PowerShot SX70 HS How to choose JPG instead of RAW/CRAW

[Harry8]

For years I've been happy with point-and-shoot cameras and have taken thousands of JPEGs. However, I've recently been been tempted to buy a Canon SX70 HS, in large part for the integrated x65 zoom, with expectation of having a the option to "shoot in JPEG or RAW format". Fine by me, as I want to stay with JPEG format as I'm happy with the limitations that brings. 

I've just started setting up the camera and find, under the Image Quality Menu, 2 horizontal choices:

First I HAVE to choose RAW or CRAW

Second is JPEG   L  L  M  M S     (so 2 different types of large, 2 different types of medium, 1 type of small)

I've been trawling for an hour for an answer to this and failed in my endeavours. I know that CRAW is smaller and more limited than RAW but I don't understand why there is not a 3rd choice of JPEG. And I don't understand why there is a choice of JPEG size since I can not chose JPEG as a storage type.

Could one of you share your superior knowledge with me? I don't mind if you look down from a superior height and laugh as you type, but I'd be grateful if you could educate me. 

Thanks!

[kvbarkley · Accepted solution]

The JPEG image has two parameters: Size and Compression amount/File Quality.

I don't know exactly the size difference, the specs might say, but LMS are pixel sizes, and the jaggy/not jaggy is a fine/less fine compression setting.

[kvbarkley · Accepted solution]

The JPEG image has two parameters: Size and Compression amount/File Quality.

I don't know exactly the size difference, the specs might say, but LMS are pixel sizes, and the jaggy/not jaggy is a fine/less fine compression setting.

[Stephen · Accepted solution]

Hey there!

I can totally see how this can be confusing!

When shooting in a Creative Zone mode (P, Tv, Av, M), you can select RAW/CRAW + JPEG, or RAW/CRAW, or JPEG.

You can only set the JPEG quality when shooting in an AUTO mode.

Tap HERE for a PDF copy of the advanced manual. 

On page 89, it starts going over image quality:
Put the camera in a Creative Zone (like P)
Press your center-round Function/Set button
Arrow down to the L on the left and select the JPEG quality you want (usually the first one)
Make sure the RAW option is set to - 

I hope this is helpful! 

[Harry8]

Hi Stephen & kvbarkley

I really appreciate your time, knowledge, and speed of replies. I couldn't find anything making it clear on the SX70 specifically and the earlier models apparently had different layouts. I now understand the limitation of Auto mode includes a limitation to JPEG and I that my flexibility in other modes includes a minus sign (-) allowing me to turn RAW options off (I think!). 

Thank you both very much.

[Stephen]

You got it! 

AUTO mode is meant to "set it and forget it." The camera will automatically select the mode for you (portrait, macro, landscape, sports). It also assumes you probably won't want to mess around with professional editing software, so you get to select a JPEG quality option, and those options are good enough for most users!

[Harry8]

Thanks Stephen. I am practising with Pidgeon's in the back garden. At the moment, the pictures they take of me are better than the ones I take of them. I'll keep Auto mode in mind if I get too frustrated!