RAW V.S JPEG

Find the list of characteristics for each file type and answer the following questions:

What are three advantages of a RAW file:

- higher dynamic range

- easy software download to access the photos

- ability to display more range of shadows and highlights

What is one disadvantage of a RAW file: 

- RAW isn't as sharp, and is admissable in a court of law

What are three advantages of a JPEG file:

- standard format for most programs and pictures

- sharper

- higher in contrast

What is one disadvantage of a JPEG file: 

- lower in dynamic range

1. Under the first heading "Capturing the Images," how much of the data does a RAW file retain after it is captured by the camera?

 RAW doesn't process the photo within the camera, but instead captures the data, retaining the information without compressing it, storing the information within the pixels of an image. 

2. Under the second heading "Processing the Files," what are some of the things that a RAW file enables a photographer to edit after the image is taken?

The photographer can edit the saturation, color, shadows, highlight, white balance, and contrast. 

3. Under the third heading "Practicalities," what are some of the factors that photographers must consider when deciding to shoot in RAW?

Some older DSLR cameras won't have the option to shoot in RAW. As well, RAW files are much larger than JPEG files, so your memory card storage will be filled up faster. Additionally, you can convert RAW files to JPEG's, but not the other way around. 

4. Under the fourth heading "Which one is for you?" why would an aspiring professional photographer need to know how to work with RAW files?

Shooting in RAW allows for more freedom with editing, and as a professional photographer competing to be the best, learning new editing techniques is crucial. 

1. Which file formats discussed have you used in the past?

I usually use JPEG because it's ready to post and edit on different platforms and programs. 

2. What is the difference between a Raster and a Vector file?

A Raster file is composed of pixels, while a Vector file is composed of paths. 

JPEG

1. Is this format lossy or lossless?

Lossy

2. What are common uses for each? By this I mean where would I publish each of them for the highest quality.

Most commonly used to download, upload, and edit pictures. 

3. Can you create this type of file in your camera?

Yes. 

TIFF

1. Is this format lossy or lossless?

Lossless

2. What are common uses for each? By this I mean where would I publish each of them for the highest quality.

Most commonly used with raster graphics.

3. Can you create this type of file in your camera?

No. 

PSD

1. Is this format lossy or lossless?

Lossless

2. What are common uses for each? By this I mean where would I publish each of them for the highest quality.

Produced in photoshop when layering, editing, or cropping photos. 

3. Can you create this type of file in your camera?

No. 

DNG

1. Is this format lossy or lossless?

Lossy

2. What are common uses for each? By this I mean where would I publish each of them for the highest quality.

RAW file format. 

3. Can you create this type of file in your camera?

Yes. 

NEF

1. Is this format lossy or lossless?

Lossless

2. What are common uses for each? By this I mean where would I publish each of them for the highest quality.

RAW file format. 

3. Can you create this type of file in your camera?

Yes.