Image File Format

Introduction

Digital images can be stored in different file formats, such as JPEG, PNG, HEIF and RAW.

  • Each format has its own advantages and disadvantages in terms of quality, size, compatibility and editing flexibility. The ultimate choice depends on the photographer's needs and preferences.



JPEG

JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) is the most popular and compatible file format for compressed digital images across devices, software and web browsers.

  • It uses a lossy (not to be confused with lousy) compression algorithm to reduce the file size of images, which means that it loses some data and quality every time it is edited.



PNG

PNG (Portable Network Graphics) is a popular file format for web images, primarily because of its

  • Lossless compression - This ensures that images retain their full quality even after compression.
  • Transparency support - This makes PNG ideal for logos, icons, and overlays.

However, due to its reliance on lossless compression, PNG files tend to be significantly larger than JPEG files.

  • This makes them less suitable for scenarios where minimizing file size is crucial, such as high-volume photo galleries.



HEIF

HEIF (High-Efficiency Image Format) is a newer file format that is designed to provide better compression than JPEG while maintaining high quality.

  • HEIF files also support 16-bit colour, compared to 8-bit colour in JPEG.

Although it takes up less storage but HEIF files are not widely compatible with all devices and software, and may require conversion to view or edit them.

  • HEIF is supported on iOS 11 or Android 9 and newer devices.



RAW

RAW is a file format that stores uncompressed and unprocessed image data captured by digital camera sensors.

  • It contains more image data and provides flexibility in editing than compressed image formats like JPEG or HEIF.
  • However, it is typically much larger and requires specialized software to view and edit.



Discussion on Apple ProRaw

On iPhone 14 Pro models, users can choose to capture Apple ProRAW images in either 12-megapixel or 48-megapixel resolutions. However, ProRAW images may not be the best option for casual photographers.

Although ProRAW images retain more detail, they are significantly larger than HEIF or JPEG files, with sizes ranging from approximately 25 MB for 12 MP resolution to 75 MB for 48 MP resolution.
  • This can be a concern for users with limited storage capacity, such as those with 128 GB phones, who may need to frequently offload photos or rely on iCloud Photos.

Furthermore, because RAW files are not processed by camera's processor, they may appear less sharp or vibrant compared to the processed JPEG or HEIF images.

  • Users need to use special software to adjust various settings to enhance their ProRAW images, which can be tedious and time-consuming for those who just want to capture and share their photos quickly and easily.

In short, ProRAW is more suitable for professional photographers who want greater post-processing flexibility. Casual photographers may not need the added complexity and storage requirements, and may be better off sticking to JPEG or HEIF (or HEIF Max) formats.



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