Choosing the Best File Format and Size for Taking Photos: A Guide for Photography Enthusiasts (2025)

Choosing the Best File Format and Size for Taking Photos: A Guide for Photography Enthusiasts (1)

When taking photos, choosing the right file format and size can significantly impact your image quality, storage needs, and post-processing options.

Understanding these settings will help you make the most of your camera, whether you’re capturing family moments, scenic landscapes, or preparing for a professional project. In this guide, we’ll cover the main file formats—RAW and JPEG—and discuss how to decide between large, medium, and small file sizes.

Understanding RAW and JPEG: The Basics

RAW Format

A RAW file captures all the unprocessed data from your camera’s sensor, giving you the most control over your photos in post-processing. RAW files preserve all details, colour information, and dynamic range, allowing you to make significant adjustments to exposure, white balance, and colour without losing quality.

Pros:

  • Maximum image quality and detail
  • Greater flexibility in editing (exposure, shadows, highlights)
  • Can be converted to various formats after editing

Cons:

  • Large file size, requiring more storage
  • Requires editing software to view and process
  • Slower processing speed on the camera, which might impact burst shooting

Choosing the Best File Format and Size for Taking Photos: A Guide for Photography Enthusiasts (2)

JPEG Format

JPEG is a compressed format, meaning some image data is discarded to reduce file size.

While this compression limits editing potential, it’s efficient for storage and allows quick access to photos without processing. JPEGs are often smaller and can be shared immediately, making them ideal for casual photography or when you need quick results.

Pros:

  • Smaller file size, saving storage space
  • Ready to use and share without processing
  • Faster camera performance, ideal for quick shooting


Cons:

  • Limited editing flexibility
  • Loss of detail due to compression
  • Lower dynamic range compared to RAW

Choosing File Sizes: Large, Medium, and Small

In addition to choosing a file format, you can often select the size of the files you save, which will vary depending on the quality setting you choose (typically labelled as Large, Medium, and Small in your camera’s settings – or simply, L, M, S).

Large File Size

A large file size, whether in RAW or JPEG, saves the most data and delivers the highest resolution and quality.

Large-sized RAW files give you the fullest potential for post-processing, while large JPEGs retain more detail and colour than medium or small sizes.

When to use:

  • High-resolution projects, like prints or professional work
  • Complex editing (adjusting exposure, colours, shadows)
  • Situations where you might crop or enlarge the image significantly

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Medium File Size

Medium-sized files offer a balance between quality and storage space. For RAW files, this option will still give you solid detail and flexibility in editing, while medium-sized JPEGs provide decent image quality without taking up too much space.

When to use:

  • Everyday photography, like family or travel photos
  • Online sharing or social media posts
  • When storage space is limited but the quality is still a priority

Small File Size

The smallest file size saves the least data and is best suited for casual shots that don’t require much editing. Small-sized RAW files are less common, but some cameras allow reduced-resolution RAWs for storage efficiency.

Small JPEGs, on the other hand, are efficient for storage but less suitable for enlargements or edits.

When to use:

  • Casual snapshots that don’t need editing
  • Quick, shareable images for web or email
  • When storage space is very limited

Comparing Shooting Capacity: How Many Photos Can You Take?

The file format and size impact the number of photos you can store on your memory card:

RAW Large: Takes up the most space, typically allowing fewer photos. Great for important projects where quality is a top priority.

RAW Medium and Small: Moderate storage needs with decent image quality, offering a compromise for photographers who need a balance of quality and space.

JPEG Large: Fits more photos than RAW while maintaining quality for most non-professional uses.

JPEG Medium and Small: Saves significant space, ideal for casual or high-volume photography (like event coverage).

For example, a 64GB card might hold around 1,000 large RAW images or up to 10,000 small JPEGs. Be mindful of your storage needs when choosing formats and sizes, especially if you’re photographing for extended periods without access to backup storage.

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Quality Differences: What to Expect from Each Format and Size

1. RAW (Large, Medium, Small): RAW files retain the most detail, regardless of size, but a larger RAW file will have more resolution, allowing for high-quality prints and extensive editing. Smaller RAWs retain flexibility but may show reduced detail, especially when printed.

2. JPEG (Large, Medium, Small): Larger JPEGs have better detail and colour accuracy but may still need more depth compared to RAW. Medium JPEGs maintain good quality for everyday use, while small JPEGs, due to higher compression, may show artefacts and reduced clarity, especially when enlarged.

Choosing the Best File Format and Size for Taking Photos: A Guide for Photography Enthusiasts (8)

When to Use Each Format and Size

RAW Large:
Perfect for professional work, landscapes, portraits, and any situation where you want complete control over your image quality and flexibility in editing.

RAW Medium or Small:
Great for hobbyists who want high-quality photos but don’t need the full file size for each shot, especially if storage space is limited.

Choosing the Best File Format and Size for Taking Photos: A Guide for Photography Enthusiasts (9)

JPEG Large:
A great all-rounder for high-quality everyday photography where minimal editing is needed. Ideal for quick social media posts or family events.

JPEG Medium:
Suitable for most casual photography needs, like documenting vacations, outings, or quick snapshots, while conserving storage.

JPEG Small:
Useful for non-essential, casual photography or if you need to capture a high volume of shots quickly (e.g., event photography where quality isn’t as crucial).

Choosing the Best Option for You

Here’s a quick reference based on common scenarios:

Professional and Artistic Photography: RAW Large for the best quality and flexibility.

Travel and Adventure Photography: RAW Medium or JPEG Large if you need to balance storage and quality.

Family and Casual Photography: JPEG Medium provides good quality and efficient storage.

Social Media and Quick Sharing: JPEG Small for easy sharing with minimal storage use.

Conclusion

Selecting the right file format and size is essential for managing both image quality and storage needs. While RAW files offer unmatched quality for editing, JPEGs can be a great choice for sharing and convenience.

The key is to match your settings to the demands of the situation.

Whether you’re capturing an important family event, scenic landscapes, or just experimenting, understanding these options will help you capture the best possible photos while making your workflow efficient.

Choosing the Best File Format and Size for Taking Photos: A Guide for Photography Enthusiasts (2025)
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