RAW vs. JPEG

RAW is a setting in your camera

• Most advanced cameras can shoot in RAW• Some cameras can shoot in RAW + JPEG• Most cameras offer the ability to convert a

RAW images into JPEG’s directly in the camera.

• To shoot in RAW you must set your camera to shoot in RAW before you take the photo.

• You cannot convert a non RAW file to a RAW file and achieve the abilities of RAW.

So, What is RAW?• RAW is often referred to as digital negative. • RAW is the data your camera captured from

the sensor when you take a photo. • You can think of a RAW image similar to

undeveloped film. The information to create an image is there but it is not usable yet.

• RAW images are not processed much if at all.• RAW data is usually not compressed which

means the data will take up a little more space.

What is JPEG?• A JPEG image is a finalized image.• The data from the camera’s sensor

has been processed into a pixel image.

• A JPEG image is compressed. • A JPEG file is a complete and is ready

for distribution or use.

RAW vs. JPEG• RAW larger files – JPEG Compressed Files• RAW retains more detail in highlight and

shadows.• RAW contains more color detail for more

accurate colors.• RAW requires processing – JPEG is ready to go• RAW allows camera settings like white

balance to be changed during processing.• RAW offers larger flexibility in editing photos.

Which is better?• Which is better really comes down to what you

want out of the picture you are taking. – Use JPEG if you just want to record an event.– Use JPEG if you don’t want to spend a lot of time

editing photos.– Use JPEG if you need to save space.– Use RAW if you want to add artistic interpretation.– Use RAW if the image contains difficult exposures. – Use RAW if you want more control of what the

photo looks like.– Noise is easier to remove in RAW images.