For many years we’ve been sold a lie. You’ve been told by many that RAW files are the be all and end all of photo editing, and jpeg files are files that you simply can not edit. One gives you flexibility and latitude, one gives you what you get from the camera. I have a different and more accurate way of looking at these two image file formats.
“Why In 2026 Are We Still Arguing Over Raw Vs Jpeg?”
Let’s be honest, we have all heard the discussions, or seen the comments. “RAW is better than jpeg“, “I get it right in camera so only use jpeg” and so on. It is an endless and timeless stream of self-indulgent nonsense.
A few photographers argue over this, because honestly, they have issues, and very often just don’t understand that we are all different, and what works for one person might not work for another.
The reality is, those of us who have done photography for any length of time, or worked in photography in various situations know that at the end of the day, nobody cares what you use, why you used what you did and most importantly, no one will ever be able to tell if you used raw or jpeg in your work.
“The Film Analogy”
The easiest way to look at raw vs jpeg is to think of them as two different types of film types. One of them being positive film and one of them being negative film.
- “Raw files: Negative film – Flexible With Plenty Of Latitude”
Think of a raw file as a Negative film stock. You have plenty of latitude for mistakes with exposure, and plenty control over your shadows and highlights. A forgiving format for every occasion.
Your raw file is akin to Negative Film, it is perfect for everyday situations where you can manipulate the file as you want, to bring out the best in colour and dynamic range, plus of course it is non-destructive.
- “Jpeg files: Positive film – Stricter Precision Needed”
Think of a jpeg as more like Postive film stock. You have far less latitude to edit, so you have to be much more careful. Contrary to what some people tell you, jpeg files can be edited easily, and although there is less latitude than a raw file, it doesn’t stop you getting excellent results. This is the format for those who thrive on getting things right in camera.
I actually wrote an in-depth article about just how flexible jpeg files are which you can read and visually see examples of here.
“A Change In Thinking”
I think we can all agree that it is ridiculous and unproductive to constantly bicker over raw vs jpeg in this day and age. They are two excellent formats that can be used by all photographers exactly how and when they are needed.
Many people think you need to shoot raw to be more professional, but the fact of the matter is, even professional photographers use jpeg from time to time (be it for weddings, events, portraits, wildlife etc). You would never question what they are using, because they deliver the goods.
You can make a great image on raw or jpeg, just as you can make a really bad image in raw or jpeg. There are so many more factors to consider in photography than just raw or jpeg.
I have written extensively about the benefits of shooting in raw in this article here, and the benefits of shooting in jpeg in this article here. Take a look, and you may be surprised!
If there is one difference you can make going forward, it is this. Stop worrying about what other photographers use to capture their images. They use raw or jpeg because they know they can get the results they want using that format. And most of all, stop arguing about things that really don’t affect you or your photography.
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My name is Mark G Adams and I run Photography By Mark G Adams. I am a professional photographer from South Wales, shooting weddings, events and portraits as well as running meets and workshops. For fun I like to shoot landscapes, wildlife and occasionally do street photography. Enjoy my website as I share my knowledge learned over decades of working and having fun in photography. Feel free to like, comment and subscribe!
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Good article and arguments Mark, I hadn’t really stopped to think either through. I shoot in RAW but just last night accidentally shot joeg, as it turned out, decent shots anyway so, very valid points 👍
Thank you Brian. I tend to shoot both, especially for weddings/events/portraits etc, and I will use whichever (depending on how many photoa are required). It’s always about the end result more than anything else. That’s all that matters! Glad your shots turned out ok 👍