Is there any differences in image quailty if I shot pictures in the RAW format, and WITHOUT touching up the photo, convert straight to JPEG?


Does it matter, or will I get the same results if I just shoot plain JPEGS?

Nikon D3000 User

Hi Krayg,

It depends on what software that you are using and the settings that you are using in the software.
If you use Nikon NX2 you can convert the images to jpegs and the software will include all of the camera settings in the conversion.
Depending on the settings that you use when saving the image as a jpeg the resulting image can be exactly the same, smaller or larger than the same image processed in the camera.
Using third party software, the in camera settings are not read by the software and image produced will not be adjusted based on the in camera settings so the resulting jpeg will be different from one processed in the camera.
The advantage of shooting Raw is: Raw images provide the most latitude for adjustment without degrading the original image file. Every time you adjust a jpeg file and resave it you loose information due to the compression.
If want to adjust the WB in a jpeg image you degrade te IQ.
If you adjust the WB in a Raw file you lose nothing.
Good Luck and Enjoy your Nikons!

Best Regards,
Marty

Thanks for the info Marty.
I decided only to shoot RAW when taking IMPORTANT pictures, and JPEGS for my standard stuff!

LightstarXIII

I usually have the option for RAW+JPG this way you have both just in case.