Raw Image Extension

The universe of digital photography is vast, as there are various types of cameras with dozens of features and different functions. But when it comes to digital images, that wide world splits into only two broad categories — JPEG and RAW formats. The latter are, for their part, differentiated by several extensions.

To view RAW image files, we usually need the specific programs that digital cameras come with. Luckily, Raw Image Extension is an add-on for the Microsoft Photos application that permits users to view and edit photos saved in any RAW format.

In photography, the most common formats are JPEG, sometimes encountered as JPG, and RAW, as I've already said above. The primary difference between the two is that RAW images retain all the information that was captured.

JPEG, for its part, is compressed, so the image files with this extension weigh less than RAW photos. That's because the RAW files retain all the details captured by the digital camera when a picture is taken.

The advantage of a RAW file is that it can be processed more easily. With some post-processing, a RAW photo could become much better than a JPEG one just because it retains all the details.

With this add-on, we will not need proprietary software from the digital camera manufacturers to have access to RAW photos. The extension brings support for multiple RAW formats to the Microsoft Photos application.

Even more, we can use the tool to edit such images. Of course, the add-on doesn't come with complicated features, but it will allow users to adjust the saturation, brightness, and clarity, as well as add filters to RAW images.

The extension doesn't support the CR3 and GPR formats, at the moment.

In short, Raw Image Extension is a small but useful add-on for the Microsoft Photos app, which brings support for RAW image files that are commonly used by photographers.