Photo Format| RAW or JPEG?
The format photography refers to two different concepts. The first refers to how the image is presented after processing (size and orientation, mainly). The second has been developed with digital photography and consists of different types of files that can save an image, each with different properties. We refer to the latter.
Leading in digital photography formats: RAW, JPEG
SLR-type digital cameras, and some more advanced compact, let the pictures are taken primarily in two formats: RAW and JPEG.
The RAW format (which in English means pure) is an uncompressed file, so save all the data that has been captured by the sensor. It is considered the digital negative due to the large amount of information it possesses.
JPEG, a format much more common, though less used by professionals. The JPEG image contains a compressed, which means a loss of information regarding what the camera was on the sensor.
Advantages of RAW format
It stores all the information that is captured by the sensor. Overall, the results after processing the picture is better than JPEG.
They are best suited to situations where there are large variations of light, reflecting the contrast is lower than that of JPEG.
The images have less noise (signals outside the original image), which improves the quality of the picture.
It is more likely on the further processing of the image, especially to adjust the exposure.
Disadvantages of RAW format
It takes a special program to view the images and process them, although it is generally easy to get and often free.
The total time for one image is larger than the JPEG.
They are much heavier, so it reduces the number of photos that can be stored on a card.
There is no single format, but each camera manufacturer has its own, often incompatible with each other.
Advantages of JPEG
Can be viewed without further processing, so it can be used directly only to be taken.
This format is much lighter, which can store 3 to 4 times in a single card.
Your processor is faster than in the case of RAW. In fact, if desired, it is necessary to process the images.
Disadvantages of JPEG
The camera performs a compression and applies filters that often do not correspond with the likes of the photographer.
There is less chance of further processing.
The loss of quality is higher than in the RAW format, so the result is often less satisfactory.
It usually appears more noise in the images and their subsequent removal is more complicated.
What picture format to use?
The choice between a RAW and a JPEG is determined mainly by the use to which it will give to photography and by the time you will spend on the further processing.
To take pictures of family events, parties or similar events that do not want to give any special use images, just be a testament to that time, JPEG is a format that is more than enough.
If you want higher quality images and have the necessary time to process, then RAW will give optimal results.
However, the RAW and JPEG are not incompatible. Many photographers shoot with both formats, an option that is included in most of the reflex, and then choose the one that convinces them.