As we all know, our digital camera has taken over the world of photography. Today, there are many file formats to choose from but which is best?
There are several different types of file format, such as RAW, JPEG and TIFF. Each of these has its own benefits and drawbacks. There are also many types of file size, from big to small, and each type of file has its own advantages. In this article we will go through the pros and cons of each, and help you choose the one that best suits you.
Table of Contents
RAW
A RAW file is a digital camera’s original raw data files. These files store information in a way that the RAW file reader can’t interpret. This means that the photo is still in its most natural state, with no processing applied. RAW files are large and usually contain a lot of information. They can also be edited on a computer, but editing in RAW gives the best result. When you edit RAW, you are using the “raw” parts of the file – it’s not that different to working with analogue film. Once you’re happy with your editing, you can convert the file to one of the other formats.
Converting your RAW files to a different format means that you lose the information in the raw file, which is stored on the memory card.
You can save RAW files to a memory card in three different ways:
– A RAW converter software
– A RAW converter plug-in
– RAW format on your camera
Many RAW converters offer plug-ins, so you can import photos from the camera directly into the software, instead of having to use a memory card. A RAW converter plug-in is generally the fastest and easiest method.
The main reason why photographers shoot in RAW instead of JPEG is because they want full control over how their images look in post-production.
JPEG
• Lossless. The JPEG format allows you to create a full range of high-quality images, but the settings for the file are very limited.
• Easy to manipulate. It’s possible to manipulate the settings on a JPEG file.
• Smaller files. JPEG files can be created in small sizes.
• High quality images can be created. The settings used when creating the original JPEG image affect the final JPEG.
• Quick to create and share. JPEGs are created quickly and shared easily.
• Good for low-resolution cameras. If your camera’s resolution is low, the resulting JPEG files are smaller and therefore quicker to create.
• Can be easily edited. You can manipulate the settings of a JPEG file and adjust the file size and quality.
• Can be sent electronically. JPEGs are easy to send digitally, especially if you have a smartphone or tablet.
• Can be viewed on most devices. Almost all computers and tablets now have the ability to view JPEG files, though they may not look as sharp as TIFFs.
• JPEG files are supported by many photo software programs and many mobile phone apps.
• JPEG files are supported by all of the major social media sites and are widely used on the Internet.
• JPEG is the most common image format used online.
JPEGs are very good at compressing images without losing too much quality from the original. They’re also easy to edit later because they’re lossy — that is, they discard some information about the image as it’s compressed, so if you want to change something later on, you’ll have to do so manually by using layers or filters. For instance, if you use a filter like Gaussian Blur on an image in Photoshop, any areas that were previously transparent will become opaque when you save them as JPEGs again — this is because the filter added pixels that weren’t there before!
JPEG uses lossy compression, meaning that some information is lost when saving in this format. This can cause some problems with certain images, but it’s most often seen as a good thing because it allows us to compress our photos without losing too much detail.
The JPEG format is best used for photos where there isn’t much contrast or color variation between pixels (a blue sky with no clouds or leaves, for example). JPEGs offer great compression rates and don’t lose too much detail when compressed heavily compared to other formats like TIFF or RAW files. If you want high-quality images that will look good on all devices, then JPEG is your best choice.
TIFF
• Supports the widest variety of file sizes and resolutions.
• Allows you to create high-resolution, lossless images.
• Allows you to edit the original file.
• More complex to create and edit.
• Large files. TIFF files can be large and time consuming to create.
• Slow to share. Creating a TIFF file involves a more complex process and requires a computer.
• Not supported by all applications. Some digital photo software programs and smartphones do not support TIFF files.
• Difficult to manipulate. The settings of a TIFF file cannot be changed as easily as those of a JPEG file.
• More difficult to view. TIFFs are only displayed correctly when viewed on a computer or desktop screen. They are often pixelated when viewed on smartphones and tablet computers.
• TIFF files are not supported by all of the major social media sites and are rarely used online.
• TIFF files are less popular on the Internet than JPEGs.
• TIFF files are not compatible with all digital camera models and manufacturers.
• Some TIFFs are protected. These are not free to use, and are created to restrict how they can be modified and distributed.
If you have a camera that shoots both JPEG and TIFF files, choose one format and save your photographs in it.
If you’re looking for the best format to use to preserve your old photos, TIFF is the best option.
If you want to be able to change the format of your photographs later on, it’s probably better to choose a TIFF format.
Conclusion
There are a lot of factors to consider when you’re deciding what file format to use for your photos. You want a format that is secure, but also easily accessible with the right software. The best way to understand what format is right for you is by understanding the different types available and why they are useful.