RAW vs CRAW Image File Format: All The Differences Explained

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RAW in photography is a digital image file that is minimally processed and usually uncompressed. Every camera brand has its RAW file format. Canon has .CR2, .CR3 where Nikon has .NEF.

CRAW is compressed RAW format. CRAW compresses RAW files to 60-70% of the original size. Makes it easier to shoot many photos and videos.

Because the image size of the CRAW format is smaller and the writing speed and the number of photographs stored on a memory card will be improved.

In this article, I will be talking about RAW vs CRAW. And what is the difference between them?

RAW vs CRAW: Quick Comparison Table

Here are some key differences between RAW vs CRAW

What is the Key Difference Between RAW vs CRAW?

So here I am talking about the theoretical difference between RAW vs CRAW.

RAW files are created in 2004. Since then every photographer use them to shoot their photos.

Where CRAW format is very new compared to RAW. It was released in 2019.

Theoretically, the difference between RAW and CRAW is CRAW compressed the RAW file up to 70% and still gives the RAW format. Well, detailed and sharp image.

But there is no visible difference in quality between them.

Whoever you are, a professional photographer or a newbie, you cannot see any difference in any kind of photo.

RAW gives you the option to tweak independently and go deeper while editing your photos. And CRAW gives you the same power to edit however you want.

So if I talk about the difference the size is the only difference I can address.

Shooting in RAW format takes a lot of storage in your memory card. A single correctly exposed photo takes 20MB to 40 MB of memory.

With the CRAW file format, a correctly exposed photo file takes 10MB to16MB.

You have to admit technology gifted us with this amazing format to play with our photography. It is an amazing format that not only gives you quality RAW photos but also takes a very small size.

So CRAW is the winner.

RAW vs CRAW: Which One to Choose?

Without any doubt, CRAW is the one to choose. Not only do you have the option to edit the tiniest details but also you have the storage to shoot more photos.

You can store twice as many images on your memory card. Canon EOS R5, R6, and Nikon have the compressed CRAW file format.

The most common problem with shooting at RAW is RAW files take so much storage. Technology has given us the solution with their CRAW file format.

I will highly recommend using the CRAW file format if your camera is CRAW supported.

Final Words

I hope you know everything about RAW vs CRAW. I have tried to cover the major things that differentiate the two lenses.

There is no need to shoot at RAW and full up the camera memory card where you can have the CRAW files.

If the negligible quality drop is a major issue for you then you can shoot at RAW for that you have to sacrifice the storage.

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