1. A method for recording images, comprising: receiving an optical effects selection through a user interface of a digital camera, wherein the optical effects selection indicates a selected optical effect to apply to raw image data capturing the images; storing the optical effects selection as effects metadata; receiving an optical effects parameter through the user interface, wherein the optical effects parameter indicates how to apply the selected optical effect to the raw image data; storing the optical effects parameter as effects metadata; recording the raw image data using a sensor of the digital camera; marking the effects metadata with time information to associate the effects metadata with the recorded raw image data over time; applying the selected optical effect to the raw image data according to the optical effects parameter to create processed image data while preserving the recorded raw image data; and displaying the processed image data.