nonraw

Nonraw is a term used in digital photography to describe image files that have already been processed by the camera's image pipeline and stored in a standard, widely supported format such as JPEG or TIFF, rather than as unprocessed sensor data. In a nonraw capture, the camera applies settings such as white balance, exposure, tone mapping, sharpening, and color grading, and stores the result as a finished image.

Common nonraw formats include JPEG for everyday use and TIFF for professional workflows. JPEG uses lossy compression and typically 8-bit color, while TIFF can be lossless and often offers 16-bit color with embedded color profiles. Nonraw files are ready for viewing and require little post-processing; the camera's processing determines the final appearance.

Advantages include smaller file sizes, immediate usability, broad compatibility, and faster workflows. Disadvantages include limited latitude for adjustments, baked-in white balance and color decisions, and potential compression artifacts. Because the data captured by the sensor is already processed, some details may be less recoverable compared with RAW files.

In practice, photographers who shoot casual photos, events, or situations where speed matters often use nonraw formats. For projects requiring significant post-processing, RAW capture is preferred; many cameras offer RAW plus nonraw options, allowing a choice or parallel workflows.

Nonraw can be used in archival and sharing contexts where the priority is efficiency and compatibility, while RAW remains the preferred choice for image editing and long-term preservation. The exact behavior and terminology can vary by camera manufacturer, so consulting user manuals can clarify what a given device labels as nonraw.