Why use JPEG instead of RAW?

Why would a photographer want to capture images using the JPEG format over an available RAW format? The obvious argument is memory card storage, but assume that my available memory card storage is adequate for either format within my shooting scenarios.

The reverse analysis of RAW instead of JPEG, as well as JPEG+ RAW has been covered extensively on this site already:

Answer

Beyond the very obvious memory card requirement differences between RAW and JPEG images as noted in the question:

• JPEGs are compressed and typically have much smaller file sizes. For example a RAW file from a Nikon D800 can be 50MB and the JPEG may be a fraction at 10MB. This benefits not only memory card capacity but also editing workflow speed, archival storage requirements, and speed to download images.


• RAW significantly slows down many workflows especially for high volume photographers(sports, portrait, etc.).



• Maximum frames per second and the amount of images that can be captured before the camera buffer slows down max fps can be faster with JPEG over RAW.


• The extra storage considerations become a significant concern with RAW.


• If you are shooting in a studio and can accurately control all aspects of the image(specifically light), you may benefit very little from RAW and it might just end up costing you money.


• Some people like the in-camera processing that converts to JPEG. It is obviously easier to achieve a finished product, but maybe you like the "look" and don't want to use the camera manufacturers software to replicate the same look as it is another additional step.


• JPEG can force you to become a better photographer. Instead of saying Who cares what the WB is, JPEG can force you to take an extra few minutes to get the white balance and exposure right in camera.


• JPEG can help you to spend more of your photography time in the field shooting images, rather than behind a computer screen editing images.


• JPEG uses less battery life because of the significant decrease in file size and the corresponding write time.

The following points are solved by saving RAW+JPEG, while the above ones aren't:

• Most RAW file formats are proprietary(.CR2,.NEF). When a new camera comes out, popular software likely won't even work with the RAW files until the software is updated.


• It is possible in the future that the ability to convert to a more widely available format will be lost if historical software no longer works or is unable to be found.


• JPEG is more commonly supported by all image editing software. This is important when you you want to edit in software that doesn't support RAW at all, such as some mobile devices or basic operating systems.