A definition of Raw

A generic term for an image format in which the data has been subject to the most basic processing. The image needs to be subsequently demosaiced and have gamma correction applied, before it can be processed by the user for white balance, colour, sharpening etc. Raw images contain much more information than JPEGs, and so are much more suitable as a starting point for editing. Typically stored in a losslessly compressed format, recent cameras also provide the option to store Raw image uncompressed.