VJPEG (Video JPEG), universally referred to in the industry as Motion JPEG (MJPEG), is a video compression format where every single frame of video is captured and compressed as an individual, standalone JPEG image. Unlike modern video formats that look at changes between frames over time, VJPEG relies entirely on intra-frame compression.
While modern mirrorless and cinema cameras heavily rely on advanced codecs like H.264, H.265 (HEVC), and ProRes, VJPEG maintains a vital, specialized role in specific camera hardware, streaming setups, and production environments. How VJPEG / Motion JPEG Works
Traditional video codecs use inter-frame compression. They record one full picture (an I-frame) and then, for the next few dozen frames, only record the pixels that change (P-frames and B-frames). VJPEG rejects this concept entirely:
Intra-frame Only: Every second of a 30fps VJPEG video contains exactly 30 complete, independent JPEG images stitched back-to-back.
No Temporal Dependence: Because frames do not rely on preceding or succeeding frames to display, there is no “Group of Pictures” (GOP) structure. Key Advantages in Modern Camera Systems RAW vs JPEG: The Real Truth