What is the Difference Between RAW and JPEG

The main difference between RAW and JPEG is that RAW format can hold more data than JPEG format.

A photographer can shoot photos in RAW format or JPEG format. The RAW format contains more data than JPEG format. Therefore, when working with editing software such as Lightroom, Adobe Photoshop, or Photomatix Pro 3, it is possible to perform more editing in a RAW file than a JPEG file. Shadows, white balance, highlights are more accurate when working with RAW format than in JPEG. In brief, a RAW file is larger than a JPEG file.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is RAW
     – Definition, Functionality
2. What is JPEG
     – Definition, Functionality
3. What is the Difference Between RAW and JPEG
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

JPEG, RAW

What is RAW

RAW is an image file that contains minimally processed data from the image sensor of a digital camera, motion picture film scanner, etc. There are various RAW formats in different models of digital equipment. These images are not processed, so it is not possible to print them directly. Therefore, the user has to convert the RAW file to JPEG file to print it.

It is not possible to view the RAW file directly. First, it has to be processed to view it. Furthermore, RAW files require special software to open and edit them. Therefore, if that kind of software is not installed on the computer, it is not possible to view or edit them.

What is JPEG

JPEG is a file format of lossy compressed digital images. It is possible to adjust the compression by selecting a tradeoff between storage size and image quality. JPEG has a 10:1 compression with some amount of perceptible loss in image quality. JPEG stands for Joint Photographic Experts Group. JPEG files have.jpg or .jpeg file extension.

Figure 1: RAW vs JPEG

There are various file formats related to JPEG. JPEG/Exif is used in digital cameras and other image capturing devices. JPEG/JEIF stores and transmits photographic images on the World Wide Web. Both these versions are simply called JPEG. Usually, JPEG/JFIF supports a maximum image size of 65435 x 65535 pixels.

Difference Between RAW and JPEG

Definition

RAW is an image file that contains minimally processed data from the image sensor of either a digital camera, motion picture film scanner or another image scanner. JPEG, in contrast, is an image file format that commonly uses the method of lossy compression for digital images. Thus, this is the fundamental difference between RAW and JPEG.

Information

The main difference between RAW and JPEG is that a RAW file contains more information than a JPEG file.

File Size

Also, the file size of JPEG format is smaller than RAW format. If the RAW file size is 25472KB, then the equivalent JPEG file size is 5877KB.

Required Memory Space

Thus, a RAW file requires more memory space than a JPEG file.

Compression

Another difference between RAW and JPEG is that RAW is an uncompressed file whereas JPEG is a compressed file.

Time to Store and Transfer

Hence, it takes a minimum time to store or transfer a JPEG file to a computer than a RAW file.

Readability

JPEG is a standard format readable by most image processing programs. In contrast, RAW files require professional conversion applications to open and edit. Hence, this is another important difference between RAW and JPEG.

Print and Share

One other difference between RAW and JPEG is that while RAW format has to be converted to JPEG or some other image format to print and share, JPEG is a convenient format to print and share.

Popularity

Also, JPEG is more popular than RAW.

User-Friendliness

Besides, the JPEG files are easier to use than RAW.

Conclusion

A photographer can shoot photos in either RAW format or JPEG format. The main difference between RAW and JPEG is that RAW format can hold more data than JPEG format. In brief, RAW is an uncompressed, larger file while JPEG is a compressed smaller file.  

Reference:

1. “Raw Image Format.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 18 Nov. 2018, Available here.
2. “JPEG.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 15 Dec. 2018, Available here.

Image Courtesy:

1. “RAW vs JPEG noise comparison” By Dave Kennard (CC BY-SA 2.0) via Flickr