jpeg vs RAW Setting for DSLR Video

In your video menu there is a setting called "quality." You have the choice between several levels of jpeg and/or RAW. So which of these should you use to get the best video? Neither.

In this video I talk about this setting and how it applies to the video you are shooting. In short, it doesn't.

This quality setting refers to images taken while shooting video. Yep, you can snap a still image in the middle of shooting video on some Canon DSLR's such as the Canon 60D seen here in this video.

The downside to doing this is that it will interrupt your video. The image will be taken, your video will stop and return once the image has been shot. This creates a break in your video. Not in your video file but in the video itself. You'll actually see when you take the image including the image you took and then your video will return to full motion.

This isn't a feature I have used very often or even at all. I have used it by mistake since it happens when you press the shutter button all the way down in video mode. Pressing the button halfway down will allow you to autofocus in most focus modes.

This feature can also be used to create a custom white balance setting. If you take an image while in video mode, you can use that image (preferably something white that fills the frame) to get a proper white balance for whatever scene you are shooting.

It's always nice to have more features at your disposal and while this one can be helpful it's not one I use and it won't affect the quality of your video.

When deciding which setting to use, choose whatever setting (jpeg or RAW) that you'd like to use for your still images while shooting video. I keep mine on standard jpeg for purposes of custom white balance.

Gear used in the making of this video:

[RayOrtega]

I get this question often enough that I made a video about it. Which setting should you choose for DSLR video? Neither. Watch why.

[RayOrtega]

No. The limit on the T5i is what you are hitting at 35 minutes. The only way around it is the Magic Lantern firmware but it voids your warranty.

[filmgeek]

You sir have quickly become my favorite YouTube channel. Very informative videos that don, t come across like some 80's PSa

[Ninjarvin]

This is new to me. From what I've heard, ML is available for Canon 60D. Have to ask though, how do you get rid of the auto-gain on your 60D? I know from experience that - even with a lav mic plugged in - the camera always has that pesky auto-gain that can't be turned off. I always assumed you used ML to get rid of it.

[RayOrtega]

ML is available for 60D and in fact it now does some version of RAW. It's not as good as you'd get on a 5D. But you can use it. If you want no auto functions, set your camera to manual on the dial and also in your audio settings in the menu. The 60D has manual audio settings, simply set it in your menu.

[ghumanbros]

this is probably the best and most satisfactory video i found on internet for this thing ! Thanks dude !

[RayOrtega]

No you're hitting the limit of the T5i. The 60D that I use stops at about 12 minutes. The only way around this is by using Magic Lantern firmware on your camera but it will void your warranty. It works well but you should know that there is always a risk.

[CharlieSillVO]

Ray..what is your method for focusing on yourself?  I do it using the remote in photo mode then switch to video mode.  Just interested in another way of achieving this.  Thank you for all your great

[TommyP]

Is the JPEG Fine setting good for most photos...I can edit them like RAW photos..can you do a comparison of editing a fine vs a RAW of the same picture with identical settings..very curious what the difference will look like because the size differences are huge

[PostColorGear]

Ray, after watching this video and your one about the 60D it got me thinking. Why didnt you just install Magic Lantern on your t2i. A couple of your arguments included ISO increments and a histogram, which are included with ML. I was just curious if you weren't aware at the time, or were just more interested in the form factor. This coming from a current t2i user that is looking to invest in a 60D. The scroll wheel on the back, flip screen, and the display at the top are enough features to get me to upgrade myself. 

[RayOrtega]

Hmm well that's strange. I haven't done anything other than turn the audio settings to manual and set proper levels. I do post process some of the audio that aren't "tests" and in that process I use an expander which turns down the audio in dead spots. So that's an option. I can't do a video on it cause I don't have the issue but you should be able to knock out whatever you're hearing in post production. I hope this helps!

[RayOrtega]

Thanks Keem! I actually don't think I can do a video on that because it's not available for the Canon's that I have. I think it only works on the 5D currently. It's also pretty involved and I haven't even played with ML myself yet. I'm still having fun teaching and mastering the native functions of the cams. I'll dive into it soon most likely.

[RayOrtega]

Thanks Christopher! That's a great compliment. I appreciate you watching.

[stnrecords]

Hi, i wanted to buy 70D canon for shooting video like short film and interview according to my budget but i saw some footages of it, those were not high quality but some of them were good, now i am confused to buy it or not! I want to know 70 D is good for filming ? or how can i get high quality video by 70 D? help me please 

[RayOrtega]

I would but I don't use it. There are tons of videos on here about it though. I plan to put it on my T2i and mess with it, I love the firmware, I just haven't played with it yet. If I do, I'll post a video about it in the future. Thanks!

[rorik.]

could you please tell us what video editing software do you use or recommend for professional editing ? ... and maybe it;s kinda easy ? xP

[mattmarkus]

So I don't need to worry about the raw s raw m raw when shooting video? There is no difference ?

[drtnrao]

Thank you very much as I am thinking for a long time how to convert raw video in canon 80d to jpeg. No body gave me any answer. But your video cleared all the doubts.

[RayOrtega]

Thanks for subscribing and for watching all the vids! Also for the great feedback. That's fantastic that what I'm saying is clear enough for someone who doesn't speak native english. I'm really happy I can help.

[KeemIbarra]

Great video! Can you do a video explaining magic lantern and using the raw format to take raw video? I have magic lantern