RAW vs. JPEG

A RAW File is an image that has higher quality than a JPEG image. A JPEG is the original setting on the camera to capture the photograph. Once a photographer becomes comfortable with their camera, many wonder what the difference between the two files are. A RAW file uses at least 8 bits of color per image, an 8 megapixel camera will produce an 8 MB RAW file, it captures higher quality in highlights and shadows but loses contrast and sharpness. Many should wait to process their photograph on their computer rather than printing straight from the camera. Shooting in RAW gives you more control over your photograph and enables you to adjust options such as exposure after you have taken the photograph. Once you download your photograph onto your computer, open Adobe Photoshop with your image and the RAW editing option should automatically pop up. With that you can adjust the exposure, contrast, temperature, balance, offset, clarity, etc.

A JPEG file is the automatic setting that your camera chooses to use when you photograph an object. Many first timer photographers use this setting to become adjusted to their camera. A JPEG file is a standard format readable by all computers, it uses exactly 8 bits of color, it is a fairly small sized image and commonly gets compressed. Shooting in JPEG has a lower dynamic in range but is sharper and has higher contrast. Shooting int his format doesn't allow you to have a lot of control over your photograph because the camera processes the image itself. JPEG is preferable if you want to send your photographs quickly to others, but RAW will give you the best quality.