RGB or sRGB that is the question ?

[moorlandman]

Hi Folk,

I use a Fuji S3 pro which gives me the option of shooting in RGB mode or sRGB mode. Can anyone explain to me please which option I should use and why.
If there is a definitive answer, why do cameras offer the two alternatives.

[Fen]

RGB and sRGB are two colour profiles. RGB has a wider 'Gamut', which basically means (without getting too technical) that is has more colours within the profile.

I would always shoot in RGB and then if I need a sRGB version I can produce one.

sRGB is the normal profile for displaying photographs within a web browser

[GlennH]

To add to Fen's comments - if you happen to shoot solely in RAW you don't need to worry about this in-camera, as colour space selection is only cast in stone in processing.

sRGB is really a 'convenience' colour space which originally derived from the theoretical gamut of a CRT monitor. It's the standard colour space for web images (for now), and is also very commonly the bog standard requirement of mini-labs.

Theoretically it's more complicated than that. You should ideally use the smallest colour space (or gamut) which encompasses the colours of any given picture - but for most people that is too purist and/or impractical.

So - definitive answers only exist if you know within reason exactly what you're going to be doing with the pictures or what subjects you'll mostly shoot. ProPhoto RGB is often used in high-end inkjet printing, Adobe RGB is often selected for commercial photography and publication.

The choices in all cases usually revolve around the gamut of the output device.