Is it possible to take high quality pictures? Explanation of RAW data!
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What is RAW data? Advantages and disadvantages of shooting it and the secret to high-quality prints
When taking photos with a digital camera, many people have probably heard the term "RAW (raw data)." Shooting in RAW data is a very important option, especially for those aiming to create high-quality images. However, some people may have questions such as, "How is it different from JPEG?" and "What are the advantages and disadvantages of shooting in RAW?"
In this article, we at PHOTOPRI will provide easy-to-understand explanations on everything from the basics of RAW data to its advantages and disadvantages when shooting, how it differs from JPEG, and how to print RAW data to make the most of it. Here are some tips to take your work to the next level of quality.
Many digital cameras allow you to shoot in RAW format.
What is RAW data? Understanding the basics
RAW data is a file format that records the light information captured by a digital camera's image sensor (the component that converts light captured by the lens into digital data) with almost no processing whatsoever. "RAW" means "raw" or "unprocessed" in English, and as the name suggests, it is data that is close to the "raw material" as it was when it was photographed.
General JPEG data is created by compressing and saving the RAW data after it has been processed inside the camera, with white balance adjustment, sharpness, noise reduction, and color adjustment. In other words, JPEG is close to the finished product that has been automatically "developed" by the camera.
It's easier to understand this relationship if you compare it to cooking.
- RAW data : The fresh ingredients themselves.
- In-camera image processing engine : "Chef" that cooks automatically.
- JPEG data : "Food" prepared and seasoned by a chef.
The better the quality of the ingredients (RAW data) and the more information they contain, the more you can apply various processes (image editing and development) later to create the dish (creation) you imagine.
For more information on "development," please see this article: What is "development"? An easy-to-understand explanation of the difference between "development" and photo printing.
The benefits of shooting in RAW data
Shooting in RAW data has many advantages when it comes to achieving high quality in your work. Let's take a closer look at the main advantages.
1. Overwhelming amount of information and high editing tolerance
RAW data contains significantly more color and gradation information (levels of brightness) than JPEG. While a typical JPEG contains 8 bits of information (approximately 16.77 million colors), RAW data contains a massive amount of information, such as 12 bits (approximately 68.7 billion colors) or 14 bits (approximately 4.398 trillion colors). This difference in information volume directly translates to greater freedom when editing and less degradation of image quality.
For example, even if a photo was taken with extremely dark exposure (underexposed), RAW data retains a lot of information, so even if you increase the brightness, you can minimize image quality degradation. If you perform similar editing with JPEG, the amount of information is smaller, so colors tend to be lost and noise tends to become more noticeable.
The original image (RAW) that was darkened when it was taken
The RAW data was edited to brighten it, preserving details.
2. Recovery of blown-out highlights and crushed shadows
"Blown-out highlights," where areas that are too bright become completely white, and "crushed shadows," where areas that are too dark become completely black, are major problems that impair the expression of a photograph. Because RAW data contains a wealth of tonal information, it may be possible to restore to a certain extent the details of blown-out highlights and crushed shadows that are lost in JPEG.
The persistence of highlights (bright areas) in particular is a major advantage of RAW data. Even for subjects that are prone to overexposure, such as the subtle gradation of the sky or the delicate texture of a wedding dress, shooting in RAW makes it easier to reproduce details in post-processing.
The original image (RAW) is significantly overexposed.
Editing and correcting the RAW data brings back so much detail.
3. White balance can be freely adjusted later
White balance is an important factor in determining the color tone of a photograph. With JPEG, the white balance set when shooting is burned into the image, so making major changes later can cause image quality to deteriorate. On the other hand, RAW data retains the original light information captured by the sensor, so you can freely adjust the white balance during development without compromising image quality. This is extremely advantageous when the light source at the time of shooting is complex or when you want to pursue a specific color tone.
4. Non-destructive editing
When editing RAW data using RAW development software (e.g. Adobe Lightroom, Capture One, etc.), the original RAW data itself is not changed. Edits are saved as separate settings files, so you can redo edits and try different adjustments as many times as you like. This is called "non-destructive editing." Trial and error is inevitable in the creation of artwork, but with RAW data, you can always keep your original data safe and pursue expression until you are satisfied.
Professional Perspective: RAW Data Expands the Possibilities of Your Work
At PHOTOPRI, we print the works of many professional photographers and artists, many of which are shot and developed using RAW data. This is because the amount of information contained in RAW data is essential to maximizing the quality of the work, such as color depth, richness of gradation, and depiction of fine details.
Especially when it comes to large-format prints for exhibitions, works carefully developed from RAW data have a clearly different breadth and depth of expression compared to works shot in JPEG. RAW data is an extremely powerful tool for giving shape to your desire to "express yourself in the best possible way."
Check out PHOTOPRI's high-quality print servicesDisadvantages of shooting in RAW data
While RAW data has many advantages, it also has some disadvantages. It is important to understand these and use RAW or JPEG depending on your shooting style and purpose.
1. Large file size
RAW data contains a lot of information, so the file size is two to several times larger than JPEG. This can easily take up space on a memory card, reducing the number of photos you can take. It also consumes a lot of storage space when saving to a computer. You may need to prepare a large-capacity memory card or an external HDD/SSD.
2. Development is required
Because RAW data is "raw" data, it cannot be displayed in a standard image viewer or uploaded to social media as is. It must be developed using RAW development software to adjust brightness, contrast, color, sharpness, etc., and then exported to a standard image format such as JPEG or TIFF. This development process requires a certain amount of knowledge, time, and effort.
It may not be suitable if you want to use photos straight out of the box.
3. Specialized software may be required
RAW data file formats generally vary depending on the camera manufacturer and model (e.g., .CR3 (Canon), .NEF (Nikon), .ARW (Sony), etc.). This means you'll need development software that's compatible with your camera's RAW files. Often, they can't be opened using the OS's standard viewer, so you'll need Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop, or the camera manufacturer's own development software.
4. Processing can take a long time
Because the file size is large and contains a lot of information, each process, such as importing to a computer, displaying the image, developing it, and exporting it, tends to take longer than JPEG. This will be less stressful if you have a high-performance computer, but it may feel sluggish on a computer with lower specifications.
Should you shoot in RAW or JPEG? Tips for choosing the right format for each situation
Taking into account the advantages and disadvantages of RAW and JPEG, we will introduce some tips on which to choose in what situations.
| Shooting scene and purpose | Recommended format | reason |
|---|---|---|
| Photography, contest submissions, exhibitions | RAW (or RAW+JPEG) | I want to pursue the highest image quality and be able to edit and adjust the images in detail later. |
| Landscape photography, portraits (takes time to finish) | RAW (or RAW+JPEG) | I want to take advantage of the dynamic range and gradation and pay attention to every detail. |
| Weddings, event recording (important occasions where failure is not an option) | RAW+JPEG | RAW allows for any corrections that may occur, while JPEG is also suitable for breaking news. |
| For everyday snapshots and social media posts | JPEG | I want to take photos easily and share them immediately, and I want to keep the file size small. |
| Scenes where continuous shooting speed is important, such as sports and news reports | JPEG (or RAW without buffer clogging) | This is because the file size is small and it is easy to take multiple shots in a row. |
| I want to improve my image editing skills | RAW | The development process allows you to gain a deeper understanding of your photographs. |
Many cameras also allow you to set it to "RAW+JPEG," which records RAW and JPEG simultaneously. This takes up storage space, but it's convenient because you can use RAW for editing and JPEG for confirmation or backup.
High-quality prints with PHOTOPRI that make the most of RAW data
Even if you take the trouble to shoot in RAW data and carefully develop the work, its true value will not be realized unless the final print quality is up to par. At PHOTOPRI, we help artists and photographers "give shape" to the work they create from RAW data in the best possible form.
Supports RGB direct printing with a wide color gamut
Many general printing services require submissions in CMYK color mode. However, data taken with a digital camera and displayed on a monitor typically uses RGB color modes (sRGB or Adobe RGB), which have a wider color gamut. When converting from RGB to CMYK, the range of colors that can be expressed inevitably narrows, resulting in a loss of vibrancy or unintended colors.
PHOTOPRI uses a system that can directly print RGB data in wide color gamuts such as sRGB and Adobe RGB . This minimizes the loss of color information that occurs during CMYK conversion, allowing us to faithfully reproduce the colors intended by the photographer and the colors adjusted on the monitor. We achieve prints that make the most of the rich color information contained in RAW data.
For more information, please see the page about submitting data .
PHOTOPRI uses RGB direct printing to reproduce the rich colors of RAW data.
2880 x 1440 dpi ultra-high definition giclee print
The precise details and smooth gradations extracted from RAW data can only be realized with high-definition printing technology. PHOTOPRI offers giclee prints at the highest level of resolution, 2880 x 1440 dpi. Every detail of the work is expressed sharply and delicately, resulting in a powerful finish.
Carefully selected paper and genuine ink for long-term storage
We are meticulous in selecting the right paper and ink to enhance the expressive power of your artwork and preserve its beauty for a long time. In addition to art paper from internationally acclaimed manufacturers such as Hahnemühle, Canson, and Japan's Pictorico, we also offer traditional Japanese washi paper . When combined with genuine Epson ink, these papers offer lightfastness of over 30 years, ensuring the long-term preservation of your artwork.
If you're not sure which paper to choose, check out our paper selection guide and see all our paper samples to see the textures for yourself.
Give it a try! Experience the quality of PHOTOPRI
Creating a work from RAW data and then printing it. See for yourself the difference in quality that cannot be conveyed in words alone.
Print on your preferred A5 size paper. You can see the actual finished product.
Request a trial printFrequently asked questions (Q&A) about RAW data
- Q1: Can I shoot in RAW format on a smartphone?
- A1: Yes, some recent high-performance smartphone models (such as the iPhone Pro series and some Android devices) are capable of shooting in RAW (or a similar format, e.g., Apple ProRAW). RAW shooting may also be supported by using an app. However, the characteristics of RAW data shot with a smartphone may differ from those of a digital single-lens camera.
- Q2: Is RAW development difficult? Can even beginners do it?
- A2: RAW development takes some getting used to, but even beginners can get started relatively easily with basic operations (adjusting brightness, contrast, saturation, etc.). Many development software programs also have automatic correction functions, and there are plenty of instruction manuals and online tutorials available. We recommend starting with simple adjustments and gradually working your way up.
- Q3: Can I submit RAW data to PHOTOPRI?
- A3: At PHOTOPRI, we ask that you adjust your RAW data using development software and export it as high-quality JPEG or TIFF format (with sRGB or Adobe RGB profile embedded) before submitting your work. This allows us to most faithfully reproduce the finish you intended. If you have any questions about how to develop RAW data or the optimal export settings, please feel free to contact us .
- Q4: If I shoot in RAW, can I fix any bad photos?
- A4: RAW data is highly resistant to editing, but it is not a panacea. Even with RAW data, it can be difficult to completely correct extreme out-of-focus images, subject motion, or extreme over/underexposure. The basics of photography (focus, composition, appropriate exposure) are still important, and RAW should be considered as something that gives you more freedom in finishing the image afterwards.
For any other questions, please see our FAQ page .
Summary: Mastering RAW data will take your work to new heights
This time, we explained the basics of RAW data, its advantages and disadvantages, and how to print it to maximize its potential.
Shooting and developing RAW data certainly takes time and effort. However, the freedom of expression and improved quality of the work it brings more than makes up for this. RAW data will be a powerful ally, especially for artists and photography enthusiasts who want to preserve and exhibit their work in the best possible form.
At PHOTOPRI, our mission is to deliver the highest quality images of your passion and dedication. Experience the rich colors, delicate details, and smooth gradations that can be created from RAW data with our printing service.
Your work in the highest quality.
PHOTOPRI's wide range of paper and high-quality giclee prints will take your expression to a new dimension.
For more information on PHOTOPRI services, click hereSearch from the paper list
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PHOTOPRI（フォトプリ）
プロ品質の写真プリントサービス
「PHOTOPRI（フォトプリ）」は、写真展クオリティのプリントを提供する専門店です。一枚一枚の色を丁寧に調整し、30種類以上の用紙から最適なものを提案。あなたの作品が持つ魅力を最大限に引き出すお手伝いをします。大切な作品を、最高の形で残しませんか？
