RAW vs JPEG: The Real Talk on Editing — Especially with a Nikon Z6ii and a Quirky Oreo Pan Lens

There’s a bit of a shift happening lately — I’ve noticed more wedding photographers ditching the editing process altogether and delivering JPEGs straight out of camera. No tweaks, no retouching, just pure, untouched shots. Now, coming from someone who lives for that extra bit of magic in post, I’ve got mixed feelings about it.

So I thought I’d put pen to paper (well, fingers to keys) and share some thoughts. Especially since I’ve been playing around with the Nikon Z6ii and this completely bonkers little Oreo Pan lens — a 32mm fixed focus, f/10 recycled from a disposable camera. It’s a wild pairing of pro gear and lo-fi nostalgia, and a perfect setup for this discussion: RAW vs JPEG — and is there a place for both?

Let’s Talk About the Lens First — Charmingly Imperfect

Before we even get to file types, let’s chat about this lens. The Oreo Pan 32mm is… well, it’s a character. Optically speaking, nothing is ever really sharp. Not in the traditional sense, anyway. The whole frame has this dreamy softness, where detail melts away just enough to feel painterly rather than precise. Add in some pretty heavy vignetting, a fixed aperture of f/10, and a focus-free design, and you’ve got a recipe for images that are more about atmosphere than accuracy.

The Oreo 32mm Pan lens

There’s a real warmth to the files it produces — almost like they’ve been dipped in nostalgia. The focal depth drops off unpredictably, and while that might make pixel peepers twitch, it’s part of the charm. It strips everything back to feeling, light, and moment.

In short, it’s the kind of lens that forces you to let go of technical perfection and lean into the mood. And that’s where RAW becomes your best friend.

jpeg vs RAW

The Power of RAW — Why I Still Love It

Shooting in RAW is like having a time machine built into your camera. You’ve got all the detail, all the dynamic range, and the freedom to adjust exposure, white balance, and tone until the image feels right. With a lens like the Oreo Pan — fixed aperture, no focusing, just vibes — RAW gives you that safety net. Shadows a bit murky? Sky a little blown? No problem, you can pull it all back in post.

Editing RAW files lets you:

• Gently lift or deepen shadows without wrecking image quality

• Get accurate white balance when your lens decides to throw in some funky colour shifts

• Dial in sharpness and contrast while still keeping things looking natural

• Embrace and even enhance the vignetting and softness to tell a more emotive story

I shot a series recently using the Oreo Pan and compared the RAW files to the JPEGs. The JPEGs were charming in their own way — soft, nostalgic, a bit chaotic — but they lacked depth. The RAWs, after a bit of love in Photoshop, had punch, nuance, and the kind of emotional weight that I want my images to carry.

jpeg vs RAW

So What’s with the Unedited JPEG Trend?

Now, let’s talk about this growing trend — wedding photographers who shoot JPEG-only and skip the edit altogether. It’s minimalist, it’s quick, and it leans heavily into that documentary vibe that’s all about truth and raw emotion. And to be fair, there’s definitely something appealing about that.

Unedited JPEGs:

• Capture exactly what was seen in the moment, no interference (although the camera has made decisions on colour and level processing)

• Speed up turnaround time like nobody’s business

• Feel authentic, in a “this-is-how-it-happened” kind of way

There’s a rawness (pun intended) that some couples are after — imperfect lighting, wonky tones, and all. It’s a rebellion against over-editing and overly curated feeds. It says, "This is us, this is real."

And honestly? I get it. There’s virtue in truth. And in the right hands, JPEGs can absolutely tell a story without needing a single adjustment.

jpeg vs RAW

Where I Think the Balance Lies

For me, it’s not about RAW versus JPEG — it’s about what you want to say with your work. If your vibe is authentic, unfiltered storytelling and you’re confident in your exposure, lighting, and in-camera settings, JPEG can work beautifully. Especially with a quirky lens like the Oreo Pan that brings its own unique flavour to every shot.

But if you want to shape the emotion of a scene, guide the eye, and elevate those in-between moments into something timeless, RAW gives you the tools to do it. It’s about intention. Creativity. Control.

jpeg vs RAW

Final Thoughts from a Wedding Photographer Who Loves a Bit of Both

Look, I’m not here to preach. I’m just a bloke who still loves the process — the capture and the craft that comes after. Editing RAW files isn’t about fixing mistakes, it’s about sculpting stories. But I’ve got time for the JPEG-only crowd too. If the moment feels right straight out of camera, then maybe it doesn’t need anything else.

Just know what you’re giving up — and what you’re gaining — with each choice.

So whether you’re shooting with a prime lens or a recycled disposable lens shaped like a biscuit (don’t knock it till you try it), the most important thing is that the image means something. To you, and to the people you’re making it for. Am I going to use the Pan Lens at weddings? Without a doubt!

Eilean Donan Castle shot using a recycled disposable camera lens on a Nikon Z6ii

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