So, what is the best format to shoot in and what is the difference between them all?
JPG: This file contains an algorithmic file that holds the image in a smaller format.
- Pros: These are smaller type files that are easily read on any computer.
- Cons: Since it was built using a algorithm, anytime you “fix” and re-save the file, you will lose a certain amount of clarity and some color in the process.
TIFF: (Tagged Image File Format) This file allows your photos to be stored in a lossless type of compression. You can modify the file all you want and you will not destroy is clarity or color. This file format was created in 1992 and to-date has not been changed.
- Pros: Edit this file all you want
- Cons: Compared to its JPG counterpart, this file can be huge.
RAW: Called CR2 (Canon type) or NEF (Nikon) type, this is my favorite file type to shoot in. These files are minimally processed and contain the raw data that came off the CCD chip in the camera at the time the shot was taken.
- Pros: You have total control over the file to do any repairs. This is the best file format to use to ‘fix” something. You can even fix the “color temperature” of the shot.
- Cons: Most of the time, you need a current copy of Photoshop ($600 bucks for an upgrade) or Aperture ($99 for an upgrade) to make any modifications to the file.
So, why are RAW files like raw food? It’s just the closest thing to the actual photo shot. Like raw food, it contains all the basic ingredients prior to processing.
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