Page 32 - (DK) Advanced Photography Guide

30 EXPLAINING | FILE FORMATS

JPEG VS RAW

Both DSLR and CSC cameras—as well as bridge and advanced
compact cameras—allow you to shoot with two different
image-file formats: JPEG and Raw. JPEG is usually regarded
as being for amateur photographers, while Raw is the choice
of professionals, but each has advantages and disadvantages,
and it is useful to switch between the two according to the ▲ In good post-production software,
such as here in Adobe Lightroom, there
needs of a particular shoot. JPEG is convenient, but Raw are more options for crafting the look
offers more postproduction options. of an image than on your camera.

JPEG FILES RAW FILES

A JPEG is created and processed by a camera directly after Raw files are huge and are almost the opposite of JPEGs: they
exposure. The selected image options, such as white balance, are not processed by the camera, other than being compressed
are embedded in the JPEG and cannot easily be undone later. using nondestructive methods. Raw files can only be viewed
JPEGs are also compressed, to save space on the memory card. and edited in specialized Raw conversion software. The image
This compression works by discarding fine details—the higher options that you select when shooting are applied to a Raw file
the compression, the lower the quality of the final image. but are not permanent. You can change those settings—without
JPEGs can also often be shot at a number of different pixel losing any quality—when you import the Raw file into Raw
resolutions. The appeal of JPEG is that immediately after conversion software. For general use and sharing, a Raw image
shooting you have a final file that can be used for a variety has to be adjusted first and then exported as a more convenient
of purposes, such as posting on social media. format, such as JPEG.

JPEG COMPRESSION COLOR SETTINGS

Cameras usually offer two or more levels of compression. All digital cameras let you control the color, sharpness, and
Which is most useful will depend on how you intend to contrast of your photos. Different manufacturers use various
use the photos. The lowest level of compression will retain names for these options. You can usually choose from
the most image detail and is the best option for making presets created for specific genres, such as landscapes or
large prints. Unless you really need to save memory-card portraits, or create a custom setting. The effects of these
space, higher levels of compression are best left for photos presets are essentially permanent when shooting JPEG but
that will only be viewed on-screen or used online. can be changed in postproduction when Raw is selected.
◀ The naming ◀ Color settings
convention for are very much
compression is about personal
brand-specific. taste. Neutral (or
Fine tends to be similar) produces
less compressed natural-looking
than Standard. photographs.

US_030-031_Understand_RAW-JPEG.indd 30 05/02/2018 14:34