JPEG vs. JPEG 2000.

What is a JPEG 2000 file?

Like the JPEG, the Joint Photographic Experts Group created the JPEG 2000. The intention was for JPEG 2000 to be an improved version of the JPEG file, with a better compression ratio producing higher-quality images. Its design delivers lossless compression

rather than the JPEG’s lossy compression

which retains more image data during the conversion process. Because it’s a more complex file type that fewer software applications support, JPEG 2000s aren’t as popular as JPEGs.

What is the difference between JPEG and JPEG 2000 files?

JPEG and JPEG 2000 may share the same name, but they are two very different image file types. Let’s explore these differences so you can choose the best format for what you need.

Image resolution.

Image quality is the first notable difference between JPEG and JPEG 2000. Using a sophisticated encoding method, JPEG 2000 provides a superior image resolution compared to JPEGs. This is because it can compress files without compromising as much visual data through lossless compression

while also leaving the option open for high-quality lossy compression if needed.

Because JPEG 2000 files offer lossless compression, they can be larger than JPEGs — which also means they can take longer to send, upload, and view online.

Compression.

JPEGs offer lossy compression, which means that users saving files as JPEGs will lose some visual data from their original image. Some might think that quality loss is a fair trade for JPEG’s small file sizes

but others might not realize they can get both high quality and reasonable file sizes with JPEG 2000.

The JPEG 2000 offers users lossless or lossy compression options, depending on how much detail you want to retain. Lossless compression will produce comparatively higher-quality images.

With its high compression ratios, a JPEG 2000 can also compress an image up to 200% more than a JPEG while maintaining the same quality compared to a file of the same size.

Encoding.

Another major difference between these two formats lies in the code. The JPEG 2000 is based on a different code than JPEG, and this new code isn’t backwards compatible. This means that older hardware can’t use JPEG 2000 without modification. When the JPEG 2000 made its debut, developers were reluctant to use it because they would also need to code for JPEG, adding to their workload. Without widespread support from developers, everyday computer users didn’t encounter the new JPEG 2000 file type with the same frequency as the JPEG, which slowed its adoption rates.

Additionally, JPEG 2000 used more RAM than its predecessor, the JPEG. At the time of the JPEG 2000 release, the average computer had only 64MB of RAM. While this isn’t an issue for most contemporary computers, it was yet another factor that held JPEG 2000 back from gaining widespread popularity.