RAW formats by camera
Which RAW format your camera writes, what makes it different, and how to turn it into a JPG.
Every camera maker uses its own RAW format, and most have changed theirs over the years. Find your camera below for a format-specific guide: what the files contain, which in-camera settings don't carry over, brand-specific color tips, and what to do when a file won't open. All of these formats can be converted to JPG in the RAWSnap converter without uploading anything.
Camera formats
| Extension | Maker | Typical cameras | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| .ARW | Sony | Alpha a7 / a6000 series, ZV, RX | Sony ARW to JPG |
| .CR3 / .CR2 | Canon | EOS R mirrorless and recent DSLRs (CR3); older EOS DSLRs (CR2) | Canon CR3 & CR2 to JPG |
| .NEF | Nikon | Z mirrorless and D-series DSLRs | Nikon NEF to JPG |
| .RAF | Fujifilm | X series (X-Trans) and GFX | Fujifilm RAF to JPG |
| .ORF | Olympus / OM System | OM-D, PEN, OM-1 and OM-5 | Olympus ORF to JPG |
| .RW2 | Panasonic | LUMIX G, GH and S series | Panasonic RW2 to JPG |
| .DNG | Adobe (open format) | Leica, Ricoh GR, Pentax (optional), DJI drones, phones, DNG Converter | DNG to JPG |
| .PEF | Pentax | K-series DSLRs | See Pentax PEF below |
Pentax PEF
Pentax DSLRs can record RAW either as Pentax's own PEF format or as DNG, selectable in the camera menu. Both hold the same sensor data; DNG simply uses Adobe's openly documented container, which makes it easier to open in a wide range of software years from now. If you are setting up a Pentax body today, DNG is a reasonable default for that reason. Existing PEF files open in RAWSnap as they are, and Pentax's free Digital Camera Utility can also convert them. Most of the advice on the DNG page applies equally to Pentax files.
Phone RAW
iPhone ProRAW, Samsung Expert RAW and Google Pixel RAW files all use the DNG extension, but they are very different from camera RAW: much of the phone's computational processing is already baked in. RAWSnap often has to fall back to the full-size preview embedded in these files. Our phone RAW guide explains what's inside them and which apps open them fully.
How to tell which format you have
- Look at the file extension on your memory card or computer. If extensions are hidden, enable "File name extensions" in Windows Explorer's View menu, or check "Show all filename extensions" in macOS Finder settings.
- Files named like DSC01234.ARW come from Sony, IMG_1234.CR3 from Canon, DSC_1234.NEF from Nikon, DSCF1234.RAF from Fujifilm, P1234567.ORF or .RW2 from Olympus/OM System and Panasonic respectively — although every maker lets you change the file-name prefix.
- If your camera saved both a RAW and a JPG with the same name, you shot RAW+JPEG. The JPG already exists; the RAW is there for when you want to re-develop the picture.
Format not listed?
RAWSnap's decoder, LibRaw, supports hundreds of camera models, including older formats such as Sigma, Hasselblad and Phase One files, but the file picker focuses on the formats above. Very new camera models may need a decoder update before they open. Until then, the maker's free software or Adobe's free DNG Converter can turn the file into a DNG. For background on how all of these formats differ, read RAW formats compared.
FAQ
Do all RAW formats produce the same quality?
The format itself matters far less than the sensor and how you expose. All of these formats store the camera's sensor data; differences are mostly in compression options and software support.
Should I convert my RAW files to DNG?
It's optional. DNG is an open, well-documented format, which helps long-term access, but keeping the original files is the safest choice. See archiving RAW files for the trade-offs.
Can I convert several formats at once?
Yes. You can open files from different cameras together in RAWSnap and save them all as a ZIP.