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RAW vs JPEG: Which Format Should You Shoot In?

When it comes to photography, especially digital photography, one of the first big questions you’ll face is: Should I shoot in RAW or JPEG? RAW vs JPEG, It’s more than just a file format—it affects how your photos look, how you edit them, how much space you need, and even how fast your camera operates.

In this post, we’ll break down the pros and cons of RAW and JPEG, when to use each, and how tools like Evoto make working with RAW files easier than ever.

What Is a RAW File?

A RAW file is like a digital film negative. It contains all the unprocessed data captured by your camera sensor. This means:

More flexibility in editing (exposure, white balance, shadows/highlights).
Higher image quality, since it’s not compressed.
You can recover more detail in both bright and dark areas.
Common RAW file extensions include .CR2, .NEF, .ARW, .ORF, and .DNG, depending on your camera brand.

Downside? RAW files are large and require special software to open and edit. They also look flat or dull until post-processed.

What Is a JPEG File?

JPEG (or JPG) is a compressed, processed format. Your camera adds contrast, saturation, and sharpening right away, producing a finished-looking photo that’s ready to use.

Why people love JPEG:

Small file sizes = more space on your memory card.
Instantly viewable on any device.
Faster shooting & sharing.
Trade-off? JPEG discards some image data during compression. That means less room to fix mistakes in editing.

RAW vs JPEG: Quick Comparison

Evoto: Make RAW Editing Easy

RAW editing doesn’t have to be intimidating. With Evoto, you can unlock the power of RAW files, without the steep learning curve.

Why Evoto?

  • Import RAW files directly and see instant improvements with AI-powered tools
  • One-click enhancements for exposure, tone, and skin retouching
  • Batch editing for high-efficiency workflows
  • Designed for creators who want high-end results fast

Whether you’re editing wedding shoots, product photos, or portraits—Evoto helps you skip the technical hassle and focus on creating beautiful work. Try Evoto Free and see how easy RAW editing can be.

Originally from: https://blog.evoto.ai/raw-vs-jpeg/

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