JPEG vs RAW

http://photographyclassesatlanta.org - A Discussion About JPEG vs RAW

What Is The Big Deal About JPEG or RAW?

One of the first things you should do before you take the first picture is to select the right file format. If you are using a digital SLR, you will have more choices than if you are shooting with a more basic digital camera.

The use of RAW formats has become much more widely accepted, however, there are still some photographers who do not know the difference between the two formats. And then there are those who know the difference and are strongly in favor of one or the other.

The goal of this post is to explain the difference between JPEG and RAW in a way that makes sense. In fact, the video is probably the best way for you to learn about both RAW and JPEG.

What is JPEG?

JPEG (also known as JPG) is The Standard digital format for graphic images produced by a digital camera. The camera uses software to process a digital image in-camera and produce a usable file that can be printed or posted on the Web. The processing of the image in the camera results in a "lossy compression" that discards certain unnecessary picture information in order to produce a picture with good quality and a smaller file size. Most digital images that are printed or saved to the Internet on website like Facebook are JPEG images.

What is RAW?

RAW is a non-standard format used by digital cameras to record the picture information of an image file. It records all the information about a photograph without any in-camera processing, and without any loss or compression of the image. RAW images must be "converted" to a format that is usable by print programs or web graphics, and in most cases, this will be a JPEG file format.

JPEG vs RAW

From the descriptions, it appears that RAW would be the best way to go. However, there are plenty of photographers who either don't know about RAW or who resist the transition to recording RAW images in their digital cameras. There are some rather compelling reasons for both choices.

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• JPEG vs RAW

[skymates84]

Great great great video!! But I have just a question, I always shoot RAW because I can work on the pictures with photoshop Element and get great B&W. My question is since RAW pictures how come I can see them on my camera LCD(if they are not processed) and on my mac even before use photoshop?

[BetterPhotos123]

@skymates84 - RAW photos are made of pixels just like JPEGs, so your camera or photoshop will display the RAW pixels. What happens when you shoot JPEG is that your camera will process the photo and "discard" many of the pixels that the camera software deems unnecessary. It's called "lossy compression" because there is a "loss of pixels", and it is done to save file size and make the photo look better right out of the camera. RAW photos don't usually look as good as JPEGs without processing.

[PhotoGuy30523]

THIS VIDEO IS AWESOME AND WELL EXPLAINED reason i wrote that in caps is cause now i am happy that i know jpeg vs raw thanks for this great video.

[skatenj96]

Thanks for the video it really helped me understand the difference between these 2 and I will most likely start shooting RAW but my only question is you said you need to process RAW files on a computer. Is there like a special program you have to download to convert them? Or if I just upload them straight to GIMP (i use that because its free :p ) will they automatically convert? I'm a little confused so i could use an explanation! Thanks!!

[feetman133]

thank you



[laikanoother]

good explanation, I´ve learned a little more about it and turning to take more pics in RAW!

[xphreakyphilx]

Why can't a camera save a PNG, or some other lossless format? And why do RAW files have to be processed on a computer? Does it take to much computational power?

[sacaviator7]

Great Vid !! Now I am clear about RAW n JPEG !! :)

[Scorpionjp65]

exelent video thank you

[skymates84]

@BetterPhotos123

Ok, got it. Thanks for your answer.