JPEG VS RAW

When we talk about JPEG and RAW, the first question that arises in mind is what is the full form and meaning of these jargons? Let us see one by one.

What is JPEG or JPG?

JPEG is Joint Photographic Experts Group, this is the compressed format and can be used for email or websites. It can hold 8 bits of data per pixel. If you wish to see the JPEG image collection, you can refer earlier post on Compact & DSLR.

What is RAW?

RAW is uncompressed and unprocessed or minimally processed file directly from the camera sensor and can't be printed directly. A camera probably captures 12 to 14 bits of data per pixel.
On the basis of my experience and from online knowledge source I have realised one thing and that is RAW is a better option, if you really want to present your image in altogether different avatar. This facility is not available with those who are using compact cameras, but I don't think that anyone need to be worried about jpeg or RAW if you are just a toddler in your photography. One need to pay attention to the quality photography and if you are good in camera setting then it automatically reduces later effort of correcting images. Post processing should be done to add glamour to your image and the image in itself should be such that you don't need to hard work in post processing.

After this, the question of Jpeg or RAW arises when a beginner purchases a DSLR and then give a thought that now what a head?

For them, it is the first question because earlier they were using jpeg format because they had no other option but after purchasing DSLR they think of storage space and post processing work on the computer as well as the non availability of ready to use photos. But even then I would like to recommend to click photos in RAW format because of many benefits that you will derive from an unprocessed image as it gives full right to explore or manipulate the image. If you have already done post processing then definitely you will realise the importance of shooting in RAW. I would like to share a few of the benefits of shooting in RAW and also the non-availability of the features in shooting JPEG format.

 
These things we get by shooting in RAW-

• QUALITY- As you get the raw matter now that is in your hand how better can you handle this and how far can you bring up the quality but this is not possible in a jpeg format.

• DETAILS - Being a raw file so much detail is present in the file that you can explore many things in an image, but in jpeg it is not possible to explore much and details are unrecoverable in JPEG format.

• EXPOSURE CORRECTION -  If in any image mistakenly you forgot to adjust exposure then even that thing can be corrected, but in jpeg if you go for exposure correction it will not expose in a balanced way.

• SHADOWS AND HIGHLIGHTS DETAILS - When you capture an image and it is left with shadows then, in that case, you can obtain details from shadows, but in jpeg you can't get much shadow and highlight details.

• WHITE BALANCE- While taking a picture you forgot to adjust the white balance, then that can also be corrected, whereas in jpeg white balance is applied to image itself.

• BETTER PRINTS- More details are stored in pixels and therefore, there are better chances of getting better prints.

This image is in RAW format and you can see that details are missing where as the same image in edited form you will see all details are present and also image is preety attractive in terms of comparison.

Nikon D5500, 50mm lens @ f/11, 1/200 & 160

Below is the same image in edited format and you can see how much details it contains and can be exploited as per your interest.

After editing the RAW, the final image

There are many benefits but in some cases, it is seen that jpeg is more useful because it is the processed file and on the basis of pre-settings in the camera itself. A Little editing is required and can be done.
These details are either on the basis of my own experience or from learning and I would love to receive your comments on this, if you really find it useful and anything that is left by me or you wants to tell, you are welcome and initiative is highly appreciated.