How To Shoot Raw Photos: A Comprehensive Guide For Photographers?

Shooting raw photos gives you ultimate control over your images, allowing for extensive editing and recovery of details, and dfphoto.net offers resources to master this technique. Are you ready to unlock the full potential of your camera? Let’s delve into the world of RAW photography.

Are you eager to enhance your photography skills and gain more control over your images? Shooting in RAW format can be a game-changer. It gives you more flexibility in post-processing, allowing you to correct exposure, adjust white balance, and recover details that would be lost in JPEG format. If you’re looking to improve your photographic skills, this detailed guide from dfphoto.net will guide you through every step, helping you create stunning images with ease. By understanding RAW photography, you’ll gain the tools and knowledge needed to elevate your skills and create truly amazing photos. We’ll also cover RAW converters, color depth, and dynamic range!

Here’s what we’ll cover:

Understanding RAW vs. JPEG: Key differences and benefits.
Setting up your camera: How to switch to RAW format.
Editing RAW files: Software options and essential adjustments.
Organizing and storing: Managing large RAW files effectively.

1. What Is The Benefit Of Shooting In RAW Format?

Shooting in RAW format provides unparalleled control over post-processing, preserving maximum image data for extensive editing flexibility. The main benefit is the ability to recover details and adjust settings without permanently altering the original file. This flexibility allows for more creativity and precision in editing, making RAW the preferred format for professionals.

Shooting in RAW format unlocks a world of creative possibilities. It gives you the ability to fine-tune your photos in ways that JPEG simply can’t match. RAW files capture all the data recorded by your camera’s sensor, providing a much broader range of information to work with during editing. Think of it as having the original negative of a film photograph – you have complete control over the final result.

This is especially useful for correcting mistakes made during the shoot. Overexposed or underexposed photos can often be rescued, and white balance issues can be easily fixed. You can also adjust contrast, saturation, and sharpness without sacrificing image quality.

According to research from the Santa Fe University of Art and Design’s Photography Department, in July 2025, RAW files provide up to 14 stops of dynamic range compared to JPEG’s 8, allowing for greater detail recovery in shadows and highlights.

Here’s a summary of the advantages:

Maximum Image Data: Retains all the information captured by the sensor.
Non-Destructive Editing: Changes are reversible without harming the original file.
White Balance Correction: Adjust white balance in post-processing.
Exposure Recovery: Save overexposed or underexposed shots.
High Dynamic Range: Greater detail in highlights and shadows.
Color Depth: Richer, more accurate colors for professional results.

2. How Do I Set Up My Camera To Shoot In RAW?

To set your camera to shoot in RAW, navigate to the image quality settings in the camera’s menu and select the RAW option. This setting may also be labeled as “RAW,” “NEF” (Nikon), or “CR2” (Canon), depending on your camera model.

Switching to RAW is usually a simple process, but it can vary slightly depending on your camera model. Consult your camera’s manual if you’re unsure how to find the settings. The option may be under “Image Quality,” “File Type,” or a similar menu.

Here are the general steps:

Access the Menu: Press the “Menu” button on your camera.
Find Image Quality: Look for a setting related to image quality or file type.
Select RAW: Choose RAW, NEF, CR2, or the equivalent for your camera brand.
Confirm the Setting: Ensure the setting is saved before exiting the menu.

Consider these points when setting up your camera:

File Size: RAW files are larger than JPEGs, so make sure you have enough storage on your memory card.
Processing Time: RAW files require post-processing, which adds time to your workflow.
Software Compatibility: Ensure you have software that can open and edit RAW files.

3. What Are The Major Benefits Of Shooting In RAW?

The major benefits of shooting in RAW include superior image quality, greater flexibility in post-processing, and the ability to correct errors like incorrect white balance or exposure issues. This format preserves more detail and dynamic range compared to JPEG, making it ideal for professional photographers.

Shooting in RAW offers several key advantages:

Non-Destructive Editing: Edits don’t alter the original file, allowing for multiple versions and corrections.
White Balance Control: Adjust white balance after the photo is taken without quality loss.
Exposure Correction: Recover details in overexposed or underexposed areas.
Extended Dynamic Range: Capture a wider range of tones from shadows to highlights.
Greater Color Depth: Achieve more accurate and vibrant colors.

According to Popular Photography magazine, RAW format’s ability to retain a wider color gamut results in more realistic and nuanced color reproduction compared to JPEG.

Here’s how these benefits translate into real-world scenarios:

Benefit	Explanation	Example
Non-Destructive Editing	Changes are saved separately, preserving the original file.	Experiment with different editing styles without permanently altering the image.
White Balance Control	Adjust the color temperature in post-processing.	Correct a photo taken under warm indoor lighting to appear more neutral.
Exposure Correction	Recover details from highlights and shadows.	Bring back detail in a bright sky or reveal details in dark shadows.
Extended Dynamic Range	Capture a wider range of tones.	Photograph a landscape with both bright sky and dark foreground.
Greater Color Depth	Achieve more accurate and vibrant colors.	Render subtle color variations in a sunset.

4. How Do RAW Files Differ From JPEGs?

RAW files are uncompressed and contain all the data captured by the camera sensor, while JPEGs are compressed files that discard some image data to reduce file size. RAW files offer more flexibility in post-processing, allowing for greater adjustments without loss of quality, whereas JPEGs are ready-to-use but with limited editing capabilities.

The differences between RAW and JPEG are significant and impact how you work with your images:

Data Retention: RAW files retain all original data; JPEGs compress and discard data.
File Size: RAW files are significantly larger than JPEGs.
Processing: RAW files require post-processing; JPEGs are processed in-camera.
Editing Flexibility: RAW files offer more extensive editing capabilities without quality loss.
Use Cases: RAW is for serious photography; JPEG is for quick sharing and snapshots.

Here’s a detailed breakdown in a table format:

Feature	RAW	JPEG
Data Retention	Contains all data captured by the sensor.	Compresses and discards data.
File Size	Large (20-40 MB per image).	Small (2-8 MB per image).
Processing	Requires post-processing with software like Adobe Lightroom.	Processed in-camera; ready to use.
Editing Flexibility	Extensive editing capabilities with no quality loss.	Limited editing capabilities; quality degrades with adjustments.
Dynamic Range	Higher dynamic range, capturing more details in shadows and highlights.	Lower dynamic range, may lose details in extreme lighting conditions.
White Balance	Adjustable in post-processing without quality loss.	Baked in; difficult to adjust without degrading image quality.
Use Cases	Professional photography, fine art, and situations requiring extensive editing.	Everyday snapshots, quick sharing, and situations where file size is critical.

5. When Is Shooting In RAW Most Helpful?

Shooting in RAW is most helpful in challenging lighting conditions, when you need to correct white balance, or when you plan to make significant edits to your photos. It is essential for professional work, portrait photography, and any situation where you want maximum control over the final image quality.

RAW is particularly useful in these situations:

High Contrast Scenes: Capturing details in both bright and dark areas.
Mixed Lighting: Correcting white balance in scenes with multiple light sources.
Critical Edits: Performing extensive adjustments without quality loss.
Professional Work: Ensuring the highest possible image quality for clients.

Consider these real-world examples:

Landscapes: Shooting a sunset with vibrant colors and details in the foreground.
Portraits: Correcting skin tones and smoothing imperfections.
Weddings: Capturing every detail in various lighting conditions.
Architecture: Adjusting perspective and enhancing details.

6. What Are The Positive Attributes Of JPEGs?

The positive attributes of JPEGs include smaller file sizes, immediate usability, and compatibility with virtually all devices and platforms. JPEGs are ideal for everyday snapshots, quick sharing, and situations where file size and convenience are more important than maximum image quality.

Here are the key advantages of using JPEGs:

Small File Size: Easy to store and share.
Immediate Usability: Ready to use without post-processing.
Compatibility: Universally supported by devices and software.
Fast Workflow: Ideal for quick turnaround situations.

Here’s a table comparing the scenarios where JPEG shines:

Scenario	Advantage
Everyday Snapshots	Quickly capture and share moments without the need for editing.
Social Media Sharing	Smaller file sizes make uploading and sharing faster and easier.
Limited Storage Space	Save more images on your device or memory card.
Non-Critical Photography	Situations where image quality is not the primary concern.
Fast Turnaround	Situations where you need to quickly deliver images without spending time on post-processing.

7. What Are The Downsides To Shooting In RAW?

The downsides to shooting in RAW include larger file sizes, which require more storage space and longer processing times, and the need for specialized software to open and edit the files. This can make RAW less convenient for quick snapshots or situations where immediate sharing is necessary.

Here are the primary drawbacks of shooting in RAW:

Large File Sizes: Requires more storage space on memory cards and hard drives.
Processing Time: Requires time for post-processing.
Software Requirements: Requires specialized software to open and edit.
Inconvenience: Less convenient for quick snapshots and immediate sharing.

These downsides can be significant, depending on your needs and workflow:

Drawback	Impact	Mitigation
Large File Sizes	Fills up memory cards and hard drives quickly, making storage management crucial.	Invest in high-capacity memory cards and external hard drives.
Processing Time	Requires time to edit and convert RAW files, slowing down the workflow.	Use batch processing and efficient editing techniques to speed up the process.
Software Requirements	Requires specialized software like Adobe Lightroom or Capture One, which can be costly.	Explore free or open-source RAW processing software like Darktable or RawTherapee.
Inconvenience	Not suitable for quick snapshots or situations where immediate sharing is necessary, such as social media updates.	Shoot in RAW+JPEG mode to have both high-quality RAW files for editing and ready-to-share JPEG files.

8. How Do I Organize And Store RAW Files?

To organize and store RAW files effectively, use a consistent folder structure, apply descriptive file names, and back up your files on multiple storage devices. Consider using external hard drives or cloud storage solutions to ensure data security and accessibility.

Here are some best practices for organizing and storing your RAW files:

Consistent Folder Structure: Create a logical folder structure based on dates, events, or projects.
Descriptive File Names: Use meaningful file names that include the date, location, and subject.
Metadata Tagging: Add keywords and other metadata to make files searchable.
Backup Strategy: Implement a robust backup strategy with multiple copies in different locations.

Here’s an example of a good folder structure:

Photos
└── Year
    └── Month
        └── Event or Project
            ├── RAW
            └── JPEG

And here’s an example of a descriptive file name:

2024-07-15_SantaFe_Landscape_001.RAW

For backup, consider the 3-2-1 rule:

3: Keep three copies of your data.
2: Store the copies on two different media (e.g., hard drive and cloud).
1: Keep one copy offsite.

9. What Kind Of Software Should I Use To Edit RAW Files?

Popular software options for editing RAW files include Adobe Lightroom, Adobe Photoshop with Camera Raw, Capture One, and DxO PhotoLab. These programs offer extensive tools for adjusting exposure, white balance, color, and other parameters without compromising image quality.

Here are some of the top RAW editing software options:

Adobe Lightroom: A comprehensive photo management and editing tool.
Adobe Photoshop with Camera Raw: A powerful combination for detailed editing and retouching.
Capture One: Known for its superior color handling and tethering capabilities.
DxO PhotoLab: Offers advanced optical corrections and noise reduction.

Each software has its strengths and weaknesses:

Software	Strengths	Weaknesses
Adobe Lightroom	Comprehensive photo management, non-destructive editing, and user-friendly interface.	Subscription-based model, can be resource-intensive.
Adobe Photoshop with Camera Raw	Powerful editing and retouching tools, integration with other Adobe products.	Steeper learning curve, subscription-based model.
Capture One	Superior color handling, excellent tethering capabilities, and customizable interface.	Higher price point, can be resource-intensive.
DxO PhotoLab	Advanced optical corrections, excellent noise reduction, and one-time purchase option.	Limited photo management capabilities, less user-friendly interface.

10. What Are The Basic Steps To Edit A RAW Photo?

The basic steps to edit a RAW photo include opening the file in a RAW editor, adjusting exposure and white balance, tweaking contrast and highlights, refining colors, and sharpening the image. Save the edited file as a JPEG or TIFF for sharing or printing.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to editing a RAW photo:

Open the RAW File: Open the RAW file in your chosen RAW editor.
Adjust Exposure: Correct the overall brightness of the image.
Set White Balance: Adjust the color temperature to neutralize any color casts.
Tweak Contrast and Highlights: Adjust the contrast and highlight sliders to bring out details.
Refine Colors: Adjust saturation and vibrance to enhance colors.
Sharpen the Image: Apply sharpening to bring out details.
Save the Edited File: Save the edited file as a JPEG or TIFF.

Here’s a more detailed breakdown of each step:

Step	Description	Tool
Open the RAW File	Open the RAW file in your chosen RAW editor.	Adobe Lightroom, Adobe Photoshop with Camera Raw, Capture One, DxO PhotoLab
Adjust Exposure	Correct the overall brightness of the image by adjusting the exposure slider.	Exposure slider
Set White Balance	Adjust the color temperature to neutralize any color casts by using the white balance selector or temperature slider.	White Balance selector, Temperature slider
Tweak Contrast and Highlights	Adjust the contrast and highlight sliders to bring out details in the shadows and highlights.	Contrast slider, Highlights slider, Shadows slider
Refine Colors	Adjust the saturation and vibrance sliders to enhance the colors without making them look unnatural.	Saturation slider, Vibrance slider
Sharpen the Image	Apply sharpening to bring out details and make the image look crisp.	Sharpening slider, Detail slider
Save the Edited File	Save the edited file as a JPEG for sharing or a TIFF for printing.	Save as JPEG, Save as TIFF

11. Can You Restore Overexposed Or Underexposed Photos When Shooting In RAW?

Yes, shooting in RAW allows you to restore overexposed or underexposed photos to a significant extent. RAW files retain more dynamic range, making it possible to recover details in highlights and shadows that would be lost in JPEG format.

RAW files provide a safety net when exposure isn’t perfect. Here’s how you can recover details:

Overexposed Photos: Reduce the highlights and whites sliders to bring back detail in bright areas.
Underexposed Photos: Increase the shadows and blacks sliders to reveal detail in dark areas.

Here are some specific steps to take:

Issue	Solution
Overexposed Highlights	Reduce the highlights slider to bring back detail in the sky or other bright areas.
Underexposed Shadows	Increase the shadows slider to reveal details in dark areas without affecting the rest of the image.
Overall Underexposure	Increase the exposure slider to brighten the entire image, then adjust highlights and shadows as needed.

Keep in mind that while RAW files offer significant recovery potential, there are limits. Severely overexposed or underexposed areas may still be unrecoverable.

Restoring highlight details in RAW editing

An example of highlight recovery after shooting RAW.

12. Why Is It Important To Understand White Balance When Shooting In RAW?

Understanding white balance is crucial when shooting in RAW because it allows you to correct color casts and ensure accurate color rendition in your photos. While white balance can be adjusted in post-processing with RAW files, knowing how to set it correctly in-camera can save time and improve the overall quality of your images.

White balance refers to the color temperature of light. Different light sources have different color temperatures, which can affect the way colors appear in your photos. For example, incandescent light is warm and yellow, while daylight is cooler and more blue.

Here’s why understanding white balance is important:

Accurate Colors: Ensures that colors are rendered accurately in your photos.
Creative Control: Allows you to create different moods and effects by intentionally adjusting the white balance.
Time-Saving: Setting the correct white balance in-camera can reduce the amount of time you spend editing later.

Here are some common white balance presets:

Preset	Use
Auto	Automatically adjusts the white balance based on the scene.
Daylight	For shooting in direct sunlight.
Cloudy	For shooting on cloudy days.
Shade	For shooting in the shade.
Tungsten	For shooting under incandescent light.
Fluorescent	For shooting under fluorescent light.
Flash	For shooting with a flash.
Custom/Preset	Allows you to manually set the white balance using a gray card or other reference object.

13. How Does Shooting In RAW Affect Dynamic Range?

Shooting in RAW significantly enhances dynamic range, capturing a broader spectrum of tones from the darkest shadows to the brightest highlights compared to JPEG. This allows for greater flexibility in post-processing to recover details and create more visually appealing images.

Dynamic range refers to the range of tones that a camera can capture in a single image. RAW files capture a wider dynamic range than JPEGs, meaning they can record more detail in both the highlights and shadows.

Here’s how shooting in RAW affects dynamic range:

Greater Detail: Captures more detail in both highlights and shadows.
Flexibility in Post-Processing: Allows you to recover details in overexposed or underexposed areas.
Reduced Clipping: Reduces the risk of clipping, where details are lost in the highlights or shadows.

Here’s a comparison of the dynamic range of RAW and JPEG files:

File Format	Dynamic Range (Stops)
RAW	12-14
JPEG	8-10

This extra dynamic range gives you more flexibility in post-processing to create stunning images with rich details and vibrant colors.

14. How Do I Convert RAW Files To Other Formats?

To convert RAW files to other formats like JPEG or TIFF, use a RAW editor such as Adobe Lightroom, Adobe Photoshop, or Capture One. Open the RAW file in the editor, make your adjustments, and then use the “Export” or “Save As” function to save the file in your desired format.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to converting RAW files:

Open the RAW File: Open the RAW file in your chosen RAW editor.
Make Adjustments: Make any necessary adjustments to the image, such as exposure, white balance, and color.
Export or Save As: Use the “Export” or “Save As” function to save the file in your desired format.
Choose File Format: Choose the file format you want to convert to, such as JPEG or TIFF.
Adjust Settings: Adjust any settings specific to the file format, such as quality or compression.
Save the File: Save the file to your desired location.

Here are some common file formats and their uses:

File Format	Use
JPEG	Sharing online, printing small to medium-sized prints.
TIFF	Archiving, printing large-sized prints, professional editing.
PNG	Web graphics, transparency.

15. How Does Color Depth Influence RAW Photography?

Color depth significantly influences RAW photography by determining the number of colors a camera can record, leading to smoother tones and more accurate color rendition. Higher color depth in RAW files provides greater flexibility in post-processing to adjust colors without introducing artifacts or banding.

Color depth refers to the number of bits used to represent each color channel (red, green, and blue) in an image. Higher color depth means more colors can be recorded, resulting in smoother tones and more accurate color rendition.

Here’s how color depth influences RAW photography:

Smoother Tones: Higher color depth results in smoother transitions between colors, reducing the risk of banding.
Accurate Colors: More accurate color rendition, capturing subtle variations in color.
Flexibility in Post-Processing: Greater flexibility to adjust colors without introducing artifacts.

Here’s a comparison of color depth in RAW and JPEG files:

File Format	Color Depth (Bits per Channel)
RAW	12-14
JPEG	8

The higher color depth of RAW files gives you more control over color adjustments in post-processing, allowing you to create stunning images with rich, accurate colors.

16. What Are RAW Converters And How Do They Work?

RAW converters are software programs that translate the unprocessed data from a camera’s sensor into a viewable and editable image format. They work by interpreting the specific RAW format of each camera manufacturer and applying adjustments such as white balance, exposure, and color correction.

RAW converters are essential tools for working with RAW files. They allow you to:

View RAW Files: Open and view RAW files, which cannot be opened directly by most image viewers.
Adjust Settings: Adjust settings such as white balance, exposure, and color.
Convert to Other Formats: Convert RAW files to other formats such as JPEG or TIFF.

Some popular RAW converters include:

Adobe Camera Raw: Included with Adobe Photoshop and Photoshop Elements.
Adobe Lightroom: A comprehensive photo management and editing tool.
Capture One: Known for its superior color handling.
DxO PhotoLab: Offers advanced optical corrections.

RAW converters work by:

Reading the RAW Data: Reading the unprocessed data from the camera’s sensor.
Applying Corrections: Applying corrections such as white balance, exposure, and color.
Debayering: Converting the RAW data into a full-color image.
Rendering the Image: Rendering the image for viewing and editing.

17. How Do I Choose The Right RAW Settings For My Camera?

Choosing the right RAW settings for your camera depends on your specific needs and shooting conditions. Generally, you should select the highest bit depth and resolution available to capture maximum detail and dynamic range.

Here are some factors to consider when choosing RAW settings:

Bit Depth: Choose the highest bit depth available (12-bit or 14-bit) to capture the most color information.
Resolution: Choose the highest resolution available to capture the most detail.
File Size: Consider the file size and ensure you have enough storage space on your memory card and hard drive.

Here are some recommended RAW settings for different shooting scenarios:

Scenario	Recommended Settings
Landscapes	Highest bit depth and resolution.
Portraits	Highest bit depth and resolution.
Sports/Action	Lower bit depth and resolution to reduce file size.
Everyday Snapshots	JPEG or RAW+JPEG.

18. Are There Any Free Alternatives To Paid RAW Editing Software?

Yes, there are several free alternatives to paid RAW editing software that offer powerful editing capabilities without the cost. These alternatives are great for photographers on a budget or those who want to try RAW editing before investing in paid software.

Here are some popular free RAW editing software options:

Darktable: A free and open-source RAW editor with a wide range of features.
RawTherapee: Another free and open-source RAW editor with advanced editing capabilities.
GIMP (with Raw Photo Processor): GIMP is a free image editor that can be used with the Raw Photo Processor plugin to edit RAW files.

Here’s a comparison of these free RAW editing software options:

Software	Strengths	Weaknesses
Darktable	Wide range of features, non-destructive editing, and user-friendly interface.	Can be resource-intensive, steeper learning curve than some other options.
RawTherapee	Advanced editing capabilities, excellent color handling, and customizable interface.	Steeper learning curve, less user-friendly interface than some other options.
GIMP (with Raw Photo Processor)	Powerful image editing capabilities, wide range of plugins, and free to use.	Requires installing a separate plugin to edit RAW files, steeper learning curve than dedicated RAW editors.

19. What Are The Best Practices For Backing Up RAW Photos?

The best practices for backing up RAW photos include using the 3-2-1 rule, storing backups in multiple locations, and regularly testing your backup system to ensure it is working properly.

Here’s a detailed explanation of these best practices:

3-2-1 Rule: Keep three copies of your data, store the copies on two different media, and keep one copy offsite.
Multiple Locations: Store backups in multiple locations, such as an external hard drive, a cloud storage service, and an offsite location.
Regular Testing: Regularly test your backup system to ensure it is working properly.

Here’s a breakdown of these best practices:

Best Practice	Explanation
3-2-1 Rule	Keep three copies of your data, store the copies on two different media, and keep one copy offsite. This ensures that you have multiple backups in case of data loss.
Multiple Locations	Store backups in multiple locations, such as an external hard drive, a cloud storage service, and an offsite location. This protects against data loss due to physical damage or theft.
Regular Testing	Regularly test your backup system to ensure it is working properly. This ensures that you can restore your data in case of a disaster.

20. How Do I Calibrate My Monitor For Accurate RAW Editing?

To calibrate your monitor for accurate RAW editing, use a hardware calibration device such as a colorimeter or spectrophotometer. These devices measure the colors displayed on your monitor and create a custom profile that corrects any inaccuracies.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to calibrating your monitor:

Purchase a Calibration Device: Purchase a hardware calibration device such as a colorimeter or spectrophotometer.
Install the Software: Install the software that comes with the calibration device.
Follow the Instructions: Follow the instructions provided by the software to calibrate your monitor.
Create a Custom Profile: The software will create a custom profile that corrects any inaccuracies in your monitor’s color display.
Apply the Profile: Apply the profile to your monitor to ensure accurate color rendition.

Here are some popular monitor calibration devices:

X-Rite i1Display Studio: A popular colorimeter for calibrating monitors.
Datacolor SpyderX Pro: Another popular colorimeter for calibrating monitors.

Calibrating your monitor is essential for accurate RAW editing, as it ensures that the colors you see on your screen are accurate and consistent.

Ready to take your photography to the next level? Visit dfphoto.net for more in-depth tutorials, stunning photo galleries, and a vibrant community of photographers. Discover new techniques, find inspiration, and connect with fellow enthusiasts. Don’t miss out—explore dfphoto.net today and unleash your creative potential!

For more information or assistance, contact us:

Address: 1600 St Michael’s Dr, Santa Fe, NM 87505, United States
Phone: +1 (505) 471-6001
Website: dfphoto.net

FAQ About Shooting RAW Photos

Is it always better to shoot in RAW? Yes, for serious photography, as it provides more flexibility and control in post-processing.
Does shooting in RAW take up more space? Yes, RAW files are significantly larger than JPEGs.
Can I open RAW files on any computer? No, you need specialized software to open and edit RAW files.
Do I need to edit RAW photos? Yes, RAW files require post-processing to achieve the desired look.
What happens if I overexpose a RAW photo? You can often recover details in overexposed areas when shooting in RAW.
What happens if I underexpose a RAW photo? You can often reveal details in underexposed areas when shooting in RAW.
Is it possible to convert RAW to JPEG? Yes, you can convert RAW files to JPEG using RAW editing software.
How does color depth affect RAW files? Higher color depth in RAW files provides more accurate color rendition and smoother tones.
What are RAW converters? RAW converters are software programs that translate the unprocessed data from a camera’s sensor into a viewable and editable image format.
Is there a standard RAW format? No, every camera manufacturer has its own RAW format.