📸 RAW vs JPEG: Choosing Your Format with Purpose

🧠 What Is RAW?

RAW files (like Nikon’s NEF) are unprocessed digital negatives. They preserve all sensor data, allowing for maximum flexibility in post-processing. JPEGs, by contrast, are compressed and processed in-camera—ready to use but limited in editability.

Nikon D3 with 35-105 f3.5/4.5

✅ Pros of Shooting in RAW

Benefit	Why It Matters
Maximum Image Quality	RAW retains full bit depth (12–14 bits), allowing for richer tones and smoother gradients.
Dynamic Range	You can recover highlights and shadows that would be lost in JPEG.
White Balance Control	Easily adjusted in post without degrading image quality.
Non-Destructive Editing	RAW edits don’t overwrite the original file.
Color Fidelity	More accurate and flexible colour grading, especially useful in documentary work.
Archival Integrity	RAW preserves the full scene for future reinterpretation or teaching.

❌ Cons of Shooting in RAW

Limitation	Consideration
Large File Sizes	RAW files are 2–6× larger than JPEGs, requiring more storage and faster cards.
Slower Workflow	Requires post-processing before sharing or printing.
Flat Appearance	RAW files look dull out of the camera and need editing to reveal their potential.
Software Dependency	Requires compatible software (e.g., Lightroom, Capture NX2).
Not Universally Viewable	RAW files can’t be uploaded directly to social media or viewed on all devices.

✅ Pros of Shooting in JPEG

Benefit	Why It Matters
Smaller Files	Saves space and speeds up workflow.
Ready to Share	No editing required—ideal for quick delivery or previews.
In-Camera Processing	Sharpening, noise reduction, and colour tweaks are applied automatically.
Faster Shooting	Smaller files mean quicker write speeds and more buffer capacity.

❌ Cons of Shooting in JPEG

Limitation	Consideration
Limited Editing Flexibility	Exposure, white balance, and colour adjustments are constrained.
Lossy Compression	Fine detail and tonal nuance are discarded to reduce file size.
Risk of Overprocessing	In-camera settings may oversaturate or oversharpen images.
No Recovery Safety Net	Blown highlights or underexposed shadows are often unrecoverable.

🧭 My Take: When to Use Each

• Use RAW when documenting emotionally complex scenes, working in tricky light, or building an archive for teaching and reflection.

• Use JPEG when speed, discretion, or file size matters—e.g., quick street sessions, scouting, or casual walkabout.

You might also consider RAW+JPEG mode on the D3: it gives you a quick preview and a full digital negative for later refinement.

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