikon D850, Leica M11), older but still very capable cameras like the Pentax K1 or Nikon D800 can only shoot RAW at full resolution.
A normal workflow transitions from JPEG to RAW as late as possible in order to work with the lossless RAW format for as long as possible.
A way to speed up the workflow is to choose the transition point from RAW to JPEG earlier than usual, making it possible to work considerably smaller files.
A regular RAW-file from the D800 with 36 MP resolution has around 70 MB (14-bit uncompressed) and can take quite some time to load, while a 10 MP JPEG (uncompressed, AdobeRGB) has only 3.8 MB. 10 MP resolution is usually enough when photographing fashion shows or similar high volume events.
But how early can you transition from RAW to JPEG without noticeably losing quality?
The Workflow
I tested the following workflow extensively with very positive results:
1) In the RAW-editor (ON1 PhotoRaw in my case) of choice, export JPEGs with a neutral picture profile in Adobe RGB color space from the captured RAW-files to a separate folder. During this step, the resolution of the images is also reduced to a size appropriate for the project.
2) With the resulting flat JPEGs, everything from color grading, levelling, selective corrections and so on is done in the RAW converter (meaning this is non-destructive to the JPEGs).
3) For delivery and client preview, delivery JPEGs are exported based on the graded and adjusted flat JPEGs.
Image Quality Differences?
But is there a discernible difference in image quality or color compared to a RAW to JPEG workflow?
Neutral, downsized JPEG (from the RAW-file)
Graded JPEG (from the neutral JPEG)
Direct-from-RAW JPEG
Detail View
No visible differences
In addition to the visual examination (which did not reveal any differences), I also compared the file sizes of the exported images. The RAW-to-JPEG (4.1 MP, sRGB) file is 313 KB and the RAW-JPEG-JPEG file is 310 KB - they are essentially identical.
Conclusion
If you want to speed up your professional workflow significantly (especially when running an older computer system and a high MP camera body), this is might be a solution to your problem.
Additional remark: Set the exposure before exporting to the flat JPEG, as the JPEG offers almost no latitude and every correction of exposure will result in color shifts.
