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:

WalletPop

Engine Spy Photo: 2010 Ford F-150 Diesel
Edmunds.com/Inside Line, CA - 5 hours ago
(Photo by KGP Photography) DEATH VALLEY, California — Last week spy photographers caught the 2010 Ford F-150 diesel during hot-weather testing and provided ...
REPORT: Jaguar developing diesel XK Autoblog
Pre-market movers (EMC) (VMW) (ETFC) BloggingStocks
all 245 news articles


Council admits pool photography ban mistake
Amateur Photographer, UK - 30 minutes ago
A park official who stopped an 82-year-old woman taking pictures of an empty paddling pool, in case she was a paedophile, acted 'overzealously', ...


Breathtaking image snaps first prize in photography contest
Daily Post, UK - 2 hours ago
THIS is the sunlit image of Aberdyfi harbour taken by David Urwin, from Birmingham which snapped first prize in a photographic competition. ...


Cambridge Network

Stunning images win prizes in Microsoft Photography Competition
Cambridge Network, UK - 10 hours ago
The winning image in the Microsoft Photography Competition recently held at Cambridge University's Department of Engineering, was taken by Dr Sonja ...


Digital Photography News
Shuttertalk, Australia - 4 hours ago
I downloaded free trial of Vivenza and tried to use it. I would appreciate what you think of colour contrast and bleeds from different parts of the photo ...


Jennifer Edwards Photography welcomed by Bixby chamber
Jenks Journal, OK - 16 hours ago
She never dreamed that one day her photography hobby would lead her to this current career. After teaching for just two short years she had the first of her ...


The biggest, baddest most unbelievably complete Gallery Night ...
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, WI - 7 hours ago
Contemporary photography and sculpture by Bruce Yale, Nathan Fredenburg, Leigh Geithman and R&R Photography. Friday until 10 pm, Saturday 10 am to 2 pm ...
Artists Hold Live Show Kentucky Post
all 2 news articles


Norton slams Union Station for barring photography
WTOP, DC - 20 hours ago
Eleanor Holmes Norton wants Union Station management to come up with a clear policy on photography in the landmark building. At a congressional hearing ...


Chess for Beginners
Pegasus News, TX - 4 hours ago
Gallery Talk: Through the Photographer’s Lens UTA photography prof Kenda North employs her critical eye, coupled with her expert knowledge, ...
SMU master’s student receives Fulbright scholarship Pegasus News
all 5 news articles


Rogers is active in his city
San Bernardino Sun, CA - 6 hours ago
Rogers' Chino Hills-based company, Peter Rogers Photography, provides advertising and public relations for major corporations. His 30 years in photography ...

Photography - Google News

home | site map | Seashell Photography
© 2006