What Is a RAW Photo File and Should You Shoot RAW?
RAW Files Explained
A RAW photo file contains the unprocessed data captured by your camera's sensor. Unlike JPG, which is processed, compressed, and finalized in-camera, RAW preserves all the original sensor information. Think of RAW as a digital negative and JPG as a finished print. RAW files are typically 20-40 MB each (vs 3-8 MB for JPG) because they contain much more data.
The RAW Format Mess
There's no single RAW format. Canon uses .CR2 and .CR3. Nikon uses .NEF. Sony uses .ARW. Fujifilm uses .RAF. Each manufacturer has their own proprietary format. Adobe created .DNG (Digital Negative) as an attempt at standardization, but adoption is limited. This fragmentation means you need specific software to open most RAW files.
Why Photographers Love RAW
RAW files have vastly more editing flexibility. You can recover blown-out highlights and deep shadows that would be permanently lost in JPG. White balance can be adjusted after the fact with zero quality loss. Exposure can be pushed 2-3 stops in either direction. Color grading is smoother with 12-14 bits of data instead of JPG's 8 bits. For professional work, this flexibility is non-negotiable.
When JPG Makes More Sense
For casual photography, social media, and quick sharing, JPG is perfectly fine. JPG files are immediately usable — no editing required. They work everywhere — every device, app, and website. They're 3-5× smaller, so you can fit more on your memory card and hard drive. Most smartphones have excellent in-camera JPG processing that produces great results.
How to Convert RAW to JPG
Dedicated software: Adobe Lightroom, Capture One, and DxO PhotoLab are the gold standards. Free options: RawTherapee and darktable are excellent open-source alternatives. Quick conversion: CocoConvert can batch convert RAW files to JPG without needing desktop software. The key is to edit your RAW files first, then export to JPG — converting without editing defeats the purpose of shooting RAW.