The dilemma of shooting in RAW vs. JPEG is very common, especially when a new photographer needs to decide whether to shoot digital photos in RAW or JPEG file format. A RAW file is unprocessed, uncompressed image data, whereas JPG/JPEG stores high-quality images in smaller files using lossy compression.
However, like any other photo format, RAW and JPEG files can get corrupted for various reasons. You may be unable to open your JPEG image in any image viewer application, or RAW image files may become inaccessible.
Fortunately, you can repair RAW and JPEG files by using different methods.
Why to Repair JPEG and RAW photos?
JPEG and RAW photos captured with a digital camera are saved on the camera’s SD card or built-in digital camera memory. However, these photos may become corrupted or damaged due to various reasons, such as a system disconnect or digital camera errors, while transferring or editing them.
Some common reasons for corruption of JPEG & RAW pictures are:
- Clicking pictures when the digital camera battery is low
- Sudden system shutdown during JPEG/RAW file transfer/ download or copy
- SD card is physically damaged.
- Improper conversion or compression of the image.
- The SD card carrying JPG files is corrupted
- Using the same camera SD card on multiple devices
- Virus or malware infection
- Digital camera error
Comparison: JPEG vs RAW
1. JPEG Repair
JPEG is the most used image format for storing high-quality images. It compresses them into smaller file sizes, making them easy to share and upload online. This image format uses a lossy compression method to reduce the image file size, resulting in a decrease in image quality.
Advantages of JPEG/JPG format
- These are compressed files, meaning they take less storage space on the drive.
- When you shoot and save pictures in JPEG format, the digital camera already processes and compresses them; hence, no post-processing is required.
- Since JPEG files are processed in the camera itself, writing them to the memory card takes less time.
- It is the most widely supported file format by devices, various image viewer applications, and photo editing software.
Disadvantages of JPEG/JPG format:
- JPEG uses lossy compression, which removes some image data to reduce file size. Editing these images further can result in a loss in image quality.
- As the digital camera already processes the JPEG images, there is limited scope during post-processing. This means reducing sharpness, brightness, and contrast in the JPEG image during post-processing is not possible as it results in a loss in image quality.
When should you shoot in JPG?
- If you have limited storage on your memory card or must take hundreds of photos.
- When you want to upload and share the images on social media or web.
- If you don’t have the time or ability to post-process the photos.
2. RAW Repair
A RAW file is a popular file format among professional photographers because it contains high-quality images with large file sizes and lossless quality captured using a digital camera. These images consist of information captured by the camera’s image sensor, which gives the photographers more control and flexibility while editing them during post-processing. Every popular camera manufacturer has its RAW file format.
Advantages of RAW image file format
- The RAW image file format gives the photographer greater control over editing. It means you can increase or reduce sharpness, exposure, brightness, contrast, saturation, white balance, etc., in the image without degrading image quality.
- Unlike JPEG, lossless compression used by RAW files doesn’t degrade the image quality even after editing or processing.
- Since RAW files contain all the information, any edits you make during post-processing are non-destructive. This means you can revert the processed image to the original RAW file and start fresh.
Disadvantages of the RAW image file format
- Unprocessed RAW photos need extensive editing in image editing software like Lightroom, Photoshop, etc., before use.
- RAW files are large and thus occupy large storage space in the storage media.
- These RAW images are large files, so sharing and viewing them on the web and social media is hard.
- These files take longer to transfer or copy to a camera SD card, computer, or other device.
- RAW files are not supported by all image viewing and editing software.
When should you shoot in RAW?
- If you have enough space on your memory card.
- If you want, an image with maximum quality that you can edit in post-processing.
- During low-light and nighttime photography.
- For professional work or client projects.
How to Repair JPEG and RAW Photos?
You can repair corrupt or damaged JPEF and RAW photo files by using Stellar Repair for Photo. This advanced photo repair software fixes corruption in the image file header, unknown or invalid markers, and an invalid image file structure.
The software can repair JPEG/ RAW photos captured from various digital cameras, including DSLRs, SLRs, camcorders, etc., from Nikon, Sony, Canon Panasonic, Fuji, Olympus, Kodak, etc. Stellar Repair for Photo will automatically recommend ‘Advance Repair’ if your JPEG/RAW photos are severely damaged. The Advance Repair feature uses a JPEG/ RAW format sample file captured from the same camera as your corrupt picture.
This tool can easily repair multiple photos of the same or different file formats such as JPEG, RAW, PNG, TIFF , etc. simultaneously. Stellar Repair for Photo allows you to preview the repaired image so as to ensure the quality of the image is intact before saving them
Steps to fix RAW/ JPEG files using Stellar Repair for Photo:
- Download, install and launch the Stellar Repair for Photosoftware on your Windows and Mac.
- Next, Click the ‘AddFile’ icon to insert corrupted JPG/RAW files.
- Once files are added, clikc the ‘Repair’button to start the repair process.
- It may take some time to repair the images. Once complete, you can see the prompt saying, ‘Repair process completed.’ Click OK.
- Select the images you want to Previewto see how repaired RAW file photos look.
- Once satisfied with the repair result, click Save Repaired Files andbrowse the location to save the repaired images at a desired destination.
JPEG is an ideal photo format when you have limited storage space and don’t need extensive post-procession editing. It is great for web use, social media, and quick shots where speed is required. Meanwhile, professional photographers who want high-quality photos prefer RAW photos. This image gives you greater control and flexibility while editing in post-processing.
However, both these files can be corrupted and damaged due to human errors, digital camera errors, etc. If that is the case, use advanced Stellar Repair for Photo to repair JPEG and RAW files simultaneously.
