What is the raw format?

The format of RAW is unprocessed and uncompressed.

RAW is an unprocessed and compressed format, which can be conceptualized as "original image encoded data" or more vividly called "digital negative". RAW format file is a file that records the original information of digital camera sensor and some metadata (such as ISO setting, shutter speed, aperture value, white balance, etc.). ) camera shooting production.

The advantage of JPG file is small size and good compatibility, because most programs can read this file, because JPG format is not only an industrial standard format, but also a standard file format of the Web. On the other hand, however, when creating a JPG file, some data will be lost, that is, the file will be created by "lossy" compression.

Advantages of RAW

1, higher image quality: RAW format saves the original data of the camera and provides more image information than JPEG format. It has lower compression ratio and higher bit depth, resulting in richer colors, finer gradients and lower noise level.

2. Greater dynamic range: Image files in RAW format can capture greater dynamic range. The camera sensor can record more light and dark changes, and the post-processing has more adjustment space, so it is not easy to appear white highlights or shadow distortion. This is especially useful for shooting scenes with wide brightness range, such as sunrise and sunset or high contrast scenes.

3. Greater post-processing freedom: Because the RAW file saves more image data, the photographer can adjust the image details, color and contrast parameters more accurately during post-processing. They can better control the whole image processing process without worrying about the loss of pseudo color blocks or details introduced by JPEG compression.

The above contents refer to Baidu Encyclopedia -RAW.