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RAW Photo Formats Guide: CR2, NEF, ARW, DNG Explained

•8 min read•Photography

RAW files capture maximum image data but aren't universally compatible. Learn about different RAW formats and how to convert them for sharing and editing.

What are RAW Photo Files?

RAW files contain unprocessed image data directly from your camera's sensor. Unlike JPG files, RAW images aren't compressed or processed, giving you maximum flexibility for editing but requiring special software to view and edit.

RAW vs JPG: Key Differences

RAW Advantages

  • • Maximum image quality
  • • 12-16 bit color depth
  • • Non-destructive editing
  • • Better exposure recovery
  • • Professional editing control

RAW Limitations

  • • Large file sizes (20-60 MB)
  • • Requires special software
  • • Not web-compatible
  • • Slower workflow
  • • Brand-specific formats

Common RAW Formats by Camera Brand

Canon - CR2/CR3

Canon RAW version 2 and 3

  • • CR2: Older Canon cameras
  • • CR3: Newer Canon cameras (2018+)
  • • Excellent quality and compatibility
  • • Widely supported by software

Nikon - NEF

Nikon Electronic Format

  • • Standard across all Nikon DSLRs
  • • Compressed and uncompressed options
  • • Excellent dynamic range
  • • Good software support

Sony - ARW

Sony's Alpha RAW format

  • • Used by Sony Alpha cameras
  • • Compressed by default
  • • Excellent color science
  • • Growing software support

Adobe - DNG

Digital Negative (Open Standard)

  • • Open-source RAW format
  • • Future-proof standard
  • • Universal compatibility
  • • Smaller file sizes

Other RAW Formats

Fujifilm

  • • RAF (RAW Format)
  • • Unique X-Trans sensor
  • • Excellent color rendition

Panasonic

  • • RW2 (RAW version 2)
  • • Micro Four Thirds
  • • Compact file sizes

Olympus

  • • ORF (Olympus RAW Format)
  • • High-resolution mode
  • • Excellent stabilization data

Pentax

  • • PEF (Pentax Electronic Format)
  • • DNG option available
  • • Weather-sealed reliability

Leica

  • • DNG (Digital Negative)
  • • Premium image quality
  • • Open standard format

Phase One

  • • IIQ (Intelligent Image Quality)
  • • Medium format quality
  • • Professional workflows

Why Convert RAW Files?

Sharing & Compatibility

  • • Social media requires JPG/PNG
  • • Email attachments need smaller files
  • • Web galleries don't support RAW
  • • Universal device compatibility

File Size Management

  • • RAW files: 20-60 MB each
  • • JPG files: 2-8 MB each
  • • Save storage space
  • • Faster backup and transfer

Workflow Efficiency

  • • Batch process final edits
  • • Create web-ready versions
  • • Print-optimized outputs
  • • Client delivery formats

RAW Conversion Tools

RecommendedOnline RAW Converter

Convert RAW files to JPG without installing software. Supports all major RAW formats.

Supported Formats:

  • • Canon CR2, CR3
  • • Nikon NEF
  • • Sony ARW
  • • Adobe DNG

Features:

  • • Batch conversion
  • • Quality settings
  • • EXIF preservation
  • • No software needed
Convert RAW to JPG

Professional Software

  • • Adobe Lightroom: Industry standard RAW processor
  • • Capture One: Professional color grading
  • • Luminar: AI-powered editing
  • • ON1 Photo RAW: All-in-one solution

Free Alternatives

  • • RawTherapee: Open-source RAW processor
  • • darktable: Photography workflow application
  • • GIMP: With UFRaw plugin
  • • Camera manufacturer software

RAW Conversion Best Practices

Workflow Recommendations

  1. 1
    Keep RAW originals: Always preserve your original RAW files as digital negatives
  2. 2
    Edit first: Make adjustments to RAW files before converting to JPG
  3. 3
    Choose appropriate quality: 90-95% JPG quality for print, 80-85% for web
  4. 4
    Batch process: Convert multiple files with consistent settings

Output Settings by Use

Web/Social Media:

sRGB, 1920px max width, 80% quality

Print:

Adobe RGB, full resolution, 95% quality

Email:

sRGB, 1280px max, 75% quality

File Organization

  • • Separate folders for RAW and converted files
  • • Use consistent naming conventions
  • • Include date and purpose in filenames
  • • Backup both RAW and processed versions
  • • Consider cloud storage for final JPGs

Common RAW File Issues

Problem: Can't open RAW files

Your computer or software doesn't recognize the RAW format.

Solutions:

  • • Use our online converter - no software needed
  • • Install camera manufacturer's software
  • • Update your RAW processing software
  • • Convert to DNG format for better compatibility

Problem: RAW files too large

Storage space is filling up quickly with large RAW files.

Solutions:

  • • Convert finished edits to JPG and archive RAWs
  • • Use compressed RAW options in camera settings
  • • Invest in larger storage drives
  • • Delete obvious rejects before editing

Problem: Slow RAW processing

RAW files take too long to open and edit.

Solutions:

  • • Use faster storage (SSD instead of HDD)
  • • Increase computer RAM
  • • Generate previews in advance
  • • Use proxy workflows for large files

Ready to Convert Your RAW Files?

Convert your camera's RAW files to JPG for easy sharing, smaller file sizes, and universal compatibility across all devices and platforms.

Convert RAW to JPGUniversal Converter