RAW Image Format: What It Is, Why Use It, and How to Convert

What is the RAW Image Format?

RAW is an unprocessed image format that stores all the data captured by a camera sensor. Unlike JPEG, it does not compress or apply in-camera processing, which means the file retains more details, colors, and dynamic range.

In other words, RAW is like a digital negative that requires further editing in photo software.

Why Use the RAW Format

Photographers choose RAW because it offers far more control over the final result:

• Maximum quality — no data loss during saving.
• Flexible editing — easily adjust white balance, exposure, saturation.
• Detail preservation — recover highlights and shadows.
• Professional results — suitable for printing and commercial projects.

Why Photographers Should Shoot in RAW

Even though JPEG might seem more convenient, RAW provides clear advantages:

• accurate color reproduction,
• no compression artifacts,
• the ability to re-edit photos multiple times without losing quality.

For professional and creative photography, RAW is the industry standard.

How to Shoot in RAW Format

Enabling RAW shooting is simple:

1. Open your camera’s menu.
2. Go to the Image Format section.
3. Select RAW or RAW+JPEG.
4. Save photos to your memory card.
5. Open them in editors such as Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop, or Capture One.

   

   Popular RAW Formats Table

   Format	Manufacturer	Key Features	Software Support
   .CR2 / .CR3	Canon	High detail, large files	Lightroom, Photoshop, Capture One
   .NEF	Nikon	Flexible color editing, wide dynamic range	Lightroom, Photoshop
   .ARW	Sony	Preserves shadow details very well	Lightroom, Capture One
   .ORF	Olympus	Smaller file size but high accuracy	Olympus Viewer, Lightroom
   .RAF	Fujifilm	Unique color from X-Trans sensor	Lightroom, Capture One
   .DNG	Adobe (universal)	Open standard, great for archiving	Almost all editors
   .RW2	Panasonic	Strong detail and color retention	Lightroom, Photoshop

How to Convert RAW Format

Since RAW cannot be opened with standard Windows or macOS viewers, it must be converted first. You can do this in professional editors or online.

An easy option is to use an image converter, which quickly transforms RAW files into JPEG, PNG, and other formats without installing extra software.

RAW is a professional image format that gives photographers full control over quality. While different camera brands use their own RAW extensions (CR2, NEF, ARW, etc.), the principle remains the same: it preserves the maximum amount of data for editing.

If you want to unlock the full potential of your camera, shoot in RAW and only convert files into JPEG or PNG for sharing and printing.