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Difference Between CR2 And JPG - Reasons To Convert .cr2 Into .jpg

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Lucifer Smith
Difference Between CR2 And JPG - Reasons To Convert .cr2 Into .jpg

CR2 file is a proprietary format developed by Canon to store digital photography in a RAW form. CR2 file extension is an abbreviation for Canon Raw Version 2. It is an uncompressed, large, and high-quality format based on TIFF specifications. TIFF and CR2 contain plenty of data, which results in more defined pictures. Nevertheless, unlike TIFF a CR2 file has to be processed using a compatible application, which offers more control on elements like contrast, sharpness, and saturation. Therefore, 3D modeling programs use .cr2 files because they are high resolution and hold a lot of details in each picture. 

What’s JPG and how does it differ from CR2?

The JPG file is highly popular because of its size, convenience and accessibility. JPG and JPEG are the same, so don’t get confused. People use JPG when a large amount of images needs to be downloaded or shared. JPG records 8 bits of color mode RGB [red, green, blue], while .cr2 records around 14 bits. With .cr2, you can capture and store the image in its original colors and lots of detail. In a RAW file, lifting details from the dark shadows, getting the right colors, correcting exposure, controlling sharpness, or reducing noise is possible. You capture an HD image, which can be adjusted or tweaked in a JPG file but not in the same way. 

If you are uninterested or unable to post-process images on a computer, then shoot in JPG. When you desire to share images instantly or have limited memory card space then only shoot in JPG. On the other hand, with RAW files accidental underexposed or overexposed images can be fixed in the post-processing phase. Shooting in RAW format, you gain better detailing and best results from the Canon camera. 

How to open and convert CR2 files to JPG?

You can open CR2 files to JPG online free on programs like UFRaw and IrfanView. For opening CR2 files in Windows you can install the Canon RAW codec app or Microsoft Camera Codec Pack. You can even use paid versions like Adobe Photoshop or 3Ds max or DAZ program to work with CR2 files. 

If you are a fan of offline processes then consider using popular editing programs like iPhoto, Adobe Lightroom, or Aperture. For an online conversion, look for a trusted converter like reaConverter. 

Why convert CR2 to JPEG?

  • Lack of compatibility is the primary reason to convert .cr2 to .jpg. It is better to convert rather than downloading 3rd party editing program to work directly with CR2 files. 
  • The second reason is the size of RAW files. As the CR2 files are in RAW format and hold high-quality details it takes plenty of storage space than JPG. You cannot share CR2 files in their raw form, so conversion makes it easy to send. 

Why not convert .cr2 to .jpg?

Sometimes, it is better not to convert the raw image files, especially the CR2 format. When you desire to edit the photos then do it in RAW form and after editing export images in a JPG file. It is because RAW files are of high quality and changes made to them will never impact the quality. Besides, the entire editing process can be undone. Even if you plan to transform the photos into art edit in raw format and then convert them into JPG.

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