High efficiency photos primarily refer to images saved using the High Efficiency Image Format (HEIF). This is a modern file format designed to store photos more efficiently than older formats like JPEG.
According to the reference, HEIF, or High Efficiency Image Format, is a relatively new image file format that was introduced by the Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG) in 2015. It was designed to be a more efficient alternative to the traditional JPEG format, offering improved compression and image quality.
Understanding HEIF
HEIF acts as a container, similar to how a video file can hold different types of video and audio data. It can store not just single images but also image sequences, image collections, and auxiliary data like depth maps or alpha channels, all within a single file.
Why "High Efficiency"?
The term "high efficiency" comes from its ability to achieve:
- Smaller File Sizes: HEIF typically uses advanced compression techniques (often based on HEVC/H.265 video compression technology) that allow images to be saved with significantly smaller file sizes compared to JPEGs of similar quality. This means you can store more photos on your device or in cloud storage.
- Better Image Quality: At the same file size, an HEIF image can often retain more detail and less compression artifacting than a JPEG.
- Expanded Capabilities: Beyond just storing single images efficiently, HEIF supports features like:
- Image sequences (like live photos or bursts)
- Multiple images in one file (useful for animations or collections)
- Depth maps (used for portrait mode effects)
- Alpha channels (for transparency)
HEIF vs. JPEG
Comparing HEIF and JPEG highlights the efficiency benefits of the newer format:
| Feature | JPEG | HEIF |
|---|---|---|
| Introduced | 1992 | 2015 |
| Compression | Older, less efficient | Newer, more efficient (HEVC) |
| File Size | Larger for similar quality | Smaller for similar quality |
| Image Quality | Can show artifacts at high compression | Better retention of detail |
| Capabilities | Single images | Single images, sequences, collections, depth maps, alpha channels |
| Support | Universal | Growing, but not universal yet |
Practical Insights
- Storage Savings: Devices that use HEIF by default (like many modern smartphones) can store considerably more photos than if they were saving in JPEG format.
- Growing Compatibility: While JPEG is universally supported, HEIF compatibility is rapidly increasing across operating systems (iOS, macOS, Android, Windows via extensions) and software. However, you might still encounter situations where converting HEIF to JPEG is necessary for wider sharing or compatibility with older applications.
- Default Format: Many devices now save photos in HEIF (sometimes referred to as HEIC, a specific implementation) by default to maximize storage space.
In summary, high efficiency photos refer to images stored in formats like HEIF, which leverage advanced compression and container capabilities to offer better image quality at smaller file sizes compared to older formats like JPEG.
