JPEG and Camera Raw Files in Photoshop – Overview

JPEG and Camera Raw Files in Photoshop: Video

            This video lesson, titled “Learn about JPEG and Camera Raw Files in Adobe Photoshop: A Training Tutorial,” shows the differences between JPEG and Camera Raw files in Photoshop. This video lesson is from our complete Photoshop tutorial, titled “Mastering Photoshop Made Easy.”

Overview:

            This lesson covers the differences between JPEG and camera raw files in Photoshop. When taking photos with a camera, you often have the choice to take the photos in either the JPEG or Camera Raw file format. In general, many less-expensive cameras only let you take JPEG photos. However, many more expensive models offer the option of taking photos in either JPEG or Camera Raw formats.

            JPEG is a photo file format associated with file types that end with either a “.jpg” or “.jpeg” file extension. However, there are many different types of Camera Raw file formats available. Commonly used camera raw file formats include “.nef,” “.cr2,” and “.crw,” among others. You should choose the default file type you want to use to take photos before you take pictures with your camera.

            JPEG, which stands for Joint Photographic Experts Group, is the most common image file type. When a camera produces a JPEG file, it compresses it before saving it. This produces a smaller file which loses a bit of data as a result, usually an unrecognizable amount. However, camera raw images give you uncompressed and larger files which have no loss of data or clarity.

            If you have the space and the choice, it’s always better to shoot in Camera Raw, as it achieves the maximum photo clarity available. Photoshop is integrated with the latest version of Camera Raw. This lets you work in a non-destructive manner with camera raw files to set image attributes like white levels, sharpness, and contrast within Photoshop. So, in summary, you should know your camera’s default photo capture settings before taking photographs and opening them in Photoshop.

A picture showing JPEG and Camera Raw files in Photoshop.

Camera Raw Files versus JPEG Files in Photoshop – Summary:

1. When taking photos with a camera, you often have the choice to take the photos in either the JPEG or Camera Raw file format.
2. JPEG, which stands for Joint Photographic Experts Group, is the most common image file type. When a camera produces a JPEG file, it compresses it before saving it. This produces a smaller file which loses a bit of data as a result, usually an unrecognizable amount.
3. Alternatively, camera raw images give you uncompressed and larger files which have no loss of data or clarity.
4. If you have the space and the choice, it’s always better to shoot in camera raw, as it achieves the maximum photo clarity available. So, you should know your camera’s default photo capture settings before taking photographs and opening them in Photoshop.