JPEG or RAW Camera Files. Which Should You Choose?
One of the most common questions I get when teaching photography is, “Should I shoot in JPEG or RAW?”
There’s a ton of information out there on this topic, but much of it is outdated, misleading, or based on opinion rather than real experience. After years of testing both formats in real-world situations, I can confidently say that much of what you read online about JPEG vs RAW camera files is simply wrong!
Let’s go through the differences in a way that actually makes sense for how people shoot today.
What’s the Difference Between JPEG and RAW Camera Files?
There are two big differences between shooting in JPEG or RAW.
1. File Compression and Image Quality
When your camera saves an image as a JPEG, it compresses the file slightly. That means a small amount of data is lost, but not nearly as much as many people claim.
With today’s high-resolution cameras, that loss is rarely noticeable. For most photographers, there’s no real need to shoot in RAW just to preserve file size.
Unless you’re planning to make a huge print or crop away 95% of your photo, JPEG will handle almost everything you throw at it.
I personally shoot about 99% in JPEG, and you can see plenty of my large wall prints at First Choice Photo Lab in Lethbridge, all printed from JPEG files, and they look incredible.
2. Image Processing in Camera
The second big difference is how each file is processed.
When you shoot in JPEG, your camera automatically applies settings such as contrast, saturation, white balance, and sharpness before saving the image. That means your photo is essentially “ready to go” right out of the camera.
When shooting in RAW, your camera skips those adjustments and saves all the unprocessed data. This gives you more flexibility later when editing, but it also means you’ll need to spend time fine-tuning every image to make it look its best.
If you often miss your exposure or focus slightly, RAW files can give you more room to recover details. JPEGs can still be edited, but not to the same extent.
The Drawbacks of Shooting in RAW
The biggest downside of RAW files is the extra work involved. Every image needs to be processed before it looks finished. If you shoot hundreds or thousands of photos, like on a family vacation, editing all those RAW files can be overwhelming.
RAW files also take up significantly more storage space. While memory cards and drives are cheaper than ever, it’s still something to consider, especially when shooting long events or travel photography.
Best of Both Worlds, Shooting JPEG and RAW Together
The good news is that most modern cameras allow you to save both JPEG and RAW versions of each shot.
This can be a great option if you want the flexibility of RAW with the convenience of JPEG. You’ll have the easy-to-share JPEG ready immediately, and the RAW file available if you need extra editing power later.
The trade-off, of course, is storage space, dual saving eats up memory quickly, so make sure you have large or multiple cards with you.
So… JPEG or RAW?
If you’re shooting everyday family photos, vacations, or general photography, JPEG is the smart choice. It saves space, time, and effort while still giving you excellent image quality.
If you’re photographing a once-in-a-lifetime event or scene, something you can’t easily redo, then shoot in RAW or both JPEG + RAW to give yourself the best safety net.
And remember, you can change your file format anytime. You don’t have to commit to one or the other for every shoot.
Final Thoughts on JPEG or RAW Camera Files
Both formats have their place. JPEG offers convenience and speed, while RAW gives you creative control and editing flexibility.
The real answer? Use the one that best fits your subject, your workflow, and your end goal.
If you’re in Lethbridge and want to see real-world examples of how good JPEG files can look, stop by First Choice Photo Lab, you’ll be amazed at what a properly shot JPEG can do.
