RAW vs JPEG. Which do you use?
Some photographers shoot in RAW, while others prefer shooting in JPEG. Have you wondered if you should be shooting RAW or JPEG images?
Why shoot in RAW?
All image data is captured when you shoot in RAW.
RAW files preserve the most amount of information about an image, giving you the highest quality image. A RAW file saves all the raw data of the scene you’ve captured.
RAW files are unprocessed and uncompressed image data from camera sensor, and need photo editing.
The benefit is that you control the final look of the image, not the camera.
RAW files retain a larger dynamic range.
This is especially useful if you need to recover underexposed or overexposed areas of an image.
Edit without destroying your image’s data.
Your original file always remains unaltered.
RAW files allow more White Balance options.
You have more flexibility to correct white balance problems in post-processing since you are working with the original data of the image. With JPEG files, the camera has already processed, and set the white balance.
Why Shoot in JPEG?
JPEG files are much smaller than RAW files.
More images fit on your memory card. Another plus is that less storage space is needed when you transfer JPEG files to your computer.
You spend less time editing.
Unlike RAW files, when shooting in JPEG, the camera is doing the majority of the processing.
Easily able to share.
RAW files need additional work before you are able to email or share on social media. JPEG files can be shared immediately.
No additional software required.
JPEG files can be used without any additional software.
