RAW file

A RAW file is an image file containing minimally processed data directly from a digital camera's sensor.

Unlike JPEGs, which compress and adjust the image automatically, RAW files preserve all captured information, giving photographers maximum control during editing: I always shoot in RAW when the lighting is tricky.

The format varies by manufacturer—Canon uses CR2, Nikon uses NEF, Sony uses ARW—but all serve the same purpose.

RAW files are larger and require specialized software to process, but professionals prefer them for the flexibility they offer in adjusting exposure, color, and detail after the fact.