RAWconverters

Raw converters, also commonly referred to as RAW converters or raw converters, are software tools designed to process image data captured by digital cameras in RAW format. A RAW file contains minimally processed sensor data, metadata, and often more dynamic range than a JPEG or TIFF output. A raw converter performs demosaicing, white balance, color space conversion, tone mapping, and other corrections to produce an image suitable for display or further editing. Because RAW data is sensor-unique, different converters may produce slightly different results, particularly in color rendering and noise handling.

Typical features include non-destructive editing, meaning adjustments are recorded in a sidecar file or database rather than baked into the image; non-destructive export options to TIFF or JPEG; exposure, white balance, highlights/shadows recovery, tone curves, color grading; noise reduction; sharpening; lens corrections for distortion, vignetting, and chromatic aberration; batch processing; and color management with ICC profiles.

RAW converters are used early in the post-processing workflow, often alongside or integrated with digital asset management systems. They support wide ranges of cameras and RAW formats, but compatibility depends on the vendor's firmware and the software's database. Popular examples include Darktable, RawTherapee, Capture One, and Adobe Camera Raw (used in Lightroom and Photoshop). Open source and commercial options differ in demosaicing quality, processing speed, and lens correction libraries.

Note: This is a general overview; users should consult product documentation for specific features and camera support.