What are the benefits and drawbacks of shooting raw vs jpeg for editing?

1 Raw format

Raw format is the unprocessed data captured by your camera sensor. It contains all the information about the colors, contrast, exposure, and details of the scene. This gives you more flexibility and control when editing, as you can adjust these parameters without losing quality or introducing noise. Raw files also have a higher dynamic range, meaning they can capture more details in the shadows and highlights. This is especially useful for architectural photography, where you often have to deal with challenging lighting conditions.

2 Jpeg format

Jpeg format is the compressed and processed version of the raw data. Your camera applies some settings, such as white balance, sharpness, and saturation, to the image and discards some information to reduce the file size. This makes jpeg files smaller and faster to transfer and store. Jpeg files are also more compatible with most devices and software, so you don't need to convert them or use special programs to view them. Jpeg files are suitable for situations where you need to shoot quickly, share your images online, or print them without much editing.

3 Benefits of raw

Shooting in raw format has many benefits for architectural photography. You can fine-tune your images to match your vision and style, without compromising the quality or integrity of the original data. You can also correct exposure and white balance errors, recover details in the highlights and shadows, and enhance the colors and contrast of your images. Raw files also allow you to use advanced editing techniques, such as HDR, panorama, or focus stacking, which can create stunning results for architectural photography.

4 Drawbacks of raw

Shooting in raw format also has some drawbacks that you need to consider. Raw files are much larger than jpeg files, which means they take up more space on your memory card and hard drive. They also require more processing power and time to edit, as you need to use specialized software and convert them to other formats. Raw files are also not ready to use or share right away, as they need some adjustments to look good. Raw files are not ideal for situations where you need to deliver your images quickly, or where you have limited storage or battery capacity.

5 Benefits of jpeg

Shooting in jpeg format also has some benefits for architectural photography. Jpeg files are smaller and faster to handle, which means you can shoot more images and save more space on your memory card and hard drive. They are also more convenient and compatible, as you can view them on any device and software, and share them online or print them without any conversion. Jpeg files are also ready to use or share right away, as they already have some processing and enhancement applied by your camera. Jpeg files are ideal for situations where you need to work fast, or where you are happy with the results straight out of the camera.

6 Drawbacks of jpeg

Shooting in jpeg format also has some drawbacks that you need to consider. Jpeg files are less flexible and editable, as they have less information and quality than raw files. You cannot change the white balance, exposure, or other settings without losing some details or introducing noise or artifacts. Jpeg files also have a lower dynamic range, meaning they can clip or lose details in the highlights and shadows. Jpeg files also limit your creative options, as you cannot use some advanced editing techniques, such as HDR, panorama, or focus stacking, which can enhance your architectural photography.

7 Here’s what else to consider

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