OPEN FILES. EXPLAINED RESULTS.
How we compare.
Real captures, disclosed processing, and estimates you can change.
Two renderings, not a laboratory verdict
The left image is the JPEG preview embedded in the camera’s RAW file. It is not a separate full-resolution JPEG capture. The right is a developed RAW export using LibRaw through rawpy, camera white balance, and automatic brightness disabled. Both exports use the same dimensions and compression settings.
Different tone curves, preview resolution and rendering choices affect the result. We do not claim these images prove RAW is always better, or demonstrate recovery of clipped highlights, corrected white balance or high-ISO detail. Dedicated controlled examples are outside this MVP.
Reproduce the exports
Every original is CC0, with its SHA-256 hash recorded. The repository contains the preprocessing script. Original RAW files stay at their source; web exports are bundled with the site.
Read the processing recipe ↗ · Download the sample manifest ↗
Sample records
| Camera / mode | RAW bytes | Preview bytes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canon EOS R6 Mark IIraw, full frame | 29,395,090 | 4,049,572 | CC0 original ↗ |
| Sony ILCE-7M314bit 14bit compressed (3:2) | 25,639,680 | 1,151,491 | CC0 original ↗ |
| Nikon D75014-bit | 26,336,302 | 976,038 | CC0 original ↗ |
Storage assumptions
Decimal units: 1 MB = 1,000,000 bytes; 1 GB = 1,000 MB; 1 TB = 1,000 GB. RAW defaults use one sample per camera, not an average across scenes. JPEG defaults to an editable 8 MB estimate; the embedded preview size is not used for storage planning.
Annual GB = file MB × photographs ÷ 1,000. RAW + JPEG adds both file sizes. Local storage multiplies annual storage by your selected copy count. Drive purchases round up to whole drives for each local copy, then multiply by the copy count. Copies are stored on separate drives; cloud cost is prorated at your entered price for one cloud copy. Metadata overhead, formatting, existing free space, version history and provider billing tiers are excluded.
About this project
This is an independent MVP. No advertising or affiliate links are active. The calculator runs in your browser; there are no uploads, analytics or accounts.