Canon cameras provide a number of options for image type from RAW, with the most data and flexibility of all file types that the camera’s sensor can provide, to Large (L), Medium (M), and Small (S) jpegs. Each file size will provide high quality images. The difference is in the degree of enlargement a given file will withstand before artifacts and pixelization become noticeable.
Large jpegs deliver a full size file, so if you have a 10 megapixel sensor you will see a 30 mb file (10 mb for each channel of red, green, and blue) when it’s opened in software like Photoshop.
Medium jpegs will produce files about one-half the size, or about 15 mb for a 10 megapixel sensor. Basically, the camera ignores about half the data. This reduction in resolution will not be noticeable if the print size does not exceed the capabilities of the file.
Small jpegs will be roughly one-fourth the size of a full file, in this case about 7.5 mb. While you have less opportunity for enlargement, the lower resolution of the file will not be appreciably noticed as long as you understand, and work within, its limitations. Based on the job at hand, it will be up to you to determine the most efficient resolution choice for your work. High-ticket jobs like commercial, advertising, portraiture, or weddings will generally demand RAW or Large jpeg files. Depending on your camera’s sensor size and resolution, images meant for snapshot prints, even 5 X 7s, will look great when shot as Medium jpegs; Small is fine for web use, possibly even for 3 X 5s or 4 X 6s.
Canon cameras offer the opportunity to shoot both RAW and jpeg files at the same time. All models allow at least RAW + Large (aka High) jpeg and RAW + Small jpeg. Newer models also provide RAW + Medium as well as slightly more compressed versions of Large and Small jpegs. With the addition of the new, 2.5 megapixel Small RAW (sRAW) file available on the Mark III, the total number of quality options is a staggering 14 different ways to save your files (FIG 4.9).
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