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File format refers to the type of file used to record picture data. The standard format is JPEG (“jay-pegg”), but cameras aimed at intermediate and advanced photographers usually offer a second format called Camera Raw, or just Raw for short.

Pro photographers generally prefer Raw for a couple of reasons. First, when it comes to image quality, Raw outperforms JPEG for reasons you can explore in Chapter 2, if you're interested. Second, Raw can record a greater dynamic range (spectrum of brightness values, from shadows to highlights).

Additionally, Raw provides a higher level of creative control. JPEG files are “processed” in the camera, with characteristics such as contrast, sharpness, and color saturation tweaked to provide what the manufacturer thinks its clients like. Raw files are just that: uncooked data straight from the image sensor. The photographer then does the work of turning that data into a photo using a software tool known as a Raw converter, which gives the photographer the final say over the look of a photo.

Don’t take all this to mean that you should bypass cameras that offer only JPEG, however. Today's digital cameras produce excellent-quality JPEG images, unlike some of the JPEG-only models of past years. But obviously, a camera that offers both formats beats one that doesn't provide the Raw option. You may not be interested in Raw now, but as your skills grow, it may become more appealing to you.