sRAW/mRAW... do you use it?

[Zv]

I don't think I've ever used the sRAW or mRAW options. I might use JPEG for some quick non essential shots but other than that all my cameras are set to full RAW. I shoot low volume nowadays so even less likely to drop down to smaller file size.

 

[Luds34]

In terms of using low res file sizes by mistake, why are you not using one of the custom functions (C) that specifies full RAW?

In terms of the question, I use full size RAW as if I'm going to the effort of processing in Lightroom, then I want a full res file. On the other hand, I occasionally use small jpgs e.g. for photos for Ebay. Hence, having the C functions specifying full RAW.

Because I don't have a 5D series cameras so therefore I only have 1 or 2 C functions (depending on the camera). I usually reserve 1 for shooting with strobes, and another for shooting action. Otherwise I shoot a lot of Av and M usually with auto ISO. I just never take the camera off full RAW now. Problem sovled! ;D

 

[AJ]

I have experimented with MRAW, quite some time ago, when I was on a long trip and memory cards didn't have the capacity they do now.
The idea is that for some applications, you may not need as many pixels, but you do want the advantages of raw (14 bits, processing in ACR, etc).
I found the savings in file size to be minimal. It's not worth bothering with.

 

[alvarow]

Sports people sometimes do mRaw as after a burst it flushes faster to the card. Timelapse people often do as well (no point in having more than 4K resolution most of the time) as that speeds up processing time.

 

[Pookie]

Would mRAW increase your burst depth?
If so, it might have its moments shooting sports action or BIF.

Do Nikon or Sony offer this odd little feature, or is it one of those exclusive Canon idiosyncrasies?

A few years ago I shot a public relations job and didn't notice that the camera (5D Classic) was set to small jpeg after an assistant had been messing around with it. That was a heart stopper. Oops! However I was amazed with careful processing how viable the files were for press release purposes, the client was happy. But never again.

Note: always check settings if someone else has been using your camera.

-pw

This is why I own 6 5D3's and 2 5D4's... Second (and often 3rd) shooters at all event and wedding gigs we are hired for are given studio owned gear for the duration of the assignment. I learned long ago not to trust other shooters or allow them to use their own personal gear. I sync and set all gear before use... no one changes anything. If they do that is usually their last assignment with me. Currently I have two teams of three shooters (including me) and a dedicated gear hound to take care of this for each assignment. I never want that feeling of having to "fix" a problem after the fact. Really amatuer looking and horrible for business.

As for sRAW and mRAW... never use it, but I don't shoot sports where I could see it needed. Only weddings, events and portraiture.