jpg or png?

[peggy]

I have always just converted all my photos to jpg as a sort of default, but now I'm wondering if that is the correct thing to do. I mean, for photos that I have printed out. The prints seem clear/crisp enough, but would they be better as a png file? And really, whats the difference?:confused:

[Alan]

jpg provides a better compression ratio (smaller file size) and is really the standard for most applications. png uses less compression (larger file size) but makes up for it in many ways by providing better quality if zoomed or printed on high quality glossy paper. png is also preferred for use with transparencies.

Overall, I prefer jpg's for my images although they may begin to lose quality if saved too many times.

[peggy]

Oh, ok. Thanks Alan. I knew you would know.:):thankyou:

[bUU]

Converting from one format to another is never going to add fidelity to the photograph, and that's always going to be the determining factor for me: If they're JPGs now, I'll leave them as such until I need them for some purpose which requires them in another format, and then I'll make a copy and convert the copy, leaving the file that is fewest generations from the original untouched.

[peggy]

So, when I first load the pictures into the computer from my camera, this is when I need to make this choice? Maybe next time I'll make a copy of one picture both ways, have them printed and see how I like each. Thanks y'all.

[Alan]

If I were intending to print the picture and wanted a slight edge in quality, I'd probably save the original as a png or perhaps as a raw (unprocessed) file. If I intended to simply store it for digital viewing, I'd save it as a jpg.

BUU is right in that if you convert a jpg to a png, you'll gain no quality edge and if you convert a png to a jpg, you may lose a small amount of quality, although I'm not visually discerning enough to notice.

[peggy]

If I were intending to print the picture and wanted a slight edge in quality, I'd probably save the original as a png or perhaps as a raw (unprocessed) file. If I intended to simply store it for digital viewing, I'd save it as a jpg.

BUU is right in that if you convert a jpg to a png, you'll gain no quality edge and if you convert a png to a jpg, you may lose a small amount of quality, although I'm not visually discerning enough to notice.

Interesting. I do usually just convert to jpg to store in the computer, and to print out, but then I often save the original file as well if I think I might need it later for Christmas cards or some such.

[ToomuchStuff]

So, when I first load the pictures into the computer from my camera, this is when I need to make this choice? Maybe next time I'll make a copy of one picture both ways, have them printed and see how I like each. Thanks y'all.

Your camera may have this already chosen for you (not a choice, but a license). JPG is an encumbered format that requires a license (covered in your hardware cost or software you bought/obtained with the camera); where as PNG is a unencumbered format (no patent, open source license).

[Tussiemussies]

Just to let you know, I am going to have my husband read this thread. Thank you Alan for the information....chris

[bUU]

So, when I first load the pictures into the computer from my camera, this is when I need to make this choice?Effectively, the choice is made the moment you click the button to take the photo.

[peggy]

Effectively, the choice is made the moment you click the button to take the photo.

You know what! You're right! I went back and looked at some of the raw files I saved and they are jpeg files. I guess I never really thought about it cause when you photoshop, to brighten or re-size or whatever, it asks you how you want to save it and gives you all the choices. I always chose jpeg not realizing the original was jpeg. So, really, choosing png wouldn't help anyway with clarity. Not that my photos aren't clear and good, I was just wondering if they could be even better!
This is all very interesting information.