Raw image format

A raw image format image refers to the unprocessed data from a digital image sensor.

Professional cameras (including s) usually have this as an output option, along with JPEG. Raw format images are superior to JPEG in terms of, color depth, and fidelity, but are larger in file size. The main weakness of the raw format the lack of an industry standard. As a result, raw format images typically cannot be viewed on a computer without installing an appropriate codec or plug-in, whereas support for the JPEG format has become standard on every modern operating system.

Proprietary versions
Adobe developed its own version of the format called Digital Negative, which uses the  extension. Certain cameras from manufacturers, such as, , , , and Samsung, use DNG in lieu of an actual raw format. In 2016, Apple added DNG support to iOS 10 for iPhone 6S, iPad Pro, and later models with at least a 12-megapixel camera.

In December 2020, Apple introduced support for its own ProRAW format in iOS 14.3 and macOS 11.1.

File extensions by manufacturer
Different camera manufacturers use different filename extensions for their respective raw format images. Adobe Photoshop requires the appropriate version of the Camera RAW utility to view raw images from certain cameras. 
 * Canon: ,
 * Epson:
 * Fujifilm:
 * Hasselblad:
 * Kodak:, ,
 * Konica Minolta:
 * Leaf:
 * Mamiya:, ,  ,  ,
 * Nikon: ,
 * Olympus:
 * Phase One:
 * Pentax:
 * Samsung: ,
 * Sigma:
 * Sony:, ,

Some other manufacturers use the  extension, which may unfortunately be mistaken for other "raw data files" from other sources.