RAW vs. JPEG
What is RAW? Pretty sure you have heard about it and now you are maybe wondering if you should use it. Well, here is a list of most important differencies between JPEG and RAW as well as an answer when to use each one.
RAW
- uncompressed
- at least 8-bits
- bigger file size
- lossless
- needs to be processed before usage
- can be manipulated as much as you like, because the original stays the same
JPEG
- compressed
- always 8-bits
- smaller file size
- compressed (lossy)
- processed by your camera
- ready for use (printing, sharing, web, etc.)
- can be manipulated, but every time you save it, you will lose data
So when you should use RAW? When you are getting serious about photography, need to manipulate the image or make a large print out of it. If you are only shooting to share the image on web or are still figuring out how to use your DSLR, then JPEG would probably be a better option for you.