tiff vs. jpeg

[tc_reed]

In a previous discussion in forum, I came across an interesting

point. When you have your camera set on jpeg setting during a shoot

and transfer the file to harddrive for editing later then continue to

save in same format you lose something in the quality? with each new

save?

If I am understanding this correctly, and this is a big IF, then why

not shoot all in tiff format? Wouldn't this format serve to preserve

the quality no matter how often you wish to edit and then save in new

edited version as .jpeg?

 

Did we follow my path of logic?

 

Or, is there more to this that I am missing?

 

Thanks! TC

[bobatkins]

If you have the space, it's better to use TIFF. But TIFF takes up about 8-10x more disk (or camera memory card) space than a lightly compressed JPEG.

[tc_reed]

Thank you, Bob! I see why we sometimes need to make a choice. I will get the larger memory stick for traveling.

[del_gray]

When I'm short of memory card space I'll use the least compressed JPEG format, but then save it immediately on my computer as a TIFF file from that point on.

[majid]

If your camera offers it, RAW is preferable to TIFF, and more compact to boot.

[tc_reed]

Thanks, also, Fazal and Del for your quick response to my memory question. I think you've all covered this quite nicely. And Friday afternoon when my camera arrives, I shall test it immediately! :)

[garry edwards]

In terms of quality, I've found RAW to be the best option, followed by TIFF, and then a low-compression JPEG. I've also found that JPEGS look much better on natural subjects than manufactured ones that have straight lines.<P>One worthwhile option is to shoot in JPEG, load them on to the computer and then immediately batch-convert them to TIFF. This way there will be no quality loss when re-saving your files.<br>Hope this helps

[jon_austin]

I've been using the ZIP compression option to reduce size when saving my TIFF files. From what I've been able to find, TIFF/ZIP is a lossless compression scheme, and it creates files slightly smaller than TIFF/LZW, which is lossless.

[Rob_L1664876404]

Gary's suggestion is OK of you're really tight on camera memory capacity, but you have still lost a level of quality when the camera compresses the image (from the raw file produced by the sensor) to make the JPEG. The absolute best quality is still had by not using the lossy JPEG compression format at all.

[eric_onore]

The problem with using Tiff for the camera shot is write times. My digicam (Sony DCS-V1) takes approximately 25 seconds to write a Tiff file to the memory stick and the file size is approx. 15 megabites. Jpgs are almost instantaneous and use up about 2.2 megabites in fine mode. Once loaded onto the computer I convert to Tiff.

[roy_zeringue3]

When the 717 is in tiff mode it records a tiff file and a jpeg.

I took a tiff shot, put both it and the jpeg on photo shop and zoomed in, equally on both images, I quit at about 500% because I could see no difference.

I was shooting from a tripod, viewing on a Cybervision monitor (???Quality I like it).Try it--You might want to judge this for yourself.

I now only shoot jpegs.---Roy

[tc_reed]

Ooh! Save to zip. Good idea. Hadn't even considered that option. In fact, don't hear of too many who choose that option. Wonder why? Thanks for the idea Jon!

[tc_reed]

I need to research again to see if Sony F717 will save to RAW. Do you know right off the top of your head? Boy, that would definately eat up some time between shots. But, if I'm not in a hurry it would be grand.

[tc_reed]

With that in mind, Eric, do you have much loss in resolution when you review your printed work?

[tc_reed]

Bingo! Roy. You just hit the nail on the head. That is where I was going with my next round.

[tc_reed]

Thanks Garry for your quick response to my query, also. All of the input I am receiving is so very helpful to me. I am soaking it up like a sponge. What I learn from those who have on the job experience, so to speak, means a great deal to me. Most people on Photo.net are professional and well educated in this field. I value what I am told and take it to heart. Hopefully, one day, you will see what I learn in print. Would be nice.

[tc_reed]

Thank you as well, Rob. I see I will have much experimenting to do this weekend. Maybe I'll get one really good photo out of my playing. I may even do a learning upload with one and edit it based on comments from the wiser more experienced who would enjoy the tuitoring. An on line class, if you may. Or, maybe people will nip that idea before it gets off the ground. Again, thanks for input.