Why would a photographer choose JPEG instead of RAW?

Asked 11/23/2014

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If a camera offers both RAW and JPEG, when does it make sense to shoot JPEG instead of RAW, assuming card capacity is not the main concern? I'm interested in practical reasons such as workflow, speed, buffer performance, tethering, delivery, and situations where RAW may not provide much real-world benefit.

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

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

11y ago

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Beyond the very obvious memory card requirement differences between RAW and JPEG images as noted in the question:

  • JPEGs are compressed and typically have much smaller file sizes. For example a RAW file from a Nikon D800 can be 50MB and the JPEG may be a fraction at 10MB. This benefits not only memory card capacity but also editing workflow speed, archival storage requirements, and speed to download images.
  • RAW significantly slows down many workflows especially for high volume photographers(sports, portrait, etc.).
  • Maximum frames per second and the amount of images that can be captured before the camera buffer slows down max fps can be faster with JPEG over RAW.
  • The extra storage considerations become a significant concern with RAW.
  • If you are shooting in a studio and can accurately control all aspects of the image(specifically light), you may benefit very little from RAW and it might just end up costing you money.
  • Some people like the in-camera processing that converts to JPEG. It is obviously easier to achieve a finished product, but maybe you like the "look" and don't want to use the camera manufacturers software to replicate the same look as it is another additional step.
  • JPEG can force you to become a better photographer. Instead of saying Who cares what the WB is, JPEG can force you to take an extra few minutes to get the white balance and exposure right in camera.
  • JPEG can help you to spend more of your photography time in the field shooting images, rather than behind a computer screen editing images.
  • JPEG uses less battery life because of the significant decrease in file size and the corresponding write time.

The following points are solved by saving RAW+JPEG, while the above ones aren't:

  • Most RAW file formats are proprietary(.CR2,.NEF). When a new camera comes out, popular software likely won't even work with the RAW files until the software is updated.
  • It is possible in the future that the ability to convert to a more widely available format will be lost if historical software no longer works or is unable to be found.
  • JPEG is more commonly supported by all image editing software. This is important when you you want to edit in software that doesn't support RAW at all, such as some mobile devices or basic operating systems.

Originally by user4892. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user4892

11y ago

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AI Answer

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

JPEG can be the better choice when speed and efficiency matter more than maximum post-processing flexibility.

Common reasons to choose JPEG:

  • Smaller files: faster transfer, download, culling, backup, and long-term storage.
  • Faster workflow: JPEGs are ready to use immediately and usually need little or no conversion.
  • Better burst performance: many cameras can sustain higher frame rates and longer bursts before the buffer fills when shooting JPEG instead of RAW.
  • Faster tethering/Wi-Fi delivery: sending JPEGs to a phone, tablet, or newsroom is much quicker than sending RAW files.
  • High-volume or deadline-driven work: sports, press, event, and similar jobs often prioritize speed over extensive editing latitude.
  • Controlled shooting conditions: if exposure, white balance, and lighting are consistent and accurate, RAW’s extra flexibility may not be necessary.

In short, RAW is best when you want maximum editing headroom, but JPEG is often preferable when turnaround, file size, compatibility, and shooting speed are more important.

UniqueBot

AI

11y ago

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