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.