JPEG vs Samsung RAW: Which Should You Use?

Side-by-side comparison of JPEG and Samsung RAW image formats — features, pros, cons, and conversion options.

Quick Answer

JPEG is best for Photographs and complex images for web and print. Samsung RAW is best for Photography with Samsung NX mirrorless cameras.

Quick Verdict

JPEG Best for Photographs and complex images for web and print

✓ Universal compatibility
✓ Excellent compression for photos
✓ Small file sizes
✗ Lossy compression (quality degrades)

Samsung RAW Best for Photography with Samsung NX mirrorless cameras

✓ Full sensor data preserved
✓ 12-bit color depth
✓ Lossless capture
✗ Very large files

Convert Samsung RAW to JPEG →

Specs Comparison

Side-by-side technical comparison of JPEG and Samsung RAW

Feature	JPEG	Samsung RAW
Category	Image	Image
Year Introduced	1992	2010
MIME Type	image/jpeg	image/x-samsung-srw
Extensions	.jpg, .jpeg	.srw
Animation	✗	✗
Hdr	✗	✓
Lossless	✗	✓
Lossy	✓	✗
Max Color Depth	8-bit	12-bit
Transparency	✗	✗

Pros & Cons

JPEG

Pros

✓ Universal compatibility
✓ Excellent compression for photos
✓ Small file sizes

Cons

✗ Lossy compression (quality degrades)
✗ No transparency
✗ No animation

Samsung RAW

Pros

✓ Full sensor data preserved
✓ 12-bit color depth
✓ Lossless capture

Cons

✗ Very large files
✗ Requires specialized software
✗ Samsung NX cameras only (discontinued)

When to Use Each

Choose JPEG when...

You need files optimized for Photographs and complex images for web and print
Universal compatibility
Excellent compression for photos

Choose Samsung RAW when...

You need files optimized for Photography with Samsung NX mirrorless cameras
Full sensor data preserved
12-bit color depth
You need lossless quality

How to Convert

Convert between JPEG and Samsung RAW for free on ChangeThisFile

Convert Samsung RAW to JPEG Server-side conversion — auto-deleted after processing

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between JPEG and Samsung RAW?

JPEG is best for Photographs and complex images for web and print, while Samsung RAW is best for Photography with Samsung NX mirrorless cameras. Both are image formats but they differ in compression, compatibility, and intended use cases.

Is JPEG or Samsung RAW better for image?

It depends on your use case. JPEG is better for Photographs and complex images for web and print. Samsung RAW is better for Photography with Samsung NX mirrorless cameras. Consider your specific requirements when choosing between them.

How do I convert JPEG to Samsung RAW?

Direct conversion from JPEG to Samsung RAW is not currently available on ChangeThisFile. You may need to use an intermediate format.

Can I convert Samsung RAW to JPEG?

Yes. ChangeThisFile supports Samsung RAW to JPEG conversion. Upload your file for server-side conversion — files are auto-deleted after processing.

Which is smaller, JPEG or Samsung RAW?

File size depends on the content and compression settings. JPEG uses lossy compression for smaller files. Samsung RAW preserves full quality. For the smallest files, choose the format with lossy compression that meets your quality needs.

Does JPEG support hdr?

No, JPEG does not support hdr, whereas Samsung RAW does. This may be an important factor depending on your use case.

Is JPEG or Samsung RAW free to use?

Both JPEG and Samsung RAW are supported file formats that are free to use. You can convert between them for free on ChangeThisFile — server-side conversions are free with no signup required.

Which format is newer, JPEG or Samsung RAW?

Samsung RAW is newer — it was introduced in 2010, while JPEG dates back to 1992. Newer formats often offer better compression and features, but older formats tend to have wider compatibility.