http://www.lightstalkers.org/raw-2-7-mb-or-jpeg-5-7-mb-20060507 An entire Lightstalkers thread via RSS/XML. en-us By this post, you will assess how clueless I am about certain digital infomation.<br> I'm wondering if I can still shoot a corporate job or wedding using a Nikon D1H. I've noticed that when I shoot RAW with the D1H, the file size when converted to JPEG is larger than a D1X's file when shot as a JPEG, but does that mean that the quality of the D1H file is greater?<br> No laughing and thanks for any advice. Wed, 12 Mar 2008 12:54:32 +0000 http://www.lightstalkers.org/raw-2-7-mb-or-jpeg-5-7-mb-20060507 The D1X is capable of producing a higher quality image but if you're shooting jpeg, this becomes an impossible question to answer because there are so many variables. What are your jpeg settings? Are you using the same aperture and lenses with both cameras? Are you using the same ISO settings? Are you photographing the same things? etc.. etc.. Lossy compression is basically saying "this pixel looks close enough to the ones next to it so we'll use the same data to describe them." Shooting wide open will allow an image to be compressed more due to the blur. Noisy sensors will also result in larger file sizes because noise is detail and detail hinders compression. So you see, file size tells you little about the quality of an image. I sometimes get great 900KB files out of my 1Ds MkII while a crappy photo from my P&S will be 4MB. I say shoot RAW, take a look at what kind of images you can extract from it, and assess if it meets your client's needs. Sun, 07 May 2006 22:38:34 +0000 http://www.lightstalkers.org/raw-2-7-mb-or-jpeg-5-7-mb-20060507#25609 Given how many variables can affect final image quality, I'd recommend that you do some test prints to the size you need for the jobs. Compare RAW files with JPEG files of the same scene using the same focal length; aperture; shutter speed; iso/composition etc... I'd also do some larger prints to see what the limit is on printing a good quality print. Remember too that some labs can print at 250 dpi (not 300 dpi) which means you can get a larger print for fewer pixels. I agree with Tommy H, shoot RAW and see how you go. Mon, 08 May 2006 02:01:40 +0000 http://www.lightstalkers.org/raw-2-7-mb-or-jpeg-5-7-mb-20060507#25628