RAW files contain uncompressed and unprocessed image data, preserving the full dynamic range and color information captured by the camera's sensor. They are sometimes described as "digital negatives" and provide greater flexibility in post-processing, but require specialized software and more storage space.
If you are a beginner or intermediate photographer and are looking to improve your image quality and editing flexibility, then this short guide about the benefits and trade-offs of shooting in RAW format is for you. Knowing when and why to use RAW can help you get the most out of your camera and improve your photography results.
What is a raw photo
A RAW file is the uncompressed and unprocessed image data captured by a digital camera or scanner's sensors. The purpose of raw image formats is to save, with minimum loss of information, data obtained from the sensor. RAW files contain the information required to produce a viewable image from the camera's sensor data.
Unlike JPEG, which is an acronym for the Joint Photographic Experts Group and refers to a specific compressed image format, RAW is a general term for these minimally processed files. As RAW data is not edited or compressed, it takes up a lot of storage space. If you shoot such a photo, you can notice that the file size will be close to the number of megapixels of your camera. For example, if your camera has 12 megapixels, then each RAW picture will be about 12 MB.
RAW files are sometimes called "digital negatives" because they contain unprocessed data straight from a digital camera. Different camera manufacturers have their own proprietary RAW formats, which may require compatible software for editing. Processing RAW files requires dedicated software to convert them into viewable images.
Here are some possible RAW image formats you can encounter:
- Canon: CR2 or CR3
- Nikon: NEF
- Android phone: DNG
- iPhone: ProRAW
- GoPro: GPR
Can your device shoot in RAW? Most digital cameras and the latest smartphones can do that. Usually, this option is not turned on by default. Most likely you will need to enable this feature somewhere in the settings. Some devices allow several shooting modes — RAW only, JPEG only, and RAW+JPEG, meaning you will have two formats saved simultaneously.
Now that you know what a RAW photo is, let's explore why many photographers choose this format.
Why shoot in RAW
- More processing options: Shooting in RAW gives you more flexibility in editing. You can adjust white balance, sharpness, noise reduction, levels, and brightness to deliver a perfect result.
- More data and finer control: RAW files contain more data than JPEG images because they store the original data directly from the camera's sensor without compression or loss. This means you have finer control over shadow detail, color temperature, and exposure settings during post-processing. You can recover highlights and shadow regions that might be lost in JPEG files due to compression artifacts or limited dynamic range.
- Ideal for professional use: Shooting in RAW is preferred by professional photographers who need the best image quality and flexibility for post-processing. It is also recommended for important or once-in-a-lifetime shots where you want to ensure you have the best possible original data to work with.
In summary, shooting in RAW provides more data, more control, and higher quality than JPEG images, making it the preferred choice for photographers who want to maximize the potential of their digital photography.
However, RAW is not always the best choice for every situation. Let's look at when JPEG might be preferable.
When not shoot in RAW?
- Shooting for the web: If you are planning to post your image on Instagram, in some web article, or use it for meme-making, then JPEG should be absolutely enough for you.
- Saving the storage: RAW files are usually 2-5 times larger than JPEG files and can take up lots of your valuable storage space. JPEG is a better choice if you plan to take hundreds of photos during your day trip.
- Sharing and downloading: If you want to send your photo to a friend, make a photo slideshow available for download right away, it is safer to use JPEG.
- Rapid shooting: When you want to shoot some live action or a fast burst of images, RAW is not the best option. Your buffer might fill up very quickly, and the photos won’t be processed properly.
To sum up, if you have lots of storage space and time to edit all your photos, then shoot in RAW. If you just want to capture a moment to share it immediately, then go with JPEG.
RAW images contain unprocessed sensor data, allowing for extensive editing and higher image quality. JPEG images are processed and compressed in-camera, resulting in smaller file sizes but less flexibility for post-processing.
Many modern smartphones support RAW shooting, either natively or through third-party camera apps. Some popular RAW formats on phones include DNG and ProRAW on iPhones.
RAW files store uncompressed and unprocessed image data, which includes more detail and dynamic range. JPEG files are compressed with lossy compression, reducing file size but also discarding some image data.
Yes. RAW files require specialized photo editing or raw conversion software, such as Adobe Lightroom, Adobe Photoshop, or other photo editing software that supports raw formats.
Choose RAW when you want maximum control over image adjustments like exposure, white balance, and color correction, or when shooting in challenging lighting conditions. JPEG is suitable for quick sharing and when storage space or shooting speed is a priority.