JPEG and raw image files compared to direct measurement of the breast region

Abstract Purpose: To compare JPEG and RAW image file extensions to direct measurement of the breast region. Methods: Points were marked on the breasts and arms of 40 female volunteers. The joining of these points in each hemibody formed seven linear segments, one angular segment and one median segment common to both hemibodies. Volunteers were photographed in a standardized fashion and evaluated by three raters using the software Adobe Photoshop CS6® and three image file extensions (RAW, high resolution JPEG and low resolution JPEG); values were compared to direct anthropometry. Results: All variables had interclass correlation coefficient higher than 0.8 (ICC>0.8). On average, all variables in all methods showed differences (p<0.05) when compared to direct measurement. A formula was created for each segment and each image file extension in comparison with the direct measurement. Conclusion: Measurements were similar among the correlated JPEG and RAW image file extensions but differed from the actual breast measurement obtained with a caliper.