Digital photography has changed how we take and share pictures, and raised a frequent question for photographers of all levels: Should I use RAW or JPEG to save my photo’s?
You're not picking between two equally good options. Both RAW and JPEG have different pros and cons, which affect how you work and how your images look. Let's look at these two formats to see which one matches your photography needs better.
Understanding RAW and JPEG Formats
What is a RAW File?
A RAW file is like a film negative. It has all the information that your camera's sensor captures, without any editing or compression. This information-rich file gives you more control, color quality, and choices during post-processing. However, RAW files are larger in size and need special software, like Adobe Lightroom, Luminar Neo or DXO PhotoLab, for editing before you can use the photo. This is because a RAW file is more like a data holder than an actual photo. The information from the RAW file must be processed into an image, which can be done in-camera as a JPG or via a RAW editor, where it may be transformed to a JPG or another type of image format.
What is a JPEG File?
JPEG or JPG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) files are like digital versions of instant photos. When the camera takes a photo, it first creates a RAW file, then edits the RAW data by adjusting white balance, color saturation, sharpness and other basic adjustments before saving it as a JPEG. This process makes JPEGs more compact, shareable, and compatible than RAW files. However, JPEGs use 'lossy' compression, which means it deletes data to shrink file size. The deletion of this data makes JPEG files less suitable for heavy photo editing as some information has been permanently deleted.
Bonus - HEIF: The New Kid on the Block
Some modern cameras have the HEIF image format as an option besides JPEG. HEIF is not very common yet, but it's a format to consider for your future workflow.
HEIF (High-Efficiency Image Format) is a new format that's getting more popular in the photography world. It was made by the MPEG group (the same one that created video and audio standards like MP3 and MP4). HEIF can compress images better than JPEG, which means it can store better quality images in smaller files. The format can also store more than one image in a file, which is great for features like iPhone Live Photos. However, HEIF is not as widely accepted as JPEG. It's still growing, but it's not fully supported on all devices or editing software. So, I'd say stick with JPG for the time being, but keep in mind that HEIF is going to get more important down the road.
RAW vs JPEG: The advantages and disadvantages
The Advantages of RAW
Image quality: RAW files save the most colors and details, so you get smoother changes between different tones and colors. RAW files will give you the best images that your camera can make after your processed them with software.
Flexibility in Post-Processing: RAW files give you the most options for changing different aspects of the image during photo-editing. You can adjust exposure, white balance, or colors with more quality and detail than if you edit a JPEG-file. RAW files preserve more information and details.
The Disadvantages of RAW
File Size and Storage: RAW files are big and take up a lot of room on memory cards and hard drives. This means fewer photos per card and more storage needed. For example, one RAW file from my Fujifilm X-H2 is about 85 MB, while one JPEG file is around 20 MB.
Requirement for post-processing: RAW files require post-processing with software to become an image. This process takes time, editing skills, and some artistic vision to turn the dull, colorless RAW file into a nice-looking image.
The Advantages of JPEG
Smaller, Share-Ready Files: JPEGs are small, easy to upload, and ready to share, because they are processed and compressed in the camera. They also work with any device and platform.
Convenience and Speed: JPEGs are camera-ready images that don't need photo-editing, which saves time. This can be very helpful in cases where you need to work fast, like in event photography or journalism.
The Disadvantages of JPEG
Reduced Editing Freedom: JPEGs contain less data than RAW files, which limits the range of photo-editing possibilities. Larger changes can lead to issues like color banding or increased noise.
Loss of Image Data: The 'lossy' compression of JPEG discards data permanently. These lost details can't be recovered once a photo is captured in JPEG, which is not the case with RAW files.
When to Use RAW or JPEG?
Pick a format based on what the situation needs and what you want to achieve with your photos.
For Ultimate Quality and Creativity: Choose RAW
If you want to have the best image quality, detail, and creative control, you should shoot in RAW. For example, a landscape photographer would probably shoot in RAW to be able to edit the photo with the best possible dynamic range and quality.
For Speed and Efficiency: Go for JPEG
JPEG is the best format when time and ease matter most. For instance, a photojournalist will often use JPEG. This makes the photos ready to send to the news agency right away, so they can publish a story or event quickly.
Tip! - Use Both Formats and Decide Later
Many modern cameras have the option to take photos in both RAW and JPEG format at the same time, which creates two files for each shot. I personally like this method as it gives me the option to select which file to work with later on.
However, keep in mind that this method requires more storage space since every shot produces two files. If your camera has enough storage and can take both formats, I strongly suggest using this method.
If you want to know more about the gear I use, check out my gear page!
Conclusion: RAW vs JPEG - Finding Your Ideal Balance
The RAW vs JPEG debate is not about deciding which format is better than the other. Rather, it's about knowing the advantages and disadvantages of each format and choosing what matches your workflow, your style, and the specific requirements of your photography.
Are you shooting a scene with high contrast where you want to have maximum control over the dark and bright areas? If so, RAW might suit you better. Are you covering an event where you need to be fast and produce a lot of images, or are you just taking holiday pictures with the family? Then JPEG may be your preferred option.
RAW Editors
Choosing between RAW or JPEG could be based on which software tools you know best or are willing to invest time in to learn. Programs like Adobe Lightroom, Capture One, DxO PhotoLab, and Luminar Neo can help you get the most out of your RAW files. However, bear in mind that these programs come with a hefty price or a paid subscription.
JPEG files, being pre-processed, may only require minor adjustments. For such changes, simpler tools like Google Photos or even Instagram's in-app editor could be enough. The results you get with these tools may not equal what you can do with more advanced software.
Experiment and Learn
Like any aspect of photography, the best way to learn is to try and practice. Shoot the same subject in RAW and JPEG, work on both versions, and see the differences. Becoming skilled in using both formats well will give you more options to express your creative vision and make you a more flexible photographer. The same applies to photo-editing software, most programs offer a trial period, so try them out to see which one suits your needs.
Thank you for reading and have a great day!
-Robert van Sterkenburg
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