In digital photography, which file type would likely offer the highest quality for post-processing?

The file type most likely to offer the highest quality for post-processing in digital photography is RAW. RAW files contain uncompressed and unprocessed image data straight from the camera's sensor, preserving the maximum amount of detail and color information. Because they are not subjected to compression and do not apply any in-camera processing, RAW files provide photographers with greater flexibility and options during the editing phase.

For example, when adjusting exposure, white balance, or recovering highlights and shadows, the extra data stored in a RAW file allows for more extensive adjustments without degrading image quality. This is particularly important for professional photographers who require precise control over their images in post-processing.

While TIFF files also support high-quality images and are lossless, RAW files are specifically designed for editing and offer unparalleled detail. JPEGs are compressed and lose some quality, making them less suitable for extensive edits, while PNGs are typically used for web graphics and also employ some form of compression that may impact quality.