Photography Information

Digicam File Formats


Looking at the digital camera, a person can visualize it as a combination of a camera along with a miniature computer system that stores the images as files or sets of bits, rather than a chemically treated film. Thus it comes to be a fact that there are certain file formats in which these images of the photographs captured by the camera are stored. And again, this is subject of discussion for understanding the digital camera properly. In this effort this discussion reveals the intricate but overlying to provide a brief overview to the readers regarding the file formats of the digital cameras.

Basically, strictly considering the facts, there are three file formats used by digital cameras to create images of photographs taken by them. These are JPEG, TIFF and RAW. These are the names of the formats but like their strange names their identity remains in the dark if these are not conversed in a little detail. The most vastly and commonly used file format for digital cameras is the JPEG file format. It is time and again the lone available file format on primary and some intermediate standard digital cameras. Many sophisticated digital cameras allows the users to opt for between JPEG, TIFF and RAW. However professional photographers usually prefer to shoot RAW. Yet the discretion remains with the human preference only.

It is a fact that the acronym JPEG stands for "Joint Photographic Expert Group" after the group that developed this file type. To make things easier it must be clarified that JPEG is a compression technique that can considerably trim down the file size of a photograph and other unremitting tone images. Almost all digital cameras have a number of JPEG compression levels and quality settings to select from. The users can make use of them as per discretion and the photograph taken. Thus the jpeg images do not consume much space on a memory cards. Another specialty of this digital camera file format is that JPEGs store camera settings and scene information. All these advantages make this file format so popular and diversely accepted.

The next digital camera file format is the TIFF (Tagged Image File Format). This file format has the greater advantage that it does not lose any image file information during the compression process and moreover as a consequence it does take up a lot of space from a memory card in comparison to a JPEG image. Due to this detailed storage it also takes additional time to retrieve the information to the card. Basically the TIFF compression reduces images to about one-third their original size as per convention.

Coming to the next digital camera file format. It is defined as the RAW file! It is also sometimes referred to as an appropriate digital negative. Most advanced digital cameras allow or permit the ability to shoot RAW in professional standards. The interesting portion is that in a RAW image no alterations are made by the camera (such as sharpening or white balance). And this gives entire control to the photographer when he or she processes an image later. However this RAW file format is not used extensive due to the fact that most image editors cannot open it and computer-processing time is also more. However the fact still remains that a RAW image has a smaller file size than a TIFF.

With all these discussions regarding the different digital camera file formats, it is clear that the three most widely accepted file formats have their own advantages and disadvantages, yet they are unique in some way or the other that makes them special in their own manner. The knowledge about these digital camera file formats of storage not only yields greater understanding of the camera; it also opens the eyes towards the fantastic results of technological advancements in our daily lives.

About The Author

Jakob Jelling is the founder of http://www.snapjunky.com. Visit his digital camera guide and learn how to take better pictures with your digicam.


MORE RESOURCES:

PC World

Getting Started in Digital Photography
PC World
Recording our lives with digital photography is so commonplace today that it has become second nature. In 1985, who would have thought to shoot a panoramic ...
Browse Cameras - Page 1PC World

all 2 news articles »


Photography class offered
NorthJersey.com
The Emerson Community School is offering a six-session photography class during the spring session for novice or intermediate photographers. ...

and more »


KIDK

Photography winners hang in EIRMC halls
KIDK
IDAHO FALLS - A new photography exhibit featuring 18 winners of an Idaho Falls Magazine Photo Contest is unveiled at EIRMC. ...

and more »


High school journalism day
Dallas Morning News
James Thompson won first place in two photography categories – photo portfolio and feature photo – and one of his news photos won honorable mention. ...

and more »


Hunterdon Review

Exhibits
Wilkes Barre Times-Leader
Los 6 Amigos, a variety of styles in digital and film photography by Jim Cook, Jimmy Darcocey, Luigi Romano, Eileen Salak, Curtis Salonick and Joseph D. ...
Art scene listings for the week beginning March 11Enterprise News
Spring Gallery Night & Day April 16 and 17Bay View Compass
What's happening in Capital Region arts spacesAlbany Times Union (blog)
DCist.com -The Spokesman Review -Toledo Blade
all 24 news articles »


FotoFest brings the world of photography to Houston
CultureMap
Every two years the Bayou City showcases the state of the art of photography. For the first time, the festival will focus on contemporary US photography ...



Hollywild focusing on animal photography
Spartanburg Herald Journal
... David Meeks, will provide additional highlights for photographers by bringing one of the park's gray wolves out of its habitat for fence-free photography.



Mountain Home student wins award for photography
IdahoStatesman.com
Sarah Clark, 12, of Mountain Home, won second place in the category for children ages 11 and older in the November 2009 Cricket League photography ...



Joliat receives photography award
Lexington Minuteman
By Anonymous Andrea Joliat, certified professional photographer and owner of The Family Album Photography at 1666 Massachusetts Ave. in Lexington, ...



Black Star Rising

In a Tough Economy, Survive By Diversifying Your Photography Business
Black Star Rising
So she chose to open a studio to teach the craft — and joy — of photography to others. Her center, Darat Al Tasweer, offers photography classes for all ...


Google News

home | site map
© 2009 Professional Photographers Guild Of Abilene, Abilene Texas