Is it better to shoot in JPEG or Raw format?
You’ll find out in this third article of my #LearnWithSara column!
In the last article I told you about how to hold the camera correctly to take good photos.
If you haven’t read it yet you can find it here!
Before you start taking your photographs, you need to decide which format you want to use.
To do this you need to understand what are the main differences between the JPEG format and the Raw format.
First make sure that your camera allows the choice between the two types of format; generally all dSLRs and CSCs allow this choice, and also some bridge and compact models.
In any case, I recommend you to consult the instruction manual of your camera or search the internet for the specifications of the model you own.
If your camera allows you to set in which format to take pictures, all you have to do is evaluate which one is best for you.
I will try to help you in your choice by describing the main differences, and the pros and cons, for each of the two formats.
JPEG format
The JPEG format is the most popular standard for image compression.
This format in fact provides a “lossy” type compression, ie with data losses.
When the camera records a JPEG file, the image is processed and compressed, reducing its size and causing data loss.
However the cameras allow you to choose the compression ratio and therefore the quality with which the photo will be saved. The lower the compression ratio, the higher the image quality.
Obviously, a lower compression results in a greater weight of the file at the megabytes level.
Cameras generally allow a choice between basic, normal and high quality.
Low quality applies the highest level of compression to reduce the file size as much as possible. In this way the image quality is severely degraded and some artifacts such as grid lines and blur become visible. I don’t recommend using this format.
Normal quality may be sufficient for photos that only appear on video, however higher quality is always preferable.
High quality applies the least amount of compression for maximum quality, and is the best option for all of your digital photos.
Let’s move on to define the pros and cons of the JPEG format
PROs:
1. It is a universal image format, very common and accessible to all.
2. Image compression allows for smaller file sizes and saves storage space on the sd card or pc. Also, smaller files are faster to transfer or download.
3. Provides ready-to-use photos without needing to be processed or converted to other formats.
CONs:
1. This is a saving method that results in a loss of data and therefore a reduction in image quality. A high level of compression can lead to artifacts visible to the naked eye.
2. JPEG images have a lower color depth, as the number of colors that can be displayed is limited.
3. Every time you upload, edit and save a file, the image loses quality due to compression.
RAW format
Raw format, unlike JPEG, does not provide image processing and compression.
The image captured by the camera is not processed, and its quality depends exclusively on the sensor of the camera itself.
The Raw format allows you to process even non-optimal shots, radically changing their appearance, without affecting the quality.
It is possible to modify exposure, white balance, contrast saturation etc …
However it is not possible to reconstruct image details lost due to a lack of focus, which therefore must be optimal at the time of shooting.
Ultimately these are the pros and cons for raw format:
PROs:
1. The Raw format does not provide for image compression and therefore does not compromise the quality of the photograph.
2. Greater color depth, as the number of colors contained in a Raw file is much greater than that contained in a JPEG file.
3. Ability to correct errors related to exposure and white balance, and ample freedom to change other settings on software such as Lightroom or Photoshop.
4. No quality loss every time a Raw format file is edited.
CONs:
1. Less compatibility. Unfortunately Raw files are not standardized for different camera manufacturers, so Raw files created on a Canon for example cannot be read by Sony software.
2. They need to be converted and processed with special software, such as Lightroom or Photoshop, before they can be viewed as a JPEG file.
3. Containing more information, Raw files are larger and therefore take longer to transfer and download and take up more storage space.
In conclusion, the choice of the format to use depends mainly on your needs.
If you want to take a large amount of photos, and you want them to be immediately shareable, I recommend the JPEG format.
Furthermore, although the Raw format allows you to obtain very high quality photos, if you are a novice photographer I believe that the JPEG format is the best to approach photography and to learn the basics and how to correctly set the camera.
I think the Raw format is more suitable for experienced photographers or for those who intend to use editing software to get the best out of their shots.
As always, I suggest you experiment to understand which format is the one that best suits your needs.
How to set the format on the camera
Once you’ve chosen the format, all you have to do is set your camera correctly!
The way to set the format with which you want to shoot depends on the type of camera you have, however the option is usually found in the shooting menu.
Press the “Menu” button and look for the one related to the shot; if you can’t find it, consult the camera manual.
Once the shooting menu is open, you should find the “Image quality” category (or similar), click OK / SET to view the format options.
Now you can choose whether to shoot in JPEG (low, medium or high quality), Raw, or both in JPEG and Raw.
This last option allows you to get a copy of the photo in both formats and can be very useful.
I hope this article was helpful to you!
See you soon!