Best file format to save as?

[neller]

Hi all,
I have a Nikon D70 set to RAW file. This creates the files with .NEF extension. I'm sure you are aware that ps can open this type of file, but cannot save as .NEF . My question is really what is the best alternative?

I ask this because when printing large pictures (30"x20") that I have edited, and saved as jpeg the image quality is comprimised and 'grainey'. Is there a file type that will not compress the picture and keep the original clarity?

Many thanks for advise.

[photo_finish]

what about .PSD? wouldnt that work?

also, what if you rasterized the pictues? - wouldnt that make then nice and straight and not grainy?

I dont print large items so...i wouldn't know...just giving my two cents.

[avocado300]

Yes, I second saving it as a .PSD. Providing that you have it

[rushnp774]

I'm putting in a "third" for the .PSD file format. It saves all the layer information and modifications you make in Photoshop, but the files can get pretty massive pretty quickly if you're not careful. If you just want to save it and not do much editing, JPEG is pretty much the standard though.