What is a raw image format? and what exactly is a .JPG or .TIF file?
A raw image format file preserves the full range of data captured by a camera. A .JPG (or JPEG) is a ‘lossy’ file generated and exported from that full range of data (like a final print might have been traditionally printed from a piece of negative film). In some ways the raw file is the modern equivalent of the negative. It is highly malleable allowing fine detail to be teased-out and minor defects of exposure and colour temperature to be corrected. A .JPG file represents the final optimised output – it cannot be manipulated to the same degree and should be considered the last stage in the making of a photograph. It is highly desirable to capture (wherever possible) using the camera’s own native raw format.
Raw files can be endlessly manipulated, corrected, optimised and output to a ‘finished’ .JPG or .TIF file using software programs like Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop. Always keep and back-up the raw files – .JPG copies can always be recreated from an original raw file.
While a .TIF file preserves more data than a .JPG and will print well, it can be so large it is impractical to store or send as an attachment across the internet.
For more information on image file formats please see this article from Adobe [click here]
Raw formats are designated by an image’s file extension. Some proprietary camera raw formats are:
.NEF (Nikon cameras)
.CRW (Canon cameras)
.ARW (Sony cameras)
.RAF (Fujifilm cameras)
.RW2 (Panasonic cameras)
.DNG (Sony and Leica cameras)
.DNG – was originally developed by Adobe to be an open raw file format standard.
Apple computer’s ProRaw format is an adaptation of DNG
For more information on Apple ProRaw please see this article by Outdoor Photographer [click here]
