RAW vs. JPEG: The Complete Guide
Every digital camera gives you a choice of how to save your photos: RAW or JPEG. The choice dictates how much control you have over your final image in post-processing.
The Quick Verdict
- Shoot RAW when editing is your priority (landscapes, portraits, tricky lighting). You capture massive amounts of sensor data, allowing you to recover blown-out highlights and deep shadows.
- Shoot JPEG when speed and storage are the priority (sports, casual shooting, immediate social media sharing). The camera compresses the image and permanently bakes in color and contrast.
Direct Comparison
| Feature | RAW Format | JPEG Format |
|---|---|---|
| 100% of uncompressed sensor data. | Compressed data; unused data is discarded. | |
| Large (often 20MB - 50MB+ per file). | Small (usually 2MB - 8MB per file). | |
| Can be changed completely after shooting. | "Baked in" at the moment the shutter clicks. | |
| Requires special software (Lightroom) to export. | Instantly shareable and readable everywhere. |