Solution
What is "development"? Also, what advantages do RAW images have?
RAW is the name given to an image file type that records image data captured by the camera's image sensor without any processing; it takes the name "RAW" because the data is raw. RAW images are recorded in a format that includes RAW image data and information on the image-processing conditions at the time of shooting. When handling images on the computer, specialized RAW applications and retouching software are used.
RAW images can be handled after image signal processing called "RAW development," and the RAW images captured with your camera can be developed with the supplied Digital Photo Professional software.
When you open an image in Digital Photo Professional, the image is instantly developed and you can view the image as an image to which image processing conditions at the time of shooting have been applied.
Even if you perform various adjustments to the image you have opened (it undergoes automatic development processing each time), only the image processing conditions (development conditions) change and the original image data itself remains unaffected.
If you want to change the image color and brightness, convert the RAW image to a JPEG or TIFF image after editing. Then you can save the image while the image quality remains unaffected.
NOTE
- The RAW image captured with your camera is displayed as a file with a CR2 extension. Depending on your needs, you can convert this CR2 format to JPEG or TIFF format using Digital Photo Professional.
- If you cannot open the RAW image using Digital Photo Professional, see Cannot Open RAW Images on a Computer.
When is it necessary to develop RAW images?
- Viewing an image on a computer
You can view a RAW image using the supplied Digital Photo Professional software, but to use software that does not support RAW images or to use the computer's preview function, you need to convert the file format of the developed RAW image to a format that is applicable to that particular software.
You can print out a RAW image directly using the supplied Digital Photo Professional software.
However, if printing a RAW image using software that does not support RAW images, or printing at a photo shop, you need to develop the image and then convert its file format.
- Using the image on a Web site or blog
You cannot use a RAW image as is on a Web site or blog. You need to develop the image and convert its file format.
NOTE
Viewing an image on a television
To view an image by connecting a television to the camera, you do not need to develop the image. For details on how to play back an image on a television, see the Related Information below.
Difference between JPEG and TIFF
If you develop an image using the supplied Digital Photo Professional software, you can save the file either in JPEG or TIFF format.
The difference between these two file formats are as follows.
JPEG format
This file format is commonly used for various purposes. You can select a wide range of compression rates to make the file capacity smaller. However, the image deteriorates through editing and resaving.
It is suitable for viewing on a computer, using on a Web site, and for printing.
TIFF format
The compression rate is not as high as that of JPEG, so the image quality is higher and the file size is larger. It is used for printing material for publication.
How to edit and save the image developed