RAW (camera RAW)
What is an RAW (camera RAW) file?
The RAW file extension refers to a minimally processed image file format used primarily by older Panasonic and Leica digital cameras, or as a generic descriptor for binary raw data streams. In the context of photography, these files contain the direct readout from the CCD or CMOS image sensor, preserved at high bit depths (typically 12-bit or 14-bit) without lossy compression or in-camera processing like sharpening or white balance application. This 'digital negative' format retains the maximum dynamic range captured by the hardware.
How to open an RAW (camera RAW) file
Opening RAW files necessitates image processing software equipped with the specific demosaicing algorithms for the camera model used. Adobe Photoshop (via Camera Raw), Adobe Lightroom, and Corel PaintShop Pro are standard professional tools. For open-source alternatives, Darktable and UFRaw utilize the libraw library to decode these files. Native OS support on Windows and macOS is generally robust for recognized camera models, provided the OS is updated with the latest raw compatibility drivers.
- Full Name
- Raw Image Data File
- Developed By
- Panasonic / Leica (Primary Users)
- Initial Release
- N/A
- MIME Type
- image/x-panasonic-raw