If you are wondering what format is best for you to take your pictures in, you can be congratulated, you are growing as a photography enthusiast on this interesting and experimental path of a photographer. Beginners usually don’t have such a question and therefore they constantly take pictures in JPEG mode. But this does not mean at all that this mode is only for beginners, it is also used by experienced photographers. But first things first, you still have to decide, we will only voice the advantages and disadvantages of these modes.
What is the best format for shooting RAW or JPEG?
JPEG is a universal format that is not difficult to work with. There are many programs for post-processing photos taken in this format. In other words, when shooting in this mode, you can easily edit your pictures, work with shadows, crop, and the like by choosing one of the many programs.
What can not be said about the RAW format. To work with this format, you will need a special program, as well as certain skills and time. If the JPEG format is universal, then the RAW format is similar to a digital negative. In translation, RAW means raw, in other words, you have a raw photo that you can edit the image in more detail and seriously in shadows and colors, which is an undeniable advantage. Here you can change the white balance according to your desire if you did not set it before shooting, which can no longer be done in JPEG format.
What is the best format for shooting RAW or JPEG?
Also, this format allows you to work with sharpness, exposure, noise. It is very convenient and saves time when shooting. Since a picture taken in RAW is practically a negative, it is not recommended to give your RAW files to anyone. If you have such files, you will be able to prove that the photo belongs to you and you are its author. To transfer images, it is better to convert them to TIF format, which is close to the original.
The next difference between the formats is the space occupied on the map. Photos taken in JPEG format occupy the smallest space on the card. Pictures taken in RAW format, on the contrary, take up maximum space and, accordingly, weigh much more. Therefore, pay attention to this when choosing a format in a given situation. If it is important for you to shoot a lot, and there is not enough space on the memory card, then it is better to stop at JPEG mode. If the main thing is to shoot important material, with the possibility of serious processing, without losing details, then it would be better to use the RAW format.
What is the best format for shooting RAW or JPEG?
Remember that you will not be able to simply open Raw files on your computer without a special program. It is also not possible to directly print pictures on the printer. To convert RAW to JPEG, you will also need special programs.
If you are just learning photography, increasing your experience, skills and craftsmanship, then it would be more appropriate to use the JPEG format. Taking fleeting shots, simple photos, trying your hand at landscape and portrait photography, it will be easier for you to process your photos and understand the nuances more deeply.
If you are shooting any important meetings, exhibitions, important events where high quality pictures are needed, or if you are going to print photos in large size, then you cannot do without the RAW format. In fact, this format is necessary for a photographer if he seriously works with photography: he places it on photobanks, sells pictures to publications, or makes works to order. In other cases, the JPEG format will do. If you want to improve your skills and strive to create amazing quality images, you will need to learn how to work with the RAW format. What is preferable for you is up to you to decide.
