What is DCR?

DCR (Digital Camera Raw) is Kodak's proprietary raw image format - unprocessed sensor data from Kodak professional digital cameras. Used by: Kodak DCS series (DCS 760, DCS Pro 14n, DCS Pro SLR/n, DCS Pro SLR/c), early professional DSLRs (1990s-2000s). Contains: 12-bit raw sensor readings, camera metadata (ISO, shutter, aperture, white balance settings), embedded JPEG preview. DCR preserves maximum image quality and editing flexibility - adjust white balance, exposure, color post-capture. Kodak cameras were pioneering professional digital bodies (1991 DCS 100 - first commercially available DSLR).

DCR files are legacy format - Kodak exited digital camera business (2012). Historical significance: photojournalism, sports photography, studio work in 1990s-2000s. Major newspapers used Kodak DCS cameras. Modern support: Adobe Lightroom, Capture One, RawTherapee can open DCR. Workflow: import DCR → edit in raw processor → export JPEG/TIFF. File sizes: 10-20 MB (depending on sensor resolution). DCR vs modern raw: similar concept (unprocessed sensor data), but Kodak's proprietary format. Alternative formats: Canon CR2, Nikon NEF, Adobe DNG (open standard). Many DCR users converted to DNG for long-term archival.

Did you know? Kodak DCS 100 (1991) was the first commercial DSLR - cost $13,000!

History

Kodak pioneered professional digital photography with DCS cameras, creating DCR format to preserve raw sensor data for professional workflows.

Key Milestones

  • 1991: DCS 100 first DSLR ($13,000)
  • 1995: DCS 460 (6 MP pro camera)
  • 2002: DCS Pro 14n (13.9 MP full-frame)
  • 2006: Final DCS cameras (Pro SLR/c)
  • 2012: Kodak exits digital cameras
  • Present: Legacy format (archival)

Key Features

Core Capabilities

  • 12-bit Raw: Unprocessed sensor data
  • Full Metadata: Camera settings preserved
  • Professional Quality: Maximum editing latitude
  • JPEG Preview: Embedded thumbnail
  • White Balance: Adjustable post-capture
  • Legacy Support: Lightroom, Capture One

Common Use Cases

Photojournalism

News, press photography (2000s)

Sports

Action photography

Studio

Commercial photography

Archival

Historical photo preservation

Advantages

  • 12-bit raw data (maximum quality)
  • Professional camera metadata
  • Non-destructive editing
  • Historical significance (pioneering DSLR)
  • Lightroom/Capture One support
  • Flexible white balance adjustment
  • Superior to JPEG from same cameras

Disadvantages

  • Legacy format (Kodak exited cameras 2012)
  • Proprietary (limited tool support)
  • Kodak cameras discontinued
  • Large file sizes (10-20 MB)
  • Limited modern usage
  • Requires raw processing software

Technical Information

Format Specifications

Specification Details
File Extension .dcr
MIME Type image/x-kodak-dcr
Developer Kodak
Bit Depth 12-bit per channel
Cameras Kodak DCS series (DCS 760, Pro 14n, Pro SLR)
Status Legacy (Kodak exited cameras 2012)

Common Tools

  • Editing: Adobe Lightroom, Capture One, RawTherapee
  • Conversion: Adobe DNG Converter, dcraw (CLI)
  • Viewing: FastStone, IrfanView (plugins)
  • Cameras: Kodak DCS 760, DCS Pro 14n, DCS Pro SLR/n/c (discontinued)