Which image format is widely used for photos on digital cameras and the web?

• A. BMP
• B. TIFF
• C. RAW
• D. JPEG

Answer: (D)

JPEG is the format that best fits the need to share and store ordinary photos efficiently. It uses lossy compression that reduces file size while preserving enough detail for typical photographs, which is ideal for cameras that capture many images and for websites that must load quickly. Because JPEG is universally supported by virtually every camera, computer, and web browser, images open instantly across devices and platforms. This broad compatibility, combined with a controllable balance between image quality and file size, makes JPEG the standard choice for photos on both the camera and the web.

Other formats tend to be either much larger or require extra steps to view. BMP is uncompressed, so files are big; TIFF offers high quality and flexibility but is bulky and mostly used in professional workflows; RAW captures more sensor data and needs processing before viewing, and isn’t as widely supported for immediate viewing on websites. JPEG’s ability to deliver reasonably good quality at small sizes, along with its wide support, is why it’s the go-to choice for everyday photos.