RAW files contain unprocessed image data directly from the camera sensor, while JPEG files are compressed and processed images ready for sharing. RAW files provide more flexibility and control during post-processing by allowing adjustments to settings like white balance but take up more storage space than JPEG files. For casual photography or when storage space is limited, JPEG format may be preferable, while RAW is better when more editing flexibility or control over the final image is desired.

1. RAW vs. JPEG

2. RAW is a setting in your camera
• Most advanced cameras can shoot in
RAW
• Some cameras can shoot in RAW + JPEG
• Most cameras offer the ability to convert
a RAW images into JPEG’s directly in the
camera.
• To shoot in RAW you must set your
camera to shoot in RAW before you take
the photo.
• You cannot convert a non RAW file to a
RAW file and achieve the abilities of
RAW.

3. So, What is RAW?
• RAW is often referred to as digital negative.
• RAW is the data your camera captured from
the sensor when you take a photo.
• You can think of a RAW image similar to
undeveloped film. The information to create
an image is there but it is not usable yet.
• RAW images are not processed much if at all.
• RAW data is usually not compressed which
means the data will take up a little more
space.

4. What is JPEG?
• A JPEG image is a finalized image.
• The data from the camera’s sensor has
been processed into a pixel image.
• A JPEG image is compressed.
• A JPEG file is a complete and is ready
for distribution or use.

5. RAW vs. JPEG
• RAW larger files – JPEG Compressed Files
• RAW retains more detail in highlight and
shadows.
• RAW contains more color detail for more
accurate colors.
• RAW requires processing – JPEG is ready to go
• RAW allows camera settings like white
balance to be changed during processing.
• RAW offers larger flexibility in editing photos.

6. Which is better?
• Which is better really comes down to what
you want out of the picture you are taking.
– Use JPEG if you just want to record an event.
– Use JPEG if you don’t want to spend a lot of time
editing photos.
– Use JPEG if you need to save space.
– Use RAW if you want to add artistic
interpretation.
– Use RAW if the image contains difficult exposures.
– Use RAW if you want more control of what the
photo looks like.
– Noise is easier to remove in RAW images.