sRaw

sRaw, short for Small RAW, is an image format option found on some Canon DSLR and mirrorless cameras. It records raw image data at a reduced resolution compared to the full-resolution RAW option, resulting in smaller file sizes and faster write times.

As a RAW variant, sRaw retains much of the sensor’s native data and dynamic range, but with fewer pixels. This provides RAW-level latitude for exposure and white balance adjustments while offering a workflow advantage when storage space or card write speeds are limiting factors. Some cameras that offer sRaw also provide related options such as MRAW (Medium RAW) for intermediate resolution.

Limitations and considerations include reduced resolution, which limits post-capture cropping flexibility and detailed scaling. Depending on the model and software, sRaw files may be processed differently from standard RAW files, and not all editing tools support every sRaw workflow. The exact characteristics, such as bit depth or compression, can vary by camera model and firmware.

Availability is model-specific and generally considered a proprietary Canon feature. Not all Canon bodies include an sRaw option, and some firmware updates may alter its availability. For workflows requiring maximum resolution and post-processing latitude, standard RAW is typically preferred, while sRaw serves use cases where speed and storage efficiency are priorities. See also RAW image format, Canon RAW formats, and related camera settings.