RAWtiedostot

Rawtiedostot, or RAW files, are unprocessed digital data captured by imaging sensors or data acquisition systems. They store sensor information with minimal processing and are intended for post-processing to maximize image quality and analytical flexibility. In photography, RAW files preserve latitude for exposure and color adjustments because they retain more tonal data than processed JPEGs. In other contexts, raw data files may contain raw measurements from instruments and scanners, without interpretation or compression.

Typical RAW image formats include Canon’s CR2 and CR3, Nikon’s NEF, Sony’s ARW, Fujifilm’s RAF, Olympus/OM System’s ORF, Pentax’s PEF, Panasonic’s RW2, and the generic DNG format from Adobe. Some cameras use proprietary formats; many RAW files can be converted to DNG for broader support. Raw data from scientific instruments can vary in structure and may require domain-specific software to interpret.

Handling RAW files usually requires special software capable of decoding sensor data and performing demosaicing, white balance, noise reduction, and color management. Popular tools include Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop, Capture One, darktable, RawTherapee, and vendor-provided applications. RAW files commonly undergo non-destructive processing, allowing adjustments without altering the original data, and are often converted to TIFF or JPEG for sharing or publication.

Advantages of rawtiedostot include maximum dynamic range, non-destructive editing, and archival potential; disadvantages include large file sizes, dependence on software codecs, and the need for a development workflow. For archival purposes, robust metadata, checksum-protected storage, and regular migrations are recommended.