Photography enthusiasts often use a wide selection of image formats. Typically, they work with two forms of image files. You might be familiar with RAW and JPEG files. If you are a novice to photography, you must have the question in your mind:
Both RAW and JPEG image formats share some advantages and disadvantages. However, photographers must use an image file format most appropriate for their editing preferences. Understanding the difference between RAW and JPEG files will be helpful for your future projects.
What is the difference between RAW and JPEG files?
Image Editing 101: Beneficial Tips for Beginners
Whether you are a veteran graphics designer or a novice photography enthusiast, we now enjoy various software apps for editing some photos. Nearly all of us have an innate passion for capturing memories and events into a set of images. However, we might capture shots that don’t fit our requirements. Furthermore, photo editing is a requirement for individuals who use it for work, website posts, or social media uploads.
Digital images today come in different formats. For modifying elements inside a picture, you will need an image editing software that will provide the right tools to complete your task. Fortunately, many photo editing apps are available in reputable online markets. If you are searching for affordable apps, we recommend some open-source graphic software apps.
What is the Difference between RAW and JPEG Files?
What is a RAW file?
A digital RAW file contains all the unprocessed and uncompressed image data that your digital camera sensors can capture. Another device that can produce RAW files is the scanner. RAW files are another type of raster file format. However, a RAW file maintains its lossless quality. A RAW file is not an image file, but a sizeable digital document that contains a complete set of image data as a digital camera captures it.
Many veteran photographers and photo enthusiasts opt to shoot pictures in RAW files. A RAW file has all the image data required to produce high-quality photos. One drawback of a RAW file is its requirement to be processed by an image editing software. You cannot print or display a RAW file without the help of a modern photo editing app.
What is a JPEG file?
JPEG is the acronym for Joint Photographic Experts Group. The typical JPEG file is one of the most widely used image file formats worldwide. The popularity of JPEG files comes with its ability to compress an image to obtain a smaller size. JPEG files are easier to store and upload into our social media profiles, cloud-storage sites, or save on our devices.
Many photographers can shoot in JPEG mode. On the other hand, JPEG designers, illustrators, and photography enthusiasts can easily edit JPEG files. It is possible to edit a JPEG file even if you are a beginner. Reliable photo editing software is all you need to modify a JPEG file.
Shooting in JPEG mode means your camera is processing basic settings like image contrast, saturation, and sharpening effects. Capturing images in JPEG mode is suitable for people who dislike using photo editing software. You can also choose JPEG images for easy storage and uploading of your photos on the internet.
RAW vs. JPEG Files
File Size
Many photographers choose to shoot in RAW files. It means that RAW files have a larger storage size than the compressed JPEG format. RAW files are best for producing high-quality images. However, you will have to use photo editing software to display, check, or print a RAW file.
Image Quality
The main advantage of RAW files is their ability to be printed as high-quality photos. Shooting in RAW file mode allows you to collect more image data as possible. You can then edit a RAW file image with photo editing software for printing and reproducing images.
If you compress a RAW file into a JPEG image, it undergoes a lossy compression process. Even if a JPEG image is smaller, converting it from a RAW file means losing some data and image details.
Editing
Processing a RAW file requires people to use photo editing software. It is for converting a RAW file format into JPEG, TIFF, or other image formats before you can open it with an app. On the other hand, JPEG files experience widespread use by many enthusiasts. It is easier to open, edit, or modify a JPEG file since it is compatible with many modern apps and devices.
Conclusion
A RAW file captures all the image details that your camera sensors can generate. Opening or editing a RAW file requires you to use photo editing software. JPEG files have a smaller file size than RAW files. Many people enjoy using JPEG files since they are easier to store, edit, or upload for various purposes.
