DNG/RAW/TIFF/JPEG/PNG - Differences and Which is Better

Nola Jones Nola Jones
Mar 03, 2023 (Updated: Mar 03, 2023)Filed to: Convert Photo,Knowledge
  • DNG (Digital Negative): A lossless format, providing photographers with a flexible and high-quality option for preserving raw image data.
  • RAW (Camera-Specific): Maintain high image quality and full range of captured information, offering photographers extensive control.
  • TIFF (Tagged Image File Format): TIFF, known for its lossless compression, is a versatile format suitable for professional printing and archiving.
  • JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group): A lossy format for balancing file size and image quality, which is best for web, social media, etc.
  • PNG (Portable Network Graphics): PNG combines lossless compression with support for transparency, making it suitable for web graphics.
DNG vs RAW vs TIFF vs JPEG vs PNG s

DNG vs. RAW vs. TIFF vs. JPEG vs. PNG, which image format is better? For example, DNG, TIFF, and RAW are all original file formats and can only be seen in digital cameras. JPEG or PNG is a standard image format with high compatibility. This article will compare DNG vs. RAW vs. TIFF vs. JPEG vs. PNG. Read on to learn more about them, and you can get an online converter to convert the image format.

Part 1: DNG vs. RAW vs. TIFF vs. JPEG vs. PNG: Everything about Them

DNG

DNG is an open lossless original image format developed by Adobe for digital photography. In addition, DNG files store uncompressed image data on the camera. You can perform post-processing in various image editing software programs. With the same image quality, DNG files are about 20% smaller than RAW files, saving storage space and time to transfer to the hard drive. Note that you can convert other original files to DNG.

What is DNG

RAW

Because they have not been processed, RAW is called an original file. The camera's original image files contain unprocessed or minimally processed data from digital cameras, image sensors of image scanners, and film scanners. RAW files can also be original audio data format files. The most significant advantage of the raw format is that you can edit, transform and compress high-quality images losslessly. If you want to open this file directly, you can use Photosea, Windows Photos, or Able RAWer.

What is Raw

TIFF

TIFF file is a graphics container that stores raster images in a tag image file format. It contains high-quality graphics, supports color depth from 1 bit to 24 bit, and supports lossy and lossless compression. Therefore, the TIFF format is trendy in various industries, such as design, photography, and desktop publishing. TIFF can also be used as a container file for storing smaller JPEGs. TIFF files are quite large due to details and resolution, so they will occupy much storage space.

What is TIFF

JPEG

JPEG is a common image format compatible with Windows, Mac, and other platforms. In addition, it is also a lossy compression method for digital images, especially those generated by digital photography. You can adjust the compression level and choose between the storage size and image quality. JPEG can achieve 10:1 compression with almost no obvious loss of image quality. Furthermore, the size of JPEG image files is usually small and does not take up too much space.

What is JPEG

PNG

PNG files are portable network graphics files. This format uses lossless compression. When you take screenshots on some operating systems, they are stored in PNG format default, such as macOS, Windows, and Ubuntu. If you need screenshots and illustrations, PNG format is preferred, while JPEG/JPG format is preferred for actual photos. It is compatible with most platforms like JPEG. You can open PNG files using any browser or image program.

What is PNG

Part 2: DNG vs. RAW vs. TIFF vs. JPEG vs. PNG: Which One is Better

Now you have a detailed understanding of these image formats. DNG vs. RAW vs. TIFF vs. JPEG vs. PNG, which image format is better? You can compare them in terms of compatibility, file size, and quality. Here is a comparison table for you to see which is the best.

Image Format Compatibility File Size (in 1920×1080 as an example) Compression Mode
DNG Higher than RAW/TIFF 2.48 MB Lossless compression
RAW Low 3.11 MB Lossless compression
TIFF Low 2.59 MB Lossless compression
JPEG High 423.41 KB Lossy compression
PNG High 8.29 MB Lossless compression

Part 3: How to Convert DNG/RAW/TIFF to JPEG/PNG for High Compatibility

If you want to convert DNG/RAW/TIFF to JPEG or PNG for high compatibility, AnRec Free Image Converter Online must be the initial choice you should not miss. This excellent online tool supports converting your BMP, DNG, TIFF, RAW, WebP, and 30+ image formats to JPG, PNG, and GIF for free. Moreover, you can convert multiple files at a time without watermarks. Experience high-speed conversion together and download all converted files with one click right now!

Step 1.Open AnyRec Free Image Converter Online on any browser. Then you can select the output format by checking the JPG option.

Choose Format Output AnyRec

Step 2.After that, you should click the "Add Images" button to import your DNG/TIFF/RAW files. Note that you can upload up to 40 images, and each image cannot exceed 5 MB.

Upload File AnyRec

Step 3.The conversion will start automatically after uploading. Then you can click the "Download" button to save your file. If you have converted multiple files at one time, you can click the "Download All" button to save all files.

Download File AnyRec

Part 4: FAQs about DNG vs. RAW vs. TIFF vs. JPEG vs. PNG

Conclusion

After understanding the differences between DNG, TIFF, RAW, JPEG, and PNG, you can determine the best way to convert images. If you use an excellent tool like AnyRec Free Image Converter Online, converting DNG/TIFF/RAW to JPG/PNG is not a problem. This professional solution can help you convert pictures without quality loss. Open this online tool now and experience its powerful functions!

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