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Definition
A RAW image file contains minimally processed data directly from a camera's image sensor. Unlike JPEG, which applies compression, white balance, and sharpening in-camera, RAW preserves the full sensor data, giving photographers maximum flexibility in post-processing.
A RAW file stores the unprocessed output of each photosite on the camera sensor, typically at 12-14 bits per channel (compared to JPEG's 8 bits). This wider dynamic range preserves detail in highlights and shadows that JPEG discards. RAW files also retain the original Bayer pattern data before demosaicing — the process of converting the sensor's red-green-blue grid into a full-color image. White balance, exposure compensation, and color grading can all be adjusted non-destructively in editing software.
Each camera manufacturer uses its own proprietary RAW format: Canon (.CR2, .CR3), Nikon (.NEF), Sony (.ARW), Fuji (.RAF), and many others. Adobe's DNG (Digital Negative) is an open RAW format intended as a universal standard. RAW files are significantly larger than JPEGs — a 24-megapixel camera produces ~25MB RAW files versus ~8MB JPEGs. Professional photographers typically shoot RAW for important work and JPEG for casual snapshots.
RAW files cannot be displayed directly on web pages or shared on social media — they must be processed (developed) and exported to JPEG, PNG, or another display format. Software like Adobe Lightroom, Capture One, and darktable handles RAW development. The advantage is that adjustments to exposure, white balance, noise reduction, and lens corrections are applied to the full sensor data rather than an already-compressed JPEG, yielding noticeably better results, especially for challenging lighting conditions.