RAW vs JPG – Camera Format Guide for Photographers
RAW captures everything the sensor sees. JPG is a processed, compressed version the camera produces on-chip. The right choice depends on whether you edit your photos and how much storage you have.
Key differences
| RAW | JPG | |
|---|---|---|
| File size | 15–45MB per image (typical) | 2–8MB per image |
| Editing flexibility | Maximum — exposure, WB, colour fully adjustable | Limited — destructive edits |
| Camera processing | None applied | Sharpening, NR, colour applied |
| Compatibility | Requires RAW-capable software | Opens everywhere |
| Sharing directly | Rarely — convert first | Ready to share |
| Quality ceiling | Higher — 12–14 bit depth | 8 bit depth |
Shoot RAW when
- You edit in Lightroom, Capture One, or Darktable
- Exposure or white balance may need correction (indoor mixed lighting, events)
- The shot is important — portraits, paid work, travel
- You want maximum recovery latitude for shadows and highlights
Shoot JPG when
- Storage or card speed is limited (sports burst shooting)
- You won't edit and want immediate shareable files
- The camera's JPG engine produces results you're happy with
- You're shooting for social media and speed beats quality
RAW+JPG mode
Most cameras support RAW+JPG simultaneously — the camera saves both. You share the JPG immediately and edit the RAW when needed. The trade-off is doubled storage use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does RAW give better image quality?
RAW preserves more data, giving more editing flexibility. A well-exposed JPG from a good camera looks nearly identical to an edited RAW — the difference shows most in difficult lighting.
Can I convert RAW to JPG in the browser?
Yes — Irreva's RAW to JPG tool supports DNG, CR2, NEF, ARW, and more common formats using WebAssembly.
Should I delete RAW files after editing?
Keep them. Storage is cheap; re-editing an old RAW with new software years later is often worth it.