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00:00:00 – 00:14:51
The video, presented by professional nature and wildlife photographer Simon, provides an in-depth comparison of RAW and JPEG image formats in photography, including their advantages, disadvantages, and technical differences. RAW files, described as "digital negatives," retain all original, uncompressed data captured by the camera’s sensor, allowing for extensive post-processing flexibility, particularly in adjusting highlights, shadows, and white balance without losing image quality. However, they require significant storage space and can slow down burst shooting due to larger file sizes. JPEG files, on the other hand, are compressed, processed images with in-camera adjustments for contrast, saturation, and noise reduction, making them immediately usable and storage-efficient. JPEGs are ideal for quick access and universal compatibility, beneficial in situations like live events or real-time postings. The video also discusses compressed RAW formats, which offer a middle ground by retaining much of the quality of RAW while being more storage-efficient, suitable for scenarios like safaris. Ultimately, the speaker emphasizes that while the choice of format can impact workflow, developing photography skills is paramount.
00:00:00
In this segment of the video, the presenter, Simon, a professional nature and wildlife photographer, discusses the differences between RAW and JPEG image formats in photography. He explains that a RAW file is the original, uncompressed, and unprocessed data captured by the camera’s sensor, often referred to as a “digital negative” because it contains all the original data and requires decoding by software like Adobe Lightroom. In contrast, a JPEG file is a compressed and processed version of the image, with adjustments such as contrast, saturation, sharpening, and noise reduction already applied to make it look more appealing. Simon mentions that these adjustments in JPEGs can be customized via camera settings, known as Picture Styles in Canon, Picture Control in Nikon, Film Simulation in Fuji, and Picture Profile in Sony. He also warns viewers about scams in the comments section.
00:03:00
In this segment, the video explains that even though you shoot in RAW, the image displayed on your camera’s LCD is a JPEG, which is compressed to save space. The video details how JPEG compression works by simplifying data, such as recording large white areas as single sections rather than individual white pixels, thereby reducing file size. However, JPEG uses a complex algorithm that considers human visual perception, prioritizing changes in brightness over color variations.
The segment contrasts RAW and JPEG formats, highlighting that RAW files capture many more colors (14-bit vs. 8-bit for JPEG) and more data, resulting in larger file sizes (53 MB vs. 14 MB). The reduction in bit depth in JPEGs can cause gradient issues, where transitions between colors can appear streaky or blocky. Through a visual demonstration with gradients in Photoshop, the video shows how compression affects image quality, emphasizing that higher bit-depth images retain smooth transitions even after compression changes. Finally, the segment sets up a comparison between real photos shot in both RAW and JPEG to illustrate these points.
00:06:00
In this part of the video, the speaker compares the differences between shooting in JPEG and RAW formats. They illustrate that JPEGs look good straight out of the camera due to in-camera processing like noise reduction and added saturation, but struggle in recovering highlights and shadows when edited. RAW files, despite being larger, offer more flexibility in post-processing, allowing for better adjustment of highlights, shadows, and white balance without degrading the image quality. The trade-off with RAW files includes the need for significant storage and higher costs, as well as slower performance when shooting in burst mode due to the large file sizes. Conversely, JPEGs offer faster performance and are more storage-efficient, but with limited post-processing capabilities.
00:09:00
In this part of the video, the focus is on the advantages and disadvantages of shooting in JPEG versus RAW format. Key points include JPEG’s benefit in environments where quick access and universal compatibility are essential, such as live events or real-time postings from a phone. JPEGs are easier to use straight out of the camera and can be opened by almost any device. On the other hand, shooting in RAW is recommended for those prioritizing dynamic range, post-processing flexibility, and ultimate image quality. A review of when to use each format based on workflow priorities and storage considerations is provided. Additionally, the option to shoot in both formats simultaneously is mentioned for those needing immediate usability and a high-quality backup. The video concludes by briefly introducing a third format, compressed RAW.
00:12:00
In this part of the video, the speaker discusses the differences between raw, compressed raw, and JPEG photo formats in terms of file size and quality. They explain that compressed raw files are smaller but maintain a quality close to raw files, especially in practical use cases where extreme cropping or dynamic range recovery is not required. Different camera brands have various settings for compressed raw, such as Nikon’s 12-bit and 14-bit options, Sony’s 13-bit settings, and Canon’s craw format. The speaker’s testing shows minimal quality differences in highly magnified views, suggesting compressed raw is a viable alternative for most photographers. They also highlight the practicality of using compressed raw or JPEG when storage is limited, such as on a Safari, and conclude by emphasizing the importance of skill development over the choice of file format.