The RAW image format is image data that is recorded directly from a camera sensor. This means the data are not processed by the camera at all and represent the purest image, as taken. The data is sometimes referred to as a “digital negative.” Using the optimum (i.e., least) compression level, you could expect to record just 100 images, or less, on a 2GB card. Professionals and serious amateurs use RAW files.
RAW files are not universal across different manufacturers. However, each manufacturer will supply software with the camera to enable you to process and print the images. RAW files are excellent for storing data because all the original data is still intact and can, therefore, be worked with.
When to use RAW image format in anatomic pathology:
- For images you want to store without losing details (forensic autopsies)
- For images you need to print (pathology mapping)
