Should I shoot RAW JPEG or just RAW?

The RAW format is ideal if you are shooting with the intent of editing the images later. Shots where you are trying to capture a lot of detail or color, and images where you want to tweak light and shadow, should be shot in RAW.

Why should you shoot in RAW versus JPEG?

With a raw file, you have complete control over white balance when editing the image. The same is true of darker, underexposed images. Shadow detail that is irretrievably lost in a JPEG can often be more successfully recovered in a raw file. Noise reduction can be more effectively applied to a raw file than a JPEG.

Are RAW images sharper?

You see, straight out of the camera, a RAW image file hasn’t had the processing done to it that a JPEG file has. That’s why if you shoot JPEGs and RAWs side by side, the JPEGs will often appear more appealing right out of the gate. They’re sharper, with more saturation and contrast—typically—than an unedited RAW file.

Is RAW the best image quality?

RAW provides far more image information, allowing you to capture more detail and greater dynamic range from your camera sensor. More flexibility for editing: When you transfer images from your camera’s SD card to a hard drive for editing, you will appreciate the image quality you get from RAW data.

What are the pros and cons of shooting in RAW?

While the versatility of RAW format is great for photographers who want a broad base to edit with, it’s not for those who have little to no adjustments to make during post-processing. A drawback to RAW is that the file size is much larger than the JPG counterpart, which can fill up a memory card rather quickly.

When should I shoot in JPEG?

Shooting in JPEG will save you time. JPEG files transfer to memory cards faster and transfer to computers faster, giving you more time to review your images and less time waiting for them to load. This will let you review your work faster, which is so important when you are learning what works and what doesn’t work.