RAW USA - Photography Terms & Glossary

Glossary Of Photography Terms [1]

RAW RAW refers to a file format used in digital photography to store unprocessed image data captured directly from the camera's image sensor. Unlike compressed image formats such as JPEG, which apply in-camera processing and compression algorithms to reduce file size and simplify editing, RAW files retain all the original data and metadata captured by the camera, including color depth, exposure, white balance, and other image parameters. RAW files offer photographers greater flexibility and control during post-processing, allowing for more extensive adjustments to exposure, color balance, contrast, and other image attributes without loss of image quality.

Additionally, RAW files preserve the maximum amount of detail and dynamic range captured by the camera, providing photographers with the highest quality source material for editing and printing. While RAW files require specialized software and workflows for processing and editing, they are preferred by professional photographers and advanced enthusiasts who prioritize image quality, creative control, and the ability to optimize images for specific output requirements.