i need to convert a PImage into the string representation of a compressed JPG image. currently i am converting my PImage into a BufferedImage, which i then convert via the com.sun.image.codec.jpeg.* & java.awt.image.* apis into an encoded JPG and then finally into a ByteArrayOutputStream.

this works, but it's rather cumbersome & immensely slow, & i'd like to not use any sun.* packages. i'd be really greatfull for any pointers on how to achive this.

thanks a bunch.