RAW files

Raw files are unprocessed images directly captured by a digital camera’s sensor. Unlike JPEGs, which are compressed and processed for immediate use, raw files retain all the original data, offering greater flexibility for editing and adjusting exposure, color, and details later. They are essentially the digital equivalent of raw film negatives, providing a high-quality, detailed starting point for professional and serious photographers. However, raw files are larger in size and require specialized software to view and convert into more common image formats.