RAW is a digital image file format that is used to capture and store all of the data captured by a camera’s image sensor. RAW files are often called “digital negatives” because they contain all of the raw image data, including the unprocessed image data, color temperature, and other important settings that were applied at the time the image was captured.

RAW files are not compressed, which means that they take up more space than other file formats, such as JPEG. However, they offer greater flexibility and control in post-processing, as all of the original image data is retained.

Because RAW files contain unprocessed data, they can be edited and manipulated to a much greater degree than other file formats. This means that photographers can adjust things like color balance, contrast, exposure, and sharpness without losing any image quality. Additionally, because RAW files contain more information than other file formats, they can be used to create higher quality prints.

One of the main drawbacks of RAW files is their large file size, which can make them difficult to manage and share. Additionally, because RAW files are not standardized across all cameras, they can be difficult to work with if you switch camera models or brands.

Overall, RAW files are a powerful and flexible image format that is widely used by professional photographers and others who require maximum control over their images. If you plan to do extensive post-processing or want the highest possible quality images, RAW is a good choice. However, if you don’t need that level of control or if you’re working with limited storage space, other file formats may be more suitable.