What is CRW?

CRW (Canon Raw) files were Canon's first RAW format used in cameras like the D30, D60, 10D, 300D, and early 1D series (1998-2004). They store unprocessed sensor data with 12-bit color depth using Canon's proprietary CIFF (Camera Image File Format) structure. CRW was replaced by the improved CR2 format in 2005, but millions of CRW files exist in photo archives from early digital photography.

CRW is encountered by photographers working with legacy Canon equipment, digital photo archivists, and those processing historical photo collections. While superseded by CR2, CRW files remain important for preserving early digital photography work. Modern software still supports CRW for conversion and archival purposes. Files are typically smaller (5-12 MB) due to lower resolution sensors of that era.

Did you know? CRW format launched Canon's professional digital camera revolution!

History

Canon introduced CRW format with their first consumer-oriented DSLRs, marking the beginning of widespread digital photography adoption among professionals and enthusiasts.

Key Milestones

  • 1998: CRW introduced with Canon D2000
  • 2000: D30 popularizes CRW format
  • 2002: 1D series professional adoption
  • 2003: 300D (Digital Rebel) mass market
  • 2004: Last cameras using CRW
  • 2005: Replaced by CR2 format

Key Features

Core Capabilities

  • 12-Bit Color: 4,096 levels per channel
  • CIFF Structure: Canon proprietary format
  • EXIF Metadata: Complete camera settings
  • Thumbnail: Embedded preview image
  • Historical: Early digital photography
  • Archival: Legacy photo preservation

Common Use Cases

Photo Archives

Legacy photo preservation

Historical Work

Early digital photography

Conversion

Migrate to modern formats

Legacy Equipment

Old Canon DSLR support

Advantages

  • Historical significance
  • Unprocessed sensor data
  • Still supported by software
  • Complete EXIF metadata
  • Smaller file sizes
  • Archival importance
  • Canon quality standards

Disadvantages

  • Obsolete legacy format
  • Lower resolution (by modern standards)
  • 12-bit vs 14-bit (CR2)
  • Limited modern camera support
  • Superseded by CR2
  • Decreasing software support

Technical Information

Format Specifications

Specification Details
File Extension .crw
MIME Type image/x-canon-crw
Color Depth 12-bit (4,096 levels per channel)
Structure CIFF (Camera Image File Format)
Era 1998-2005
Typical Size 5-12 MB

Common Tools

  • Adobe: Lightroom, Photoshop Camera Raw
  • Canon: Digital Photo Professional (older versions)
  • Converters: Adobe DNG Converter, IrfanView
  • Viewers: FastStone, XnView, ACDSee