Camera Glossary

An uncompressed file format that captures all image data recorded by the sensor when taking a photo.

Detailed Explanation

RAW is a file format that contains the complete data from your camera's sensor. Unlike JPEG files, which are processed and compressed in-camera, RAW files preserve all the original image data, giving you much more flexibility in post-processing. This format allows you to adjust white balance, recover highlight and shadow detail, and make significant color corrections without degrading image quality. While RAW files are larger and require processing before sharing, they're invaluable for professional work and challenging lighting conditions.