RAW files & JPEG files

 The RAW Truth About JPEGs:
What They Don't teach in High School!

"My idea of a good picture is one that's in focus and of a famous person." - Andy Warhol

What is a RAW file? 

    A RAW file is a type of digital image file that is created in camera by DSLR, mirrorless, and some compact cameras. It contains all of the "raw" data from the sensor.

How is a RAW file different than a JPEG? 

An intentionally underexposed RAW file processed to bring out detail in the shadows.

• JPEG files are compressed files. In the same way that other digital files can be compressed by removing redundant or replaceable information, an image file can be compressed in the same way. The camera can process the raw data directly from the sensor and determine which bits of information are necessary for an acceptable rendition of the image, and which are not. The unneeded portion is then discarded, and the resulting image is saved as a ready to view JPEG file.

• RAW files are uncompressed files. These image files hold every little scrap of data that came from the sensor, whether it's redundant or not. These files are not processed for viewing at all by the camera, so they are not viewable outside of the camera without using specialized software.

The in-camera JPEG image processed in the exact same way.

Should you keep the RAW files after converting them?

     This is completely up to you, but it may depend on how you're using your images. For example:

•     If you're a wedding photographer, and your client has decided not to purchase all of the images from you, then you may be able to sell those images to them at a later time, perhaps several years later. Having the RAW files available will allow you to make changes to the images without further degrading their image quality (logo changes, color or contract changes, etc.).

•     If you're a photo journalist for a local newspaper, you shouldn't be editing your photos at all. If you're allowed to, make your changes to exposure or sharpness, save as JPEGS and delete the RAW files to save space.

•    If you're a hobbyist photographer, I would recommend converting any RAW files you haven't looked at in the last year to JPEGS or DNGs, then toss the original RAWS to save hard drive space.

Who really NEEDS to use RAW files?

    Professional photographers and pixel peepers are the two groups of people most benefit from RAW files, the latter if only to satisfy their craving for perfection... There are, however, professional photographers that need to shoot in JPEG, and there are some that prefer to shoot in JPEG.

    Some sports photographers shoot JPEG because the images process and transfer to the card faster than RAW files do. Also, the number of images in the burst rate increases. And with most of their images ending up on the Internet at 800px wide, or in a newspaper in black & white, image quality at the level of a RAW file just isn't necessary. Large or even medium size JPEGS straight from the camera look great. I know a journalist who shoots at music events on a regular basis, and he prefers to shoot small JPEGs for this very reason.

    Wedding photographers, portrait photographers, landscape photographers and anyone else who needs to make heavy adjustments to the image before presentation, will want to be shooting RAW. The benefits of holding onto that extra data far outweigh the disadvantages of slower burst rates, large file sizes, and extra time spent processing files later. See the images below for a demonstration.

File Sizes
    The file size difference between a JPEG and a RAW file is one reason some prefer not to shoot in RAW; in fact it may be the only reason. Here's the file sizes of two pictures I took with my old Canon Rebel Xsi... one is JPEG, one is RAW. Aside from being cropped to show some detail in this blog, these are straight from camera. As it would appear, I need to check my focus a little more closely, as it shifted about a half inch! Sorrrrrry....

                           JPEG file straight from camera         RAW file straight from camera

                                                  1.49 MB                                                      13 MB

 

Now imagine that you went out to some event and shot 2500 pictures... external hard drives up the wazoo! And don't these numbers make you wonder what's being deleted in a JPEG???

Color Depth
    In my opinion, color is one of the most important aspects of a great photograph. Yes, composition, cropping, subject matter, field of view, etc. is all very important (I didn't list exposure because if you don't have that right, color depth and cropping are the least of your problems, buddy!). But color, oh sweet color... THAT is something magical. It has such power in the image and can be used to express ideas and emotions just as the subjects themselves can. I'm a strong advocate of good coloring in a image. Anyway, a RAW file can provide an abundance more - a superabundance more - oodles, mountains, loads, masses, gobs, heaps, and scads more of color than a JPEG could ever dream of providing. If you love color, shoot RAW!
 

Here's the full image of the above example. Note the extreme loss of color and highlights in the JPEG version. From an example like this, I would say that "less post processing" as a reason to shoot JPEG is really pretty bogus. A JPEG may even need more processing!

An in-camera processed JPEG file

A Jesse-processed RAW file

Well I hope I haven't discouraged you from ever shooting JPEG again, wait... yes I do. ;)
If you didn't know what the arguing was all about on those forums, now you know and you can make your own informed decision. Check the links below for some great technical information about RAW files, JPEG files, post processing for each, and more!


Understanding RAW Files
RAW, JPEG, and TIFF
RAW File Format
Best RAW Photo Editing Software
Ken Tanaka: Shooting JPEG Instead Of RAW



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