RAW vs JPEG Photo Formats

Posted: March 06, 2018

There are two main formats that cameras shoot in: RAW and JPEG. The debate over which is better seems to never end, since each option has its own advantages and disadvantages. The key is to decide for yourself whether RAW or JPEG format is best for you. Simon Ringsmuth, writer for Digital Photography School, shares the differences between RAW and JPEG formats.

RAW Versus JPEG – Which one is right for you and why?

Most cameras today can shoot pictures in one of two main formats: RAW versus JPEG. The debate about which format to use is as old as digital photography itself and the internet is rife with articles, blogs, videos, and seminars illustrating the differences between the formats as well as opinions regarding which one to use. Ultimately the question of which is the correct choice becomes steeped in subjectivity. There is no single objective correct answer, which is a lesson I learned over the course of many years. Instead of asking which option is right, the real question should be which option is right for you. Understanding the difference between RAW and JPEG file formats is a bit tricky since both appear somewhat similar at first glance. Afterall, when you load either file type into Lightroom or another photo editor you see pretty much the same thing. However, when you take a picture in RAW you are saving as much data as your camera sensor can possibly collect. Whereas a JPEG file discards some of the data in favor of creating an image that takes up less space on your memory card and is easy to share. Read the entire article RAW Versus JPEG – Which one is right for you and why? on Digital Photography School.