Why JPEGS are SO GOOD!

Ask any photographer and they'll tell you that you need to shoot RAW, not JPEG. For the most part I agree with that, it makes editing photos much easier. But shooting RAW+JPEG, well that makes it easier still. In this video I talk about how, using Lightroom's Reference View tool.

---

Thank you :)

---

MUSIC:

---

GEAR:

These are affiliate links, it costs you nothing to use them but I get a small percentage from Amazon when you buy something, so thanks! :-)

Cameras:

Lenses:

Accessories:

[liammurphy]

“Welcome to 2020” is a bit mad watching in May as we slowly watch the world fall to pieces

[MikeTheFinder]

But then I can’t wear a “I SHOOT RAW” tshirt everywhere I go! Lol

[dallasgrant]

I've always shot RAW+jpeg, mostly because I don't do alot of editing, usially I just use the iamges from my camera, but on the occasions I feel creative I always have the RAW to mess with if the mood strikes.

[indietraveller]

I was surprised to see presets in your link list, but then clicked and got a good laugh. Well done! 😂

[TechnikMeister]

You know when you have come full circle when after spending ages editing your raw file, the original jpeg looks better. The algorithms that camera manufactureres use these days are so good that most of the time I can get what I like by just adjusting the saturation and contrast just a bit and its done. In fact, I have an old Canon G6 and the jpegs are so good in normal light, I hardly change them.

[pixlplague]

Once again, a fresh perspective that you don't hear all that much! Good job mate!

I'm not part of the "in-camera" cult or anything, but I like shooting JPG+RAW as somewhat of a nerdy challenge to myself; I found that by trying to get the shot I want in the JPG as sort of a goal to achieve, I slowed down my shooting and started taking more care in composition, light, etc.

[DavidWheaterScotland]

Terrific advice James, as always, so generously given and always with a good helping of humour which is always appreciated. Hope 2020 is a fantastic year for you both. Best wishes, David

[MacnTeens]

Great tip James actually never thought of this nor have we seen anyone else ever mention anything about it. Cheers 👍

[RichardGailey]

Happy new year James and Emily.


Hope you have a great 2020, and looking forward to what you get up to.

[StephenChad]

I thoroughly enjoy your videos. Educational, humorous, and probably the most important parts... genuine and humble. Of all the other youtubers I've watched, even though you are leaps and bounds more professional than I am, and quite possibly most of your other viewers, you are down to earth and relatable. You give us a real-life perspective of what photography is like. The only negative is my own beard envy, but that is something I can't help. What I can help is my photography, and you have been a big part of that improving that. Cheers.

[peterwilson]

Even as a novice photographer I was highly recommended to shoot raw based on, I guess, the desires of the person who was teaching me about cameras; however, after watching his video juxtaposing a raw and jpeg together in the same frame on a good computer monitor, I really couldn't differentiate the image quality advantage in the raw, even after post-fixing, that much. I think it best to adopt the idea of shooting raw and jpeg at the same time. If the jpeg appears pleasing and does not need touch ups, then go with what's going to save you time. I like the idea of shooting in both formats and believe I will do this for a while.

[MrTerryRay]

Happy New Year James. This the first great video from you in 2020! This tip is a helpful, juicy nugget of info from a seasoned photographer. Thank you.

[cataclysmic]

Rarely do I edit photos but to crop. Makes me a better photographer knowing this is my shot...no edit.

[GuLinux]

Good one.
I used to do something quite similar, shooting RAW+JPEG and having the JPEG file as reference as you've shown.
But at some point I noticed that on some cameras (Canon in my case) there's an embedded JPEG baked into the RAW file as well, and if you open the RAW file in an image viewer that's what you'll be seeing, so unless you really want the JPEG as a quick backup publishing solution (which is another legit usage sometimes), you might as well shoot in RAW only.
Happy new year :)

[bloomylicious]

You got one thing right, now, when this video has appeared on my suggested videos, is certainly nothing like new year. Despite the current circumstances, great video!

[bakeman]

So THAT's what the RAW + JPEG function is for! Great tip, thank you!

[efahngon]

Thank you, some great points and I especially like the reference view setting. Ill have to look for a similar setting in affinity photo.

[MalaikaToo]

I like your approach to this "Enthusiastically editing"-theme. I had to smile (several times actually, during these entertaining 7 minutes) becaus you are hitting the nail on its head with your video here. Like your style too! You have a healthy and un-complicated view of photography.
Subscribed!
Best regards from Norway
Thanks for the entertaining 7 minutes!

[stevensager]

Great video, you made a great point and I'm also one of those people that get sucked into the photos too much. I normally have to wait till the next day to finalize my edits

[terry]

I shoot in Jpeg for exactly the reason you said regarding its like shooting with film. If I shot in RAW I would just take lots and lots of photos knowing that I'd be selecting the best and then editing it. Shooting in Jpeg makes me take my time with each shot. I do counterbalance (or atleast try) the fact i'm shooting in jpeg by using my camera in completely manual mode and manual focus. My photos feel much more personal when I do it this way.