Working with digital images

[Sam808]

Hi all,

I was wondering is there an advantage/disadvantage
in taking a picture in B&W, with the camera set to take
B&W.  As opposed to taking a colour picture, then making it B&W via software (ie PSP)

Are there any quality issues'?  

Thanks

[Deb]

Hi there Sam808 and welcome to the board!

Sometimes you want to use the red, green, blue, luminosity channel (or combination of any of these), to produce a B&W with the best tonal range. If you shoot in B&W mode, you lose this ability. So, aside from saving you the conversion step, I haven't really found this mode to be better.

[ShutterbugGail]

Hi there Sam808,

I don't think there is any advantage to setting your digital camera to Black and White since the camera itself does exactly what you'll be doing with image editing software: it will desaturate the color photo. On the other hand, if you shoot in color you have the best of both worlds: a color photo + a black and white photo.

Some cameras have a setting so when you take a black and white photo, the image will also be saved in color.

[sam808]

Hi,  

Thanks to Deb & ShutterbugGail,
That answers my question.  The reason I asked was because There is a setting on my Canon S2 for B&W,
and thought why have this setting when you can do it via Software? (probably better)

Thanks again

ps Great site I've learnt a lot here  

[Deb]

We're delighted we could be of help! Thanks for the kinds words.

Have fun with your S2!