File Format Speed vs Versatility part 1

RAW Files. RAW files retain the highest amount of image data from the original capture, so the files can be “fixed” to a much greater degree than JPEG files. However, if you are like most wedding photographers and need fast burst rates, RAW files will likely slow you down.RAW files will also fill up your storage cards much more quickly because of their larger file size. (Note: Because camera buffers and processing speeds have increased in size and performance, increasing numbers of professional wedding photographers are opting to shoot RAW files. If you know a situation is coming where you will need fast burst rates, you can always switch temporarily to the JPEG fine mode, and then back to RAW when the moment passes.)

Shooting in the RAWmode also requires the use of file-processing software to translate the file data into a useable format. This adds another step to your postproduction workflow, but provides valuable control over white balance, tint, exposure, brightness, contrast, saturation, luminance smoothing, color noise reduction, chromatic aberration, vignetting, tone curve (contrast control), shadow tint, and red, green, and blue saturation.

JPEG. Your other option is to shoot in the JPEG Fine mode (sometimes called JPEG Highest Quality). This creates smaller files, so you can save more images per media card and work much more quickly. Because of this increased speed and flexibility, many pros shoot in the JPEG Fine mode. Because there is less data preserved in this format, however, your exposure and white balance must be flawless. In short, the JPEG format is efficient, but it will reveal any weakness in your technique. (Note: Because the JPEG format compresses file information, the files are subject to degradation by repeated saving. If you shoot in JPEG mode, save your working copy of the file in the TIFF format [see page 42].)

Other Useful Formats. The JPEG 2000 format (supported by an option plug-in in Photoshop) provides more options and greater flexibility than the standard JPEG format. It offers optional lossless compression as well as 16-bit color/grayscale files, 8-bit transparency, and both alpha and spot channels can be saved.