Choosing the Best Image Format: RAW, JPEG, and TIFF Made Simple
The images my camera captures are pretty big—around 21 MB. But the ones I post online? Closer to 2 MB. Why such a difference? It’s in the image format, but the image format affects more than just size. We’re going to look at JPEG, TIFF, and RAW image formats. We’ll examine what they mean, what they contain, and how to choose the right format for your use.
What is a RAW Format File?
A RAW file is unprocessed data from the camera’s sensor. RAW isn’t an acronym for anything, but we use all caps when we write it just as a convention. Certain software can read the file and present it as an image, but it isn’t suitable for printing or web presentation. For that, we need to convert those files into a different file type. More on that below
RAW files are big files, but they offer maximum editing flexibility, because all of the data that makes up the image is in the file. If you want to do a lot of editing on your photos, RAW is going to be the best shooting option. It provides the best prospect for high dynamic range (HDR) scenes, and for the preservation of all of the original image data.
What is a JPEG Format File?
JPEG actually is an acronym; it stands for Joint Photographic Experts Group. It has a much smaller file size than RAW, and that’s partly due to its “lossy” compression. I didn’t mistype there, it’s not “lousy.” It’s “lossy.” It reduces file size by discarding some data – in this case, quite a lot of data.
JPEG files are widely viewable and shareable, though. In fact, every phone, browser, app, and operating system can open JPEG images. It’s the best format for everyday photography, fast sharing, and when editing isn’t a priority.
You may have seen JPG files, and wondered if they’re the same as JPEG files. They are. The format was developed many years ago with the .jpeg filename extension, and it originated in the Linux/Unix/Mac universe. At the time, Windows systems could only accomodate three characters in the filename extension, hence JPEG in Linux and Mac was JPG in Windows. It’s all the same thing.
What is a TIFF Format File?
Tagged Image File Format (TIFF) is between RAW and JPEG in both size and editability, but closer to RAW in both. It’s called “tagged” because it stores the attributes, like dimensions, color profiles, compression type, and other technical details, in tags. TIFFs are good when you’re working with high-resolution images, when you’re doing large prints, and as long as your printer accepts TIFF files.
Magazine publishers and professional printers prefer TIFF files because they’re “purer” files – less chance of the compression process introducing unwanted data elements. If you’re just snapping casual shots or printing for a scrapbook, TIFF might be more than you need—the juice just isn’t worth the squeeze.
Key Comparisons
Here’s a quick chart to help you compare the three most common image formats at a glance. Note in the JPEG column, where the Editability shows “Low.” Photoshop and many other photo editors can easily edit JPEG images. However, repeated opening, editing, and saving causes additional data loss in the file. If capturing images in RAW is an option, that’s the best start for your pictures. From there, do your editing, and export to a different format. If you’re done editing, go to JPEG, if you think you want to do more to it, use TIFF.
Your Turn
You don’t have to pick one format and stick with it. One of my cameras shoots only JPEG, one shoots either JPEG or RAW, my favorite one shoots JPEG, RAW, or both. I’ve never worked with TIFF files, but now I want to see what I get from trying. Sometimes I have to upscale my images to get the resolution I want for larger prints. The problem is that they don’t look great when I’m done. So I’m going to play around with using TIFFs for that part of it.
How do you use the different formats? I’m always ready to learn more! Drop a comment below the Related Posts section, and let’s teach each other.
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