If you want to know the difference between RAW and JPEG, then have a look at the complete article to get detailed information. 

RAW and JPEG are two of the most popular and commonly seen image formats. Both of these formats have their attributes. Most digital cameras nowadays either save the pictures in the RAW or the JPEG format. Some cameras may even provide an option to save images in either format. Hence, it becomes quite important for the photographer to choose between the two.

To help you even further, in the later sections of this write-up we will provide you with the difference between RAW and JPEG. This will clear every doubt you have regarding the two. But before we go over the differences, let’s have a look at the definition of the two.

What is the RAW File Format?

RAW is the format of the image captured by the camera in the original, digital form. This image captured is unprocessed and uncompressed in any form. Hence is completely original. Even some scanners may provide output to you in the RAW format. This format may store the image after taking up more space in the memory as it retains a lossless quality for all of your images. If explained in brief, the RAW is not a category of the image format. Instead, RAW is a file format that retains data in the form of images.

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What is the JPEG Image Format?

Unlike RAW, JPEG is an image format. The main purpose of the JPEG format is to reduce the size of the image by compressing it. Hence, the file size of such an image is also smaller when compared to the RAW file. This format is amongst the most commonly used and seen image format from the house of JPG. Mostly, the editors and photographers use the format to apply the desired edits to the image and then save it.

Also Read: How to Recover Deleted Photos from Camera SD Card

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Main Points of Difference Between RAW and JPEG

To answer the question of what is the difference between RAW and JPEG, we are providing the table below. Here you will find all the major points of difference between both formats.

Points of Difference	RAW Format	JPEG Format
Definition	The RAW format is the format of the original and unprocessed pictures clicked by your digital camera or scanner.	The JPEG format is the format of the processed and/or compressed pictures after performing edits on the image.
Type	The RAW format is a type of file format rather than an image format.	The JPEG format is a type of image format rather than a document format.
Size of the File	The size of the file stored under the RAW format is very large.	The size of the file stored under the JPEG format is comparatively small.
Originality	The RAW format retains the originality of the image clicked.	The JPEG format does retain the originality of the image as it is processed.
Compression	The images clicked and saved under the RAW format are not compressed in any way.	The images clicked and saved under the JPEG formats are compressed.
Control	You have total control over the RAW images as they are original.	You may not have as much control over the JPEG images as they are not original but processed.
Storage	As the RAW files are bigger in size, they need more storage space.	As the JPEG files are smaller in size, they need less storage space.
Quality of the Image	The RAW format provides a higher quality output to you.	The JPEG format provides a lower quality output to you.
Color Spectrum	In RAW files, you can enjoy a wider and larger color spectrum as compared to any other format.	In JPEG files, you get a narrower and smaller color spectrum as compared to the RAW format.
Effect of Resize	Even if you resize the RAW files, you will get the same quality as the original one.	If you resize the JPEG files, you may get the same quality as the original one, and the same will, most probably, deteriorate.
Sharpening Control	As the RAW images are unprocessed and original, provide more control over the sharpening of the image.	As the JPEG images are processed and unoriginal, they provide lesser control over the sharpening of the image.
Color Limitations	The RAW image format poses lesser color limitations to you.	The JPEG image format poses more color limitations to you.
Image Quality Type	The RAW image format supports 12-bit, 16-bit, or even higher image quality.	The JPEG image format supports 8-bit, or even lower image quality.
Editing	You can not edit the RAW image directly and hence may need to convert the same into JPEG, JPG, or some other format.	You can edit the JPEG image directly and hence do not need to convert the same into JPG, TIFF, or some other format.
Software Support	The RAW files require a special tool to open content as every tool and image viewer may not support it.	The JPEG files do not require any special tool to open the content as every tool and image viewer easily supports it.
Usage	The RAW file format is generally used by cameras and scanners to provide precise outputs.	The JPEG file format is generally used by cameras, scanners, and other devices and software to provide processed outputs.
Speed	The RAW files take more time to convert, edit, share and move.	The JPEG files take less time to convert, edit, share and move.
Frame Rate	While using the RAW file format to click images, your frame rate may reduce.	While using the JPEG file format to click images, your frame rate will not reduce.
Detailed	The images clicked under the RAW format are quite detailed, capturing all attributes.	The images clicked under the JPEG format are not as detailed, capturing all attributes.
Contrast	The RAW files images have less contrast.	The JPEG images have more contrast.
Recovery Options	The RAW file provides an added benefit of excellent recovery benefits.	The JPEG file provides fewer recovery benefits.
Yielded Colors	The RAW file format yields over 16 million colors in the images.	The JPEG file format yields only 256 colors in the images.
Levels of Brightness	The RAW format provides an option to yield brightness between 4096 to 16,384 levels.	The JPEG format provides an option to yield the brightness between up to 256 levels only.

Also Read: How To Delete Duplicate Photos On Your SD Card

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Pro Tip: Remove Duplicate RAW and JPEG Images With Ease

One of the most common image-related problems faced by users is duplicate pictures. As we save and store more and more images, duplication is bound to happen. Whether it is the RAW or JPEG image format. The problem is quite common for both formats. However, to help you with this issue, we are providing the best solution.

This is the best duplicate photo finder and remover that support both RAW, JPEG and numerous other file formats. With a single click, you can get rid of the duplicates, free up space, and improve the performance of your PC. you will find various other features of the tool after downloading and installing it.

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RAW vs JPEG: Explained Successfully

So, here we conclude the main difference between RAW and JPEG. We hope that after having a look at the differences, you got all the details you needed. If you can, we recommend that you use the RAW image format on your camera. This will allow you to retain the best quality images out of your capturing device with ease.

If you have any questions related to what is the difference between RAW and JPEG and other similar topics. You can contact us using the comments section provided below. We will help you with the perfect solutions for your queries with ease. We also appreciate your helpful feedback and suggestions.

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