Digital Camera Basic Knowledge Image data

SizePicture qualityFile sizeJPEG and RAW

Size

The term "size" here refers to the number of pixels. The size capacity designation for a digital camera indicates the maximum size of the photographs that camera can take. Almost all new camera models are now over 10 million pixels so they are fully capable of taking "photographic quality" images even at large print sizes of A3 or greater.

You can choose the size of the images you are going to shoot. Keep in mind, however, that while it is possible to make small prints of images shot at a large size, when printing large photographs of an image shot at a small size, it is sometimes not possible to obtain adequate image quality because of graininess or other problems.

The proper size to use when shooting is closely related to the way in which the photograph is to be used. If you plan to make large prints, shoot at a large size, and, if not, shoot at a medium size. For photographs that are only going to be displayed on the Internet (in a blog, etc.), a small size is not a problem. However, since you can always reduce the size later, if you have not yet decided how the photographs are to be used, we recommend that you shoot at as large a size as possible to avoid regrets later.

Size

Picture quality

The image file format most commonly used by digital cameras for recording images is JPEG (pronounced “jay-peg”). The “picture quality” setting indicates the different quality levels used when image data is recorded in this JPEG format.

Fine Normal
The highest level of picture quality. It is a good idea to use Fine if you are going to make large prints or manipulate or otherwise process your images on a PC. The picture quality is not as good as Fine, but, depending on the characteristics of the image, any differences may be almost imperceptible. If you are not going to make large prints or manipulate or otherwise process your images on a PC,
generally you should have no problem using Normal.

File size

A file is a collection of information (data) recorded as a single unit on recording media such as a memory card or a PC hard disk. The image data created when taking a photograph with a digital camera is stored as a single file, which is also called an image file. File size is stated using the following units: KB (kilobyte), MB (megabyte), GB (gigabyte), and TB (terabyte).

Relationships between picture quality, size (no. of pixels), and file size

Relationships between picture quality, size (no. of pixels), and file size

Since picture quality is higher for Fine than for Normal, the file size of the image is larger. Since the size (number of pixels) of L is greater than that of M, the file size of the image is larger. In both cases, the increase in file size reduces the number of photographs that can be taken using a single memory card.

JPEG and RAW

In addition to using JPEG, some cameras can record photographs in the RAW image file format. As the term implies, RAW records the raw signal received from the image sensor. Consequently, it is necessary to use PC software to convert the RAW image to a generic image file format such as JPEG. In an allusion to film photography, this process is sometimes called “development.” One merit of the process is that when it is done certain settings (white balance, etc.) can be changed without loss of image quality. *Photography using the RAW format is only supported by the Caplio GX100, GX200, GR DIGITAL series, and GXR series cameras.

JPEG

The camera internally processes the image in accordance with setting content, and then records it in the JPEG format.

RAW

The camera records the signal from the image sensor without doing image processing. Since image data in RAW format cannot be printed or displayed on the Internet as is, a PC is used to convert the data to JPEG or some other format via image processing known as RAW development.

Illustrations shown here are intended to serve only as informative examples and have been simplified. Actual screen details will differ.

SizePicture qualityFile sizeJPEG and RAW
SetupTaking photographs
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