One of the most hotly contested discussions in all of photography is “RAW vs . JPEG”.
In the event that you own a Digital slr you select to shoot images in either of Jpeg or RAW data format. (Almost all compact digital cameras merely provide JPEG, although a few high end versions possess RAW ability).
The question remains, is RAW is significantly better than JPeg, or JPeg is superior than RAW.
Both format has its own distinct pros and cons.
Watch This Raw vs Jpeg Examples Video on YouTube
There are no absolutes and a lot of it depends on how you like to make photographs. Choose the format that works best for you.
In the long run, RAW is simply an image data format which is favored by some photographers and not others. It simply is a application that can easily be used to bring out the the highest level of quality from your images but at the price of added storage and post processing time. The only way to find out if RAW is correct for your photography is to give it a spin.
It’s possible the best place to start is to understand what each format really is
A Raw file is…
is not really an image file
It has at least 8 bits per colour – red, green, and blue (12-bits per X,Y location), though most DSLRs record 12-bit colour (36-bits per location)
The file is in uncompressed format, for example an 8 megapixel camera will make an 8 MB Raw file
while it is higher in dynamic range, i.e. the ability to display shadows and highlights, it is has reduced in contrast, it looks flatter, often times a washed out look and it is not as sharp.
Post processing is always required and you cant print directly
A Jpeg by comparison is
A standard format readable by any image program on the market or available open source.
It has exactly 8-bits per colour (12-bits per location).
Its compressed
• fairly small in file size (an 8 megapixel camera will produce JPEG between 1 and 3 MB’s in size).it has a lower in dynamic range, it is sharper, better contrast and capable of being printedYou are able to manipulate it, without losing data
usually there is no correction required
It’s all processed internally by the camera
You simply need to choose one format over the other by determining which suits you best based on the foregoing factors As an illustration, when you are short on shorage capacity to store images in camera (when for instance you spent all your hard earned money on the main body of the camera) then shooting in JPEG will allow to capture 2 or 3 times the number you could taking pictures in Raw. This is also a good idea if you are at a party or some other event after which you want to share your photos quickly and easily.
Let’s consider advantages and disadvantages?
We should find out….
JPEG
Advantages:
• Substantially smaller in size requiring less space
• You can print directly
• Sharper
• The camera does the processing
• Supported by all image editing software
Problems:
• All files are compressed to greater or lesser degree
• Lower dynamics
• Compression causes slight loss in tonality
• Post-processing can increase compression artifacts each time image is saved
JPEG is perfect for rapid-sequence action photography, when memory card capacity is at a premium, and when you need to make prints directly from your camera.
Simply put there is no right or wrong in the onggoing bebate over jpeg and raw. It’s more about understanding your equipment and being adaptive. The most important goal is to get the shot right, then worry about RAW v JPEG later.
The fact remains many professionals shoot in both depending on their aim.
Macro Photography Techniques Video on YouTube
Camera Lens Filters Explained Video on YouTube
