Why do my RAW and JPEG files look the same on my Canon M100?
Asked 10/20/2019
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2 answers
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I’m shooting RAW+JPEG on a Canon M100, but when I view the files they look identical aside from file size. I expected RAW images to look flatter or have less contrast. I’ve tried different software and still don’t see a difference. Is this normal, and what am I actually seeing when I open a RAW file?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
6y ago
2 Answers
5
This is normal. The software you are using is showing you the JPEG preview embedded in the RAW file, which in every case I know of the same as the JPEG generated with RAW + JPEG settings. (Depending on the preview, the resolution may be reduced and compression higher, but you won't notice this in a quick on-screen comparison.)
For more on what a RAW file is exactly, see What does an unprocessed RAW file look like? and other questions under raw-vs-jpeg.
Originally by user1943. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user1943
6y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Yes, this is normal. A RAW file is not a finished picture—it contains sensor data that must be interpreted by software. In many viewers, what you first see is either the JPEG preview embedded inside the RAW file or a default rendering that closely matches the camera’s JPEG settings.
That’s why RAW and JPEG can appear almost identical at first, especially in quick previews or thumbnails.
A RAW image does not have one single “true” look. Different software can interpret the same RAW file differently, and many programs try to mimic the camera’s JPEG output. The main advantage of RAW is not that it must look flatter on opening, but that it gives you more flexibility for editing things like exposure, white balance, highlights, and shadows with less quality loss.
So the matching appearance you’re seeing is expected. The real difference shows up when you edit the files, not necessarily when you first view them.
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