Which image file format is best for high-fidelity and detailed images?

The .raw image file format is the best choice for high-fidelity and detailed images because it retains the maximum amount of image data captured by the camera's sensor. Unlike other formats, .raw files are uncompressed and contain all the data in the image as it was captured, allowing for greater flexibility in post-processing. This means that adjustments to exposure, color balance, and other settings can be made without significantly degrading the image quality.

In contrast, formats like .jpeg and .gif apply compression methods that reduce file size at the expense of some image details. The .jpeg format, while commonly used for photographs, compresses image data, which can result in loss of quality, especially when images are edited and saved multiple times. The .gif format is primarily used for animations and does not support high color depths, making it unsuitable for detailed images.

The .bmp format is a bitmap image that is also uncompressed but tends to yield larger file sizes and lacks the versatility of .raw files when it comes to editing capabilities. Overall, for professional-grade images that require high detail and fidelity, .raw is the preferable format.