<p>I know this is an old post but if anyone else is looking for information on the topic of what image size to give to clients my answer is to give them whatever you took out of your camera unless you intend to prevent them from making their own prints. If that is the case then just give them thumbnails to review that way they have to come to you for prints.<br>
On the subject of saving Raw files; I would suggest you convert whatever raw files your camera shoots to dng files. Proprietary raw files are going to constantly change however dng will remain the defacto file compatible across all platforms and are just as good if not better than raw files. Primarily because the metadata can be embedded or left as side files whichever you prefer and they be compressed, too. Ever heard of Jared Platt? He also subscribes to that method of data management for photographers.<br>
As for hard drives going bad setting on shelfs, that is true. Everything will eventually go bad, including DVDs and CDs. So, what one has to do is have a backup strategy that includes swapping out old media for new media. It's cost of doing business and your prices should reflect this cost.<br>
Jpegs are like prints, they will eventually go corrupt from moving from one place to another and sooner or later your clients will even lose the metadata, that is assuming you even put it in the file to begin with.</p>
