Digital File Formats
File Compression
File compression can be achieved in basically two ways: lossless and lossy. A lossless compression algorithm does not discard any information from the file. Moreover, it looks for efficient ways to represent an image without compromising on its original quality. On the other hand, a lossy compression algorithm reduces the file size by compromising to a certain extent on the image quality.
JPEG Define
JPEG (which stands for Joint Photographic Expert Group) is the most popular form of storing digital images. The compression method is usually lossy, meaning that some original image information is lost and cannot be restored, possibly affecting image quality
RAW Define
RAW is basically just that - the raw, unprocessed, naked image. Think of it as the digital negative, because it performs the same function as negatives do in film photography.
TIFF Define
TIFF (which stands for Tagged Image File Format) is considered the standard photographic file format, because it is a highly flexible format that uses a lossless compression algorithm, so there's no image degradation during compression. This ability to store image information in a lossless format makes a TIFF file very useful for archiving images.
TIFF: Type of configuration
There are two types of TIFF configurations - 16-bit and 8-bit: 1) 16-bit provides you with more information to manipulate the final image in the digital darkroom (i.e. colour saturation changes, colour balance changes, brightness & contrast changes, etc.) 2) 8-bit (best for archiving and printing), which retains all the "work" you've done on the photo (the layers), but saves to a relatively smaller size.
JPEG +
1) When you shoot using JPEG you get more photos on your memory card 2) It's faster to save images on your camera and in photo manipulation later 3) Ideal for distributing snapshots online as smaller file size
RAW -
1) RAW files take up more space on your camera's compact flash card or microdrive than other formats. 2) RAW files require you conduct some degree of post processing via photo editing software to convert your image to an editable file type for editing, printing and/or online display. 3) RAW file software editors have a learning curve, even if mild, and for the uninitiated can be intimidating at first. 4) Batch processing and/or loading multiple files may tax slower machines and require more computer RAM to keep your software running smoothly.
RAW +
1) RAW is a digital negative holding all of the data captured by your camera providing you a foundational element to which to apply all of your edits to with no sacrifice of image quality. 2) RAW file software editors allow you to quickly and easily change the output of your image such as adjusting exposure, white balance, noise reduction, image size (interpolation), saturation, contrast, levels, curves, sharpness, output resolution, bits/channel, etc. 3) RAW file software editors allow you to load saved adjustment settings and some even enables users to batch process a group of files versus making changes to one file at a time.
TIFF -
1) TIFF files can be relatively large 2) Majority of cameras do not shoot in a dedicated TIFF file format
JPEG -
1) The re-edited and saved image loses still more quality (similar to a photocopy). Each subsequent re-edit and save of a JPEG further reduces the quality. 2) The compression algorithm used to save the image disregards far too much image information that cannot be reconstructed during decompression.
TIFF +
1) Unlike a JPEG, a TIFF file may be edited and re-saved without losing any image quality. 2) In post-production (e.g. using Photoshop) you retain access to the individual layers of an edited and saved image, so you can revisit them in the future. 3) Large file size allows for very large blow-ups with no digital artefacts in the print.