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Phil571
Participant
June 12, 2020
Question

Small files

  • June 12, 2020
  • 1 reply
  • 883 views

Hi 

I use Adobe Lightroom Classic.  I am not an expert or indeed experienced computer user but I have noticed whenever I export a file  (RAW image)  from Lightroom to my computer (as a JPEG image), these files are dramatically reduced in size.  For example, my original file as imported from the camera as a RAW file is 27MB.  I do not touch this file in any way...no editing or cropping whatsoever.  I then export the file as a JPEG to my harddrive and the file has been reduced to 13MB.  I do not tick the image sizing box and have the resolution box on its maximum of 300.  In the quality I leave set at 100 and the limit file size is unticked.  My question....is this normal and if so how large can I enlarge this image without lose of detail etc?   Thank you for your help.

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1 reply

Curt Wrigley
Curt Wrigley
Inspiring
June 13, 2020

Yes, this is normal.   RAW files contain a lot of information about the photo which allows you to do better editing of exposure and color.   JPG is highly compressed, and while it may appear to look as good as the RAW, much of the information is "baked" into the file, making editing less joyful.  You can still edit a jpg, but you will find the range of chnages you can make to exposure and color are significantly reduced.

 

Ergo; keep the RAWs for editing.  Make JPGs for viewing on web and such.

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Phil571Author
Participant
June 13, 2020

Thank you Curt for the reply and the information.  I really thought something was amiss.  Just out of curiosity I am thinking of framing up a couple of the images for my wall.  Would a 12MB image handle being blown out to say 50 inches x 30 inches for example without any quality loss?

Curt Wrigley
Curt Wrigley
Inspiring
June 13, 2020

I would say no.

 

300dpi is generally considered magazine quality print resolution.  12Mp would make roughly 9 x14" at 300dpi.

You can print at lower dpi and go much larger.  If it will be viewed from a disatnce, may be fine.  But 50 X 30 with no loss of quality?  No.

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