CR2 (Canon Raw 2) is a RAW image file format created by Canon digital cameras. Unlike JPG files that are processed and compressed by the camera, CR2 files contain unprocessed, "raw" data directly from the camera's sensor, giving photographers maximum flexibility when editing.
CR2 stands for "Canon Raw version 2" and is used by most Canon DSLR and mirrorless cameras since 2004.
Why Do Professional Photographers Use CR2?
When you shoot in CR2, your camera saves all the data captured by the sensor without any processing or compression. This gives you significantly more control during post-processing:
- More detail: 12-14 bit color depth vs JPG's 8-bit (thousands more colors)
- Better exposure recovery: Recover highlights and shadows that would be lost in JPG
- Non-destructive editing: Original data stays intact
- White balance adjustment: Change white balance without quality loss
- No compression artifacts: Perfect quality preservation
CR2 vs JPG: What's the Difference?
| Feature | CR2 (RAW) | JPG |
|---|---|---|
| File Size | 25-35 MB | 3-8 MB |
| Color Depth | 14-bit (16,384 shades per color) | 8-bit (256 shades per color) |
| Editing Flexibility | Maximum | Limited |
| Ready to Share | No (needs processing) | Yes |
How to Open CR2 Files
Adobe Lightroom & Photoshop
Industry standard for CR2 editing. Both programs open CR2 natively and offer professional editing tools.
Canon Digital Photo Professional (DPP)
Free software from Canon, optimized for Canon RAW files. Includes lens correction profiles.
Windows Photo Viewer
Requires Microsoft Camera Codec Pack (free download from Microsoft). Limited editing capabilities.
macOS Preview
Built-in support on macOS. Can view CR2 but editing options are basic.
Free Alternatives
- GIMP: With UFRaw plugin
- RawTherapee: Free RAW editor
- Darktable: Open-source Lightroom alternative
When Should You Shoot in CR2?
Use CR2 (RAW) for:
- Professional photography
- Wedding and event photography
- Landscape photography requiring maximum dynamic range
- Studio work with controlled lighting
- Any situation where you'll edit the photos later
Use JPG for:
- Casual snapshots
- Photos you need to share immediately
- Limited storage situations
- Action photography (faster burst rates)
How to Enable CR2 on Canon Cameras
- Press the Menu button
- Navigate to image quality settings
- Select RAW or RAW+L (RAW + JPG)
- Note: RAW+JPG saves both formats simultaneously
CR2 files take up 5-10x more space than JPG. Make sure you have a large SD card (64GB+ recommended) and plenty of computer storage.
CR2 File Size and Storage
Typical CR2 file sizes by camera model:
- Canon EOS R5 (45MP): ~50-60 MB per file
- Canon EOS 5D Mark IV (30MP): ~35-40 MB
- Canon EOS 90D (32MP): ~35-45 MB
- Canon EOS Rebel T7 (24MP): ~25-30 MB