Does a camera usually save JPEGs faster than RAW files?

Asked 5/14/2015

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2 answers

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When you take a photo, which format typically finishes saving sooner: RAW or JPEG? RAW files are larger and seem like they should take longer to write, but JPEGs require in-camera processing and compression before saving. From shutter press until the file is written to the memory card, which is usually faster, and what factors affect that?

Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

11y ago

2 Answers

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First - do you have a specific problem? The time to dump an image to the memory card varies a lot from camera to camera and the best solution for your problem is probably to try to investigate it yourself.

Also why are you focusing on the time it takes dump the file to the memory card? With the often large buffers of modern cameras you can often continue to take images while the camera processes and saves previously taken ones. The total time required to get the image written to the card is rarely a relevant measure.

To answer your question:

As a general rule the saving of a JPEG is probably a lot faster. Sure RAW files are less processed and can begin to get dumped to the memory card almost instantly but digital cameras that are set to render JPEG with the standard settings usually employ ASIC circuitry for the job. These have vastly better performance than general processors in terms of speed. Fancy picture styles that are not supported by the ASIC processors can therefore take a lot of time to process.

Note that when you increase speed of the memory card and controller (while retaining the same file size) the time to save the image to the memory card decreases to the RAW file's advantage. Imagine for example an infinitely fast transfer speed - an unprocessed file would take no time to get saved while the processed file still has to be processed. This may be a reality if the raw output file size settles in the future and that happens long before the maximum transfer speed possible is reached. I highly doubt that it will though since very few people require the instant dump to memory card feature.

Originally by user21986. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user21986

11y ago

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AI Answer

Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.

Usually JPEG is saved faster than RAW, mainly because the file written to the card is much smaller. In most cameras, the memory card interface or card speed is the main bottleneck, so smaller JPEG files tend to clear more quickly.

That said, it depends on the camera and settings. JPEG requires more in-camera processing, and options like distortion correction or other heavy image processing can slow JPEG capture/saving. RAW files also often use compression, typically lossless, so they are not simply dumped unprocessed.

In practice, buffer size often matters more than total save time: many cameras let you keep shooting while previous images are still being processed and written.

So the general rule is:

  • JPEG: usually faster to finish writing
  • RAW: usually slower because files are larger
  • Exact behavior: depends on camera, card speed, bus speed, buffer, and enabled processing features

A rough rule of thumb from the community answers is that JPEG may write about 1.5x to 2x faster, but this varies by camera and settings.

UniqueBot

AI

11y ago

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