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media kat
media kat
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JPG vs. CR2 in ACR

Apr 17, 2012 8:55 AM

One of the main benefits I keep reading about of using ACR and RAW file formats is that you can always change the white balance of an image after it is taken. I just used Bridge to open some JPG files and I was able to change the white balance on these as well. What is the difference? Is it not allowing me the full adjustments that I would have if it were a RAW file?

 

 

Thanks.

508 Views   2 Replies   Latest reply: Noel Carboni, Apr 22, 2012 8:24 AM
 
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  • Yammer P
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    1. Yammer P,
    Apr 17, 2012 9:12 AM   in reply to media kat
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    The short answer is Yes. A JPEG has already undergone conversion from a larger linear file with a measured white balance, so any consequent adjustments on the cooked file will not produce as smooth and accurate a result. I'm sure someone else will provide you with the long answer.

     
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  • Noel Carboni
    20,949 posts
    Dec 23, 2006
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    2. Noel Carboni,
    Apr 22, 2012 8:24 AM   in reply to Yammer P
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    What Yammer P said. 

     

    Add to that the fact that JPEG has undergone lossy compression, which further reduces the accuracy of the image data.

     

    JPEGs have their uses, but if your storage and processing resources are up to it and your software supports them,  it's probably a good idea to shoot raw images.

     

    -Noel

     
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