Raw image format

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

Professional cameras (including DSLRs) usually have this as an output option, along with JPEG. Raw format images are superior to JPEG in terms of dynamic range, 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 .DNG extension. Certain cameras from manufacturers, such as Casio, Leica, Pentax, Ricoh, 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

.CRW, .CR2

Epson

.ERF

Fujifilm

.RAF

Hasselblad

.3FR

Kodak

.DCR, .KDC, .RAW

Konica Minolta

.MRW

Leaf

.MOS

Mamiya

.MEF, .MFW, .MOS, .TIF, .IIQ

Nikon

.NEF, .NRW

Olympus

.ORF

Phase One

.TIF

Pentax

.PEF

Samsung

.PEF, .SRW

Sigma

.X3F

Sony

.ARW, .SRF, .SR2

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

External links

• Raw image format at the Adobe Wiki
• Raw format at the Photoshop Wiki
• Raw image format at Wikipedia