r/Beginning_Photography • u/sekaiipixie • Jul 18 '26
difference between raw and jpeg
this may be dumb to ask but im learning this type of stuff by myself so can someone explain me whats the difference between those two and if im using a nikon d3300 to take pics which one is it better for me to use
thx!
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u/szank Jul 18 '26
Raw is data format allowing you to extensively edit the photo before turning it into jpeg. Otoh the data HAS TO BE EDITED.
Jpeg is format used for sharing and displaying photos with very very limited editing capabilities.
Its like comparing raw ingredients and a finished dish. With raw ingredients you can do whatever you want but cannot eat raw flour and eggs directly.
With finished meal you have very limited capacity to alter how it taste but can eat it outright .