Getting to know the types of JPEG and RAW photo files used in research

INTRODUCTION: Indirect anthropometric measurements are important in research but may also be significant in the legal area as a quantitative instrument for pre- and post-operative evaluation. The type of file used determines variations in the manipulation of the images. The objective is to study the types of image files used in digital photography that will find utility in research. METHODS: The breasts of 40 women volunteers were measured in 80 hemithoraces, and the mammary region and arms were marked in the frontal position. The union of these points in each hemithorax formed seven linear segments, an angular measure, and a median segment common to both hemithoraces. These photographs were evaluated as high definition RAW and JPEG files by three observers using Adobe Photoshop CS6® software. RESULTS: RAW and JPEG files were shown to be effective in breast measurement. CONCLUSION: RAW and JPEG files presented similar results in the measurement of female breasts.