You may not realize it, but the format in which you capture photos significantly impacts the final photo. When it comes to JPEG vs. RAW, each format brings its own set of benefits and drawbacks. So, how do you know which one to use? Is it better to be shooting in RAW vs. JPEG, or should you switch between them based on your needs?

In this guide, we’ll examine the major differences between shooting in RAW and shooting in JPEG so you can make the final decision. Let’s explore which one best suits your photography style and needs.

• Understanding RAW and JPEG
• Shooting in JPEG
• Shooting in RAW
• Shooting RAW and JPEG
• Frequently Asked Questions

Understanding RAW and JPEG Images

To make informed decisions about shooting in RAW vs. JPEG, it’s essential to grasp the fundamental differences between the two. Each format differs significantly in handling image data, affecting both the editing process and the final output.

What is a JPEG Image?

A JPEG image is a processed and compressed version of the photo. When you capture a photo in JPEG format, the camera processes the image data according to its built-in settings and compresses it to reduce file size.

What is a RAW Image?

A RAW image is essentially a digital negative. When you capture a photo in RAW format, the camera records all the data from the sensor without any compression or processing. This results in a file that retains maximum detail and dynamic range, providing a high degree of flexibility for post-processing.

Shooting in JPEG

Shooting in JPEG can be a smart choice, especially if you’re a new photographer or need to manage storage efficiently. JPEG files are smaller and come out of the camera already processed, making them ideal for quick use without extensive post-processing.

Efficiency and Speed

JPEG photos are perfect if you need to capture and share images quickly. The camera processes JPEGs, adjusting color, contrast, and sharpness so the images are ready to use straight out of the camera. This is particularly useful for event photography, sports, or any situation where turnaround time is crucial. If you’re covering a wedding or a corporate event, being able to deliver photos promptly can be a significant advantage.

• File Size: JPEGs are compressed, making them much smaller than RAW files. This means you can store more images on a single memory card, which is beneficial when shooting for extended periods or with limited storage capacity. This can also mean saving money on expensive storage solutions for new photographers.
• Workflow: JPEGs make your workflow more efficient. You don’t need to spend as much time on post-processing, which is ideal if you’re producing large volumes of images or meeting tight deadlines.

Limited Post-Processing Needs

If your photos don’t require extensive editing, shooting in JPEG can save you much time. Modern cameras have advanced processing algorithms that produce excellent JPEGs, often with minimal need for further adjustment. This can be particularly beneficial if:

• Ample Light: You’re shooting in well-lit conditions where the dynamic range is not a significant concern. JPEGs can handle these scenarios well, providing vibrant and sharp images without needing the extensive editing capabilities of RAW files.
• Basic Edits: You only need to make minor adjustments. JPEGs can handle basic edits like cropping, slight exposure tweaks, or minor color corrections without losing too much quality.

Storage and Sharing

Managing storage is a critical consideration for many photographers. JPEG files take up much less space compared to RAW files, which can be a significant advantage.

• Space Constraints: If you’re on a long trip or don’t have immediate access to large storage options, shooting in JPEG can help you make the most of your memory cards. This is also advantageous for photographers who shoot in high volumes, such as wildlife or sports photographers, who need to capture continuous shots without worrying about running out of space.
• Easy Sharing: JPEGs are the standard web and social media format. They are easier to upload and share directly from your camera or mobile device, making them ideal for photographers who need to publish their work quickly, such as photojournalists or travel bloggers.

Trade-Offs of JPEG

While shooting in JPEG offers many conveniences, it comes with certain limitations:

• Color Depth: JPEGs are shot in 8-bit color, limiting the color range compared to RAW files. This can affect the richness and gradation of colors, especially in high-contrast scenes.
• Detail and Dynamic Range: The compression in JPEG files reduces detail and dynamic range. This makes it harder to recover details in shadows and highlights, which can be a drawback in challenging lighting conditions.
• Editing Flexibility: Extensive edits can degrade the quality of JPEGs. The compression artifacts become more noticeable, and the limited bit depth restricts how much you can adjust the image.

Shooting in RAW

Shooting in RAW offers photographers unparalleled control and quality, making it the preferred choice for many professional and serious hobbyist photographers. When you capture images in RAW format, you’re preserving all the data from your camera’s sensor, giving you immense flexibility in post-processing.

Post-Processing Flexibility

One of the primary advantages of shooting in RAW is the ability to make extensive adjustments without compromising image quality. RAW files store all the data captured by your camera, allowing for significant edits in exposure, white balance, and color correction.

• Higher Quality Files: RAW files retain more detail and have a higher dynamic range than JPEGs. This means you can recover details in shadows and highlights, making your images more vibrant and balanced.
• Non-Destructive Editing: Each edit is non-destructive when using a dedicated photo editing app like ON1 Photo RAW. Any adjustments you make are not permanently applied to the image. You can always revert to the original file or make further changes without losing quality.

Creative Control

Shooting in RAW offers unmatched control over the final image for photographers who enjoy the creative process. The ability to push the boundaries of editing while maintaining image quality is crucial for artistic photography.

• Detailed Edits: RAW files allow for more precise adjustments in color grading, contrast, and other creative edits. This makes them ideal for professional work, such as commercial photography, where the highest quality and detail are essential.
• Flexibility: Because RAW files are uncompressed, you have more data to work with, giving you the flexibility to apply a wide range of edits. This is particularly useful for creative projects where you might need to experiment with different looks and styles.

Trade-Offs of RAW

While the benefits of shooting in RAW are significant, it’s important to consider the drawbacks, especially if you’re a new photographer:

• Storage Space: Shooting in RAW quickly fills memory cards, necessitating larger storage solutions. Many photographers invest in high-capacity memory cards and external hard drives to manage their RAW file collections.
• Editing Necessity: Unlike JPEGs, which are processed in-camera, RAW files must be edited to bring out their full potential. This means investing time learning and using photo editing software like ON1 Photo RAW.
• Flat Appearance: RAW images may look dull initially, but this intentionally provides a neutral starting point for post-processing. With the right adjustments, you can enhance the image’s colors, contrast, and overall look to meet your creative vision.

Shooting in RAW and JPEG Simultaneously

Most modern cameras offer the option to shoot in both RAW and JPEG simultaneously, providing the best of both worlds for photographers who want immediate access to ready-to-use images while preserving the flexibility of RAW files for detailed editing later on.

Advantages and Practical Scenarios

Shooting RAW and JPEG simultaneously offers several advantages, especially in fast-paced or demanding environments.

• Event Photography: For wedding photographers, event photographers, or sports photographers, this approach allows for immediate delivery of JPEG files to clients or social media posting while retaining RAW files for high-quality editing and album creation.
• Client Previews: Clients can quickly view and select their favorite images from the JPEG files, which can then be fine-tuned using the corresponding RAW files. This speeds up the selection process and ensures the final edits are of the highest quality.
• Versatility: This method is also beneficial for travel photographers or photojournalists who may need to upload images on the go while keeping the RAW files for publication-quality edits later.

Managing File Sizes

The primary drawback of shooting in both RAW and JPEG is the increased file size, as each photo will be saved in both formats. This can quickly consume your memory card space and require more storage solutions.

• Storage Requirements: Since you’re capturing both a RAW and a JPEG version of each image, you’ll need more memory card capacity and potentially larger or additional storage drives. Learning to manage your storage can help you avoid running out of space during a shoot.
• Data Management: Organizing and backing up your files becomes even more crucial. Developing a systematic approach to data management will help you keep track of both RAW and JPEG files, ensuring you can access and edit them efficiently.

Picking Out a RAW Processor

Choosing the right RAW processor is crucial for effectively managing and editing your RAW files. It’s important to select a processor that is compatible with your camera’s RAW format. For instance, a Nikon RAW processor won’t work for Sony cameras, and vice versa. This is where ON1 Photo RAW stands out—it supports a wide range of RAW files from different camera brands, ensuring you can edit your photos regardless of the camera you use.

ON1 Photo RAW offers a comprehensive tool suite to enhance your editing workflow. It provides basic sliders for adjusting exposure, contrast, and other fundamental settings and advanced features like local adjustments, AI enhancements, and special effects. These tools allow you to bring out the best in your RAW files, making your images look amazing with precise and creative edits.

RAW and JPEG Sorting in ON1 Photo RAW

Check out how to manage your RAW and JPEG photos with ON1 Photo RAW in this short video. ON1 Photo RAW lets you quickly sort and organize your RAW and JPEG files while browsing.

By selecting ‘Group RAW and JPEG Together’ from the file menu, you can streamline your workflow; this feature hides the JPEG file in the background, ensuring that any edits you make to the RAW file are simultaneously applied to the JPEG version.

Picture Perfect Processing Awaits You With ON1 Photo RAW

Unlock the full potential of your photography with ON1 Photo RAW. This powerful software offers unparalleled editing capabilities and a seamless workflow that supports all major camera brands. With features designed for novice and professional photographers, ON1 Photo RAW allows you to fine-tune your images with precision, manage your files efficiently, and create stunning visuals effortlessly.

Experience the difference a dedicated photo editing solution can make in your creative process. Try ON1 Photo RAW today and transform your raw captures into masterpieces.

Frequently Asked Questions: JPEG vs. RAW

Do you still have questions about whether to shoot in RAW or JPEG? Below are the answers to our most frequently asked questions.

In What Kind of Situation Might It Be Useful to Shoot Photos Simultaneously in RAW and JPEG?

Shooting photos simultaneously in RAW and JPEG is useful when you need quick access to ready-to-use images while retaining the flexibility to perform detailed edits later. This is particularly beneficial for event photography, where you can quickly share JPEGs with clients while preserving RAW files for high-quality post-processing.

Can All Cameras Shoot in RAW Format?

Not all cameras can shoot in RAW format. Most DSLRs, mirrorless cameras, and advanced compact cameras support RAW shooting, but many basic point-and-shoot cameras and smartphones do not offer this capability.

How Do Storage Requirements Differ Between RAW and JPEG Files?

RAW files are significantly larger than JPEG files because they contain all the uncompressed data captured by the camera’s sensor. Shooting in RAW requires more storage space on memory cards and hard drives, whereas compressed JPEG files occupy much less space.

What Software Is Required to Edit RAW Files, and How Does It Compare to Editing JPEGs?

Editing RAW files typically requires specialized software like ON1 Photo RAW, Adobe Lightroom, or Capture One, which can handle unprocessed data and provide extensive editing capabilities. Compared to editing JPEGs, which can be done with basic photo editors, RAW editing allows for more precise adjustments and better image quality due to the higher bit depth and dynamic range.

Exciting news! The highly anticipated ON1 Photo RAW 2023.1 is here, offering photographers new features and improved performance. Whether you’re a seasoned pro photographer or just starting out, this latest update is sure to take your photo editing to the next level.

For all ON1 Photo RAW 2023 owners and ON1 Subscribers, this is a free update. Version 2023.1 release notes and download instructions are available here. If you are interested in a free trial, please download the 14-day trial here.

What’s New
Crop Overlays — The overlay for the crop tool has been expanded with new options including: Rule of Thirds, Grid, Diagonal, Triangles, Golden Ratio, and Golden Spiral. These overlays aid in recomposing the photo when you crop. There are also new options to hide the crop overlay.

Transform Healing Brush Strokes — Now, you can scale and rotate healing brush strokes, so they better match the area you are healing. You can even flip them if you are copying from one side of the photo to the other to maintain symmetry.

Copy with the Healing Brush — The new copy mode of the Healing Brush lets you create a copy of an object within your photo. It’s perfect for adding more leaves or birds, especially when combined with the new transform options.

Move with the Healing Brush — The new move mode of the healing brush enables you to move an object to another area in your photo. Simply paint over what you want to move, then drag it to a new location. You can also change its size and angle if needed. The source location is automatically filled.

New AI Model for Sky Swap AI — Sky Swap now has two AI models to choose from for generating the sky mask. The new model can be helpful with buildings or cases where the sky and foreground have similar colors.

Improved AI Performance — We have made several performance improvements for AI inference. You will really feel this speed-up in NoNoise AI and Resize AI.

Adjustable UI Font Size — Those tiny laptop screens will be easier to use now you can control the size of the font in the user interface.

Application Manager — The new ON1 Application Manager gives you a single app to find and download your software purchases, subscriptions, updates, and install trials.

New Camera Support — Added support for the Canon EOS R6 MkII

New Lens Profiles — Added lens profiles

Bug Fixes and other performance enhancements

Price & Availability
Version 2023.1 is available for purchase now from the ON1 website. Any owner of version 2023 gets the 2023.1 update for free.

ON1 offers the choice to purchase with both perpetual license or subscription options for ON1 Photo RAW. ON1 Photo RAW 2023.1 is available to order today for $99.99 for a perpetual license for new customers. Owners of any previous version of any ON1 products can order version 2023.1 for the upgrade price of $79.99. A free 14-day trial is also available to download.  If someone has previously used the trial of Photo RAW 2023 they can still download and use the trial of 2023.1 for 14-days.

ON1 Everything subscribers will automatically receive the new ON1 Photo RAW 2023.1 as part of their plans, along with the 2023 versions of the ON1 Plugins (coming soon). Please check your email for instructions on getting the free update. ON1 subscription plans always include the latest version of ON1 Photo RAW for computers and mobile, up to 1TB of cloud sync storage, and all of the ON1 Professional Plugins. Starting subscription plans are as low as $7.99 per month or $89.99 per year.

A single purchase of any ON1 product includes Windows and macOS versions for use on two computers and support for 11 languages.

The best photo editing software application for photographers, ON1 Photo RAW 2022.1, is available today. An excellent Lightroom alternative, version 2022.1 includes an enhanced Sky Swap AI, a unique re-editable Liquify Tool, Snapshots, new photo organizing features in Advanced Search and Smart Albums, and several more features and enhancements.

For owners of ON1 Photo RAW 2022, the full release notes and download instructions are available here.

ON1 Photo RAW is the ultimate editor. This robust photo organizer, raw processor, layered editor, and photo effects app can solve all of your photo editing needs. To top it off, ON1 Photo RAW 2022.1 can also be a complete desktop and mobile workflow ecosystem with mobile and cloud integration.

“We are excited to deliver ON1 Photo RAW 2022.1 to our customers. Hopefully, everyone can find some time to play with the new features and enhancements over the holidays. As we look into next year, Photo RAW owners will be very excited about what we still have coming,” says Craig Keudell, ON1 President.

New Features in ON1 Photo RAW 2022.1

• Liquify Tool –– The new Liquify Tool lets you push, bloat, and pinch areas of your photo to reduce flaws or reshape regions. It’s completely non-destructive, so you can easily adjust each stroke after the fact.
• Enhanced Sky Swap AI — The AI model for Sky Swap AI has been enhanced to improve masks on photos with birds, buildings, antennas, trees, and other objects in the sky.
• Advanced Search –– Finding the right photos got a lot easier with the new Advanced Search dialog. It harnesses the power of a modern database to search the metadata for all of your photos. This goes way beyond the basics to include searching on any combination of fields, with per-field operators and intelligent ranges.
• Smart Albums –– Save your favorite searches as Smart Albums so you can get to just the right photos in an instant. You can create Smart Albums for your favorites, for holidays, recent edits, you name it.
• Snapshots –– Snapshots let you freeze a point and time so you can always get back to it. They are perfect for comparing different treatments like color versus black and white.
• Crop Tool Presets –– The crop tool now lets you store custom crop aspect ratios so you can quickly re-access them.
• Visualize Dust When Retouching — Have you ever made a print to only see a big dust spot you hadn’t noticed on your screen? Now it’s easy to find all the dust and remove them with the new Visualize Dust option in the retouching tools. It makes the dust jump out, so you don’t miss any.
• Shared Presets — Presets you create or install from preset packs are now shared across all supported versions of ON1 apps, like ON1 Photo RAW and ON1 Effects.
• Topographic Map –– If you are an outdoor enthusiast, you will appreciate the topographic map option in the map view.
• Performance Improvements — Faster Background Export, Faster Opening of RAW Files, Improved GPU support for M1.
• New Cameras — Added support for Raw files from the Canon EOS R3, Sony A7 IV, Ricoh GR IIIx, and Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5 II.
• New Lenses –– OLYMPUS M.12-45mm F4.0

Pricing & Availability
ON1 offers photographers the choice to purchase with both perpetual or subscription license options for ON1 Photo RAW.

Version 2022.1 is a free update for all owners of ON1 Photo RAW 2022. Version 2022.1 is available today for $99.99 for a perpetual license. Owners of any previous version of any ON1 products can order version 2022.1 for the upgrade price of $79.99. A free 14-day trial of ON1 Photo RAW 2022.1 is also available to download today. If you have previously used the trial version, you can still download version 2022.1 and use it an additional 14 days in trial mode.

ON1 Photo RAW subscribers will automatically receive the new ON1 Photo RAW 2022.1 as part of their plans. Photo RAW subscription plans always include the latest version of ON1 Photo RAW for computers and mobile, the cloud syncing, and each ON1 plugin. Starting plans are as low as $7.99 per month or $89.99 per year.

A single purchase of any ON1 product includes Windows and macOS versions on two computers and support for 11 languages.

For a limited time, any new purchase of the new ON1 Photo RAW 2022.1 includes the ON1 Winter Creative Collection with over 80 additional winter-themed brushes, overlays, textures, LUTs, and ON1 presets.

About ON1
For the better part of two decades, ON1 has provided award-winning software to millions of photographers worldwide. ON1 accomplishes this by being different from other photo editing software companies. ON1 puts the photographer first, and this means customers have complete control over every aspect of their photography, including having a say in the products ON1 develops.

The ON1 focus has always been and will always be to provide an open system keeping you in control of your photos. We will always give you choices in the organization, storage, editing, creative style, and how you purchase ON1 products. We will never force you into a subscription model. You will always have a choice of perpetual license, subscription, or membership when choosing how you buy ON1.

ON1, creators of the best photo editing software applications for photographers, announce a new update for ON1 Photo RAW 2022. Version 2022.1 includes a one-of-a-kind re-editable Liquify Tool, a convenient way to log editing steps with Snapshots, all-new photo organizing features like Advanced Search and Smart Albums, and several other new features and enhancements.

ON1 Photo RAW is the ultimate editor. This robust photo organizer, raw processor, layered editor, and photo effects app can solve all of your photo editing needs. To top it off, ON1 Photo RAW 2022.1 can also be a complete desktop and mobile workflow ecosystem with mobile and cloud integration.

“Our goals are aligned around making ON1 Photo RAW the best photo editing software for photographers. That will never change. This new update brings some great features and enhancements to help simplify workflows. Customers should also be excited about what is still to come in version 2022,” says Craig Keudell, ON1 President.

New Features in ON1 Photo RAW 2022.1
Liquify Tool –– The new Liquify Tool lets you push, bloat, and pinch areas of your photo to reduce flaws or reshape regions. It’s completely non-destructive, so you can easily adjust each stroke after the fact.

Advanced Search –– Finding the right photos got a lot easier with the new Advanced Search dialog. It harnesses the power of a modern database to search the metadata for all of your photos. This goes way beyond the basics to include searching on any combination of fields, with per-field operators and intelligent ranges.

Smart Albums –– Save your favorite searches as Smart Albums so you can get to just the right photos in an instant. You can create Smart Albums for your favorites, for holidays, recent edits, you name it.

Snapshots –– Snapshots let you freeze a point and time so you can always get back to it. They are perfect for comparing different treatments like color versus black and white.

Crop Tool Presets –– The crop tool now lets you store custom crop aspect ratios so you can quickly re-access them.

Visualize Dust When Retouching — Have you ever made a print to only see a big dust spot you hadn’t noticed on your screen? Now it’s easy to find all the dust and remove them with the new Visualize Dust option in the retouching tools. It makes the dust jump out, so you don’t miss any.

Shared Presets — Presets you create or install from preset packs are now shared across all supported versions of ON1 apps, like ON1 Photo RAW and ON1 Effects.

Topographic Map –– If you are an outdoor enthusiast, you will appreciate the topographic map option in the map view.

Performance Improvements — Faster Background Export, Faster Opening of RAW Files, Improved GPU support for M1, and improved AI model for Sky Swap AI.

New Cameras — Added support for Raw files from the Canon EOS R3, Sony A7 IV, Ricoh GR IIIx, and Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5 II.

New Lenses –– OLYMPUS M.12-45mm F4.0

Pricing & Availability
ON1 offers photographers the choice to purchase with both perpetual or subscription license options for ON1 Photo RAW.

Version 2022.1 is a free update for all owners of ON1 Photo RAW 2022. The new version 2022.1 will be available on December 20th for $99.99 for a perpetual license. Owners of any previous version of any ON1 products can order version 2022.1 for the upgrade price of $79.99. A free 14-day trial will also be available to download December 20th.

ON1 Photo RAW subscribers will automatically receive the new ON1 Photo RAW 2022.1 as part of their plans. Photo RAW subscription plans always include the latest version of ON1 Photo RAW for computers and mobile, the cloud syncing, and each ON1 plugin. Starting plans are as low as $7.99 per month or $89.99 per year.

A single purchase of any ON1 product includes Windows and macOS versions on two computers and support for 11 languages.

For a limited time, any new purchase of the new ON1 Photo RAW 2022.1 includes the ON1 Winter Creative Collection with over 80 additional winter-themed brushes, overlays, textures, LUTs, and ON1 presets.

About ON1
For the better part of two decades, ON1 has provided award-winning software to millions of photographers worldwide. ON1 accomplishes this by being different from other photo editing software companies. ON1 puts the photographer first, and this means customers have complete control over every aspect of their photography, including having a say in the products ON1 develops.

The ON1 focus has always been and will always be to provide an open system keeping you in control of your photos. We will always give you choices in the organization, storage, editing, creative style, and how you purchase ON1 products. We will never force you into a subscription model. You will always have a choice of perpetual license, subscription, or membership when choosing how you buy ON1.

Have you ever made a print to only see a big dust spot you hadn’t noticed on your screen? Now it’s easy to find all the dust and remove them with the new Visualize Dust option in the retouching tools. It makes the dust jump out so you don’t miss any. The best raw processor and photo editing software, ON1 Photo RAW 2022, is getting an easy way to visualize dust spots in the next free update.

Save your favorite searches as Smart Albums so you can get to just the right photos in an instant. You can create Smart Albums for your favorites, for holidays, recent edits, you name it. These are making a comeback in the next free update to ON1 Photo RAW 2022.

Check this video I put together using the new Liquify Tool for editing apparel and another portrait. The new Liquify Tool is coming in the next free update to ON1 Photo RAW 2022. It’s completely non-destructive, and the re-editing capabilities let you dial in the settings without any trial and error. ON1 Photo RAW 2022 is the ultimate photo editing software!

What’s so great about the new Liquify Tool coming in the next free update to ON1 Photo RAW 2022? Well, it’s completely non-destructive. It means you can easily adjust each stroke of the tool and go back to dial in the settings without having to start all over like other Liquify tools. A fantastic feature is coming to ON1 Photo RAW, the ultimate photo editing software for Mac and Windows!

While raw processing is quite essential, so is photo organizing and searching for your photos. A lot of photographers struggle with finding the right image at the right time. We’re updating the way customers search their photo libraries in the next free update to ON1 Photo RAW 2022. Searching for the right photos gets a lot easier with the new Advanced Search dialog. It harnesses the power of a modern database to search the metadata through all of your photos. This new feature goes way beyond the basics to include searching on any combination of fields, with per-field operators and intelligent ranges. ON1 Photo RAW is the ultimate photo editing software for Mac and Windows.

Wouldn’t it be nice if there was a simple way to compare certain edits? With Snapshots, you can freeze a point and time when photo editing so you can always get back to it. Snapshots are the perfect solution for comparing different edits or photo effects like color versus black and white. This new feature is coming in the next free update to ON1 Photo RAW 2022, the ultimate raw processor and photo editing software.