JPG – Some cameras will have options for different JPEG quality levels (e.g., low, medium, and high). The better the photo quality, the less compression the camera will perform on the original photograph.

TIFF – TIFF is commonly used in the photography industry; it’s generally requested by publishers. Even if the end file format will be a JPEG, the initial file is often a TIFF

TIFF Benefits – Ability to manipulate photos extensively in editing software

TIFF Negatives – Longer transfer and loading times due to file size

RAW-Best option when you want the highest-quality files from your camera. This requires many memory cards, and also considerable post-processing time. Extensive options in post-processing.

DNG- This file format is created by Adobe. Gives you the ability to use image-processing software such as Lightroom and Photoshop. Safest option for long-term, since it guards against the inability to open or access files in the future.

PNG -PNGs are compressed in a lossless format, and therefore retain all detail. But unlike other file formats, PNG quality doesn’t mean big file sizes – and this is useful on the internet, because you need pages to load quickly.

GIF- Like PNGs, GIFs are ideal for use on the internet. Lossless compression means image quality is not sacrificed, and like PNGs, GIFs offer the ability to maintain transparency. GIFs also allow for animation.

BMP: A BMP is a large file that allow you to have a high-quality digital file, however this is good for printing photos, not for posting them on the internet.

PSD: A PSD is a Photoshop Document that allows you to manipulate multiple layers individually, which is ideal for retouching and fine-tuning, but once this file is flattened it cannot be undone.