Age Old Debate RAW vs Compressed file's when shooting Digitally, lets dive in.

 Shooting in RAW format vs compressed format is a key consideration for photographers, as it affects the quality and flexibility of the final image. Many sit on both sides of this discussion. Lets talk about what is Raw, Compressed, and then finally what choice should you make?

What is RAW?

RAW format is an uncompressed, unprocessed image file that captures all the data from the camera's sensor. This format provides the highest level of detail and color accuracy, as well as the most flexibility in post-processing. Photographers can adjust exposure, white balance, and other settings without any loss of quality, as the image has not been compressed or processed in any way.

What is Compressed?

On the other hand, compressed formats, such as JPEG, are smaller in file size and are processed in-camera, with settings such as exposure, white balance, and sharpness applied automatically. While this can save time and storage space, the image quality is reduced, as some data is lost during the compression process. Additionally, once a JPEG image is saved, any changes made to the image result in further degradation of the image quality.

If you want full control of your shot then shooting in RAW format offers the greatest degree of control and image quality. Making it the preferred choice for professional photographers. However, compressed formats are more convenient for everyday use and are better suited for quick sharing and online use, but they sacrifice some image quality and flexibility in exchange. Ultimately, the choice between RAW and compressed formats depends on the photographer's individual needs and the intended use of the images. 

While other considerations could be looked at like the type of equipment you use, or the storage solution you use, it will always come down to the photographers preference. We shoot in RAW all the time everyday, but that might just not be right for everyone and we understand that and we see you. So next time you witness someone going on about how it is the only way to do it, just agree that it does have it's benefits, but it is just not for you. 

Let us know your thoughts.

Cheers!