What is ARW?

ARW (Sony Alpha Raw) files store unprocessed image data directly from Sony camera sensors. Unlike JPEG which applies in-camera processing (white balance, sharpening, contrast), ARW preserves the original 14-bit sensor data, providing maximum flexibility for editing. Each file includes a small JPEG preview for quick viewing and extensive EXIF metadata (camera settings, lens info, GPS data).

ARW is used by professional photographers shooting Sony Alpha cameras (A7 series, A9, A1, etc.) for maximum image quality, wedding photography, commercial work, and any situation requiring extensive post-processing. ARW files can be edited in Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop Camera Raw, Capture One, or Sony's Imaging Edge software. They're typically 20-40 MB per image depending on camera resolution.

Did you know? ARW format is based on TIFF/EP standard with Sony-specific extensions!

History

Sony introduced ARW format with their Alpha DSLR series after acquiring Konica Minolta's camera business and establishing their professional photography line.

Key Milestones

  • 2004: First Sony Alpha cameras announced
  • 2006: ARW format introduced
  • 2010: Improved compression options
  • 2013: Full-frame mirrorless cameras
  • 2017: Higher bit-depth support
  • Present: Standard for Sony cameras

Key Features

Core Capabilities

  • 14-Bit Color: Billions of colors
  • Unprocessed Data: Direct sensor output
  • JPEG Preview: Fast thumbnail viewing
  • EXIF Metadata: Complete shooting info
  • Lossless/Lossy: Compression options
  • Wide Dynamic Range: Shadow/highlight recovery

Common Use Cases

Professional

Commercial photography

Weddings

Event photography

Landscape

Nature photography

Post-Processing

Maximum editing control

Advantages

  • Maximum image quality
  • Full editing flexibility
  • Better shadow/highlight recovery
  • 14-bit color depth
  • Non-destructive editing
  • Professional quality output
  • Wide software support

Disadvantages

  • Large file sizes (20-40 MB)
  • Requires post-processing
  • Slower camera buffer
  • Proprietary Sony format
  • Not viewable in standard viewers
  • Requires specialized software

Technical Information

Format Specifications

Specification Details
File Extension .arw
MIME Type image/x-sony-arw
Color Depth 14-bit (16,384 levels per channel)
Compression Lossless or lossy compressed
Base Format TIFF/EP
Typical Size 20-40 MB

Common Tools

  • Adobe: Lightroom, Photoshop Camera Raw
  • Sony: Imaging Edge, Image Data Converter
  • Others: Capture One, DxO PhotoLab, RawTherapee
  • Converters: Adobe DNG Converter, IrfanView