Thanks! I picked up a $400 camera and decided I wanted to learn how to really use it. Full manual settings, none of this half auto settings this and that. I wanted to understand what the camera really means. Heck, I know paid photographers that don't even know what recomposing means.
Anyone can press a camera button. And some folks get a half-decent camera and think they're a photographer. It's a very competitive trade, too. I have two Nikon DSLRs, one converted for infrared. Phone cameras have come a long way but they still can't compete with the big cameras. Knowing all the camera controls is an advantage toward taking better photos, but composing is a very important part.
I posted an article on Facebook, recently, with photos of camera settings for a small point and shoot camera. I see photos that other friends post and I know they could do better if they understood the exposure control. I carry a Nikon Coolpix in my pocket all the time when I'm out on my bike, and people wonder how I get such great sunrises and sunsets with it.
I took pics at a wedding, 3 as a matter of fact, relatives. They hired photographers then passed on buying the prints after they noticed my pics were of better quality. Not being arrogant but I am really surprised at how many paid photographers don't know what they are doing with a camera.
I attended a friend's wedding on a rainy afternoon. After the service we all met at a hired hall for the reception. The 'professional' photographer took some outside photos, first, but stood the bride and groom next to garbage cans under a canopy. Those photos came out like soot and whitewash because he didn't use the right film. Most amateurs, unless they know they are good with a camera, shouldn't mess with wedding photos.
I have a paid relative who does pics for realty and school pics of kids. I saw his work on his website and really thought he sucked ha ha! He's a relative so I can diss him after he told me I could not get good pics with my inexpensive camera and needed a $2,000 full framed sensor model like his.
Full-framed sensors are usually the domain of the pro who really knows his stuff. DSLRs are adequate for most camera enthusiasts and do an excellent job. A low end DSLR in the hands of a good pro, can produce better results than a top-of-the-line full frame camera in the hands of an amateur.
Sometimes, people will look at good photos and say, "You must have a good camera." They have no idea that the photos are the result of skill, and not a good camera.
So I really can't tell much difference between raw and jpegs. Maybe old age and weak eyes but I've heard raw files are better so I use them most times.
I can't tell any difference between RAW and jpegs ,either. They're good inasmuch as you can't edit and save the same file, so you always have the original to work with.
The late French photographer, Robert Doisneau once said, when asked how to take a good photo: "If I knew how to take a good photo, I'd do it every time." I liked that so much I borrowed it for my forum signature.
Incidentally, I saw an article, recently, about a Leica camera made in the 60s, the very last of that model, and it has never been used. The owner is asking around a half-million dollars for it. I might buy it, myself!