How To Capture Photos In RAW On Iphone

The iPhone has become a powerful tool for photography enthusiasts and professionals, offering a variety of features to help capture stunning images. One of the most exciting capabilities is the ability to shoot in RAW format, which provides unparalleled control over your photos during post-processing. RAW photography preserves more data than standard formats like JPEG or HEIC, allowing you to edit with greater flexibility and precision.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about shooting photos in RAW on your iPhone, including what RAW format is, how to enable it, the apps that support it, and tips for maximizing its potential.

What Is RAW Format?

Definition of RAW Format

RAW is a photo file format that captures all the data from the camera sensor without compressing or processing it. Unlike formats like JPEG or HEIC, which compress images and discard some information to reduce file size, RAW files retain:

1. Full Image Data: This includes details about colors, highlights, shadows, and exposure.

2. Greater Editing Flexibility: You can adjust exposure, white balance, and more without significant quality loss.

Benefits of Shooting in RAW

1. High-Quality Edits: RAW files are ideal for photographers who want precise control during post-processing.

2. Recover Lost Details: You can salvage details from overexposed highlights or underexposed shadows.

3. Wide Dynamic Range: RAW captures a broader range of light and dark tones.

4. Custom Adjustments: Unlike pre-processed formats, RAW lets you tweak settings like sharpness and contrast yourself.

Drawbacks of RAW Format

1. Larger File Sizes: RAW files take up significantly more storage space.

2. Post-Processing Required: Unlike JPEG, RAW images require editing to look polished.

3. Limited Compatibility: Not all apps and devices support RAW.

Which iPhones Support RAW Photography?

Apple introduced RAW support in earlier iPhones, but full native integration with the ProRAW format came with the iPhone 12 Pro and later models. Here’s a breakdown of RAW compatibility:

1. RAW Support

Available on iPhones with iOS 10 and later. Apps like Adobe Lightroom can capture RAW on older devices.

2. ProRAW Format

Exclusive to iPhone models with Pro cameras (iPhone 12 Pro, 13 Pro, 14 Pro, and newer).

Combines the benefits of RAW with Apple’s computational photography for optimized quality.

How to Enable RAW Photography on iPhone

To shoot in RAW using the native Camera app, follow these steps:

Step 1: Check Compatibility

Ensure your iPhone supports RAW or ProRAW photography. If you have an iPhone 12 Pro or newer, you can use the built-in ProRAW format.

Step 2: Enable RAW in Settings

1. Open the Settings app.

2. Scroll down and tap Camera.

3. Tap Formats.

4. Under the Photo Capture section, toggle on Apple ProRAW (available on supported devices).

You can also set the ProRAW resolution to either 12 MP or 48 MP (on iPhone 14 Pro and newer).

Step 3: Activate RAW in the Camera App

1. Open the Camera app.

2. In Photo mode, look for the RAW button at the top-right corner of the screen.

3. Tap the RAW button to enable it (it will turn yellow).

You’re now ready to capture photos in RAW format!

How to Capture RAW Photos Using Third-Party Apps

If your iPhone doesn’t support native RAW capture or you want additional control, third-party apps are a great alternative.

1. Adobe Lightroom

Features: Manual controls for exposure, focus, and white balance.

How to Use:

1. Download Adobe Lightroom from the App Store.

2. Open the app and select the built-in camera.

3. Choose DNG format (Adobe’s RAW format) in the camera settings.

2. Halide

Features: Advanced manual controls and support for both RAW and ProRAW.

How to Use:

1. Download Halide from the App Store.

2. Launch the app and tap RAW to enable RAW mode.

3. Adjust settings like ISO, shutter speed, and focus manually.

3. ProCamera

Features: HDR and low-light support in RAW mode.

How to Use:

1. Install ProCamera from the App Store.

2. Open the app and navigate to Settings > File Format > RAW.

3. Capture photos with advanced settings tailored to your needs.

Editing RAW Photos on iPhone

Editing is essential to bring out the best in your RAW photos. While RAW images may initially appear flat or dull, they contain all the data you need for adjustments.

Use the Photos App

1. Open the Photos app.

2. Select a RAW photo. You’ll notice the “RAW” label at the top of the screen.

3. Tap Edit to access Apple’s editing tools.

4. Adjust settings like exposure, contrast, highlights, shadows, and more.

2. Edit with Third-Party Apps

For more advanced editing, consider these apps:

1. Adobe Lightroom: Industry-standard tools for precise adjustments.

2. Snapseed: Free and versatile, with RAW support.

3. Darkroom: User-friendly interface for quick edits.

Pro Tips for Capturing RAW Photos on iPhone

Use Manual Settings

Take control of your camera settings for optimal results:

1. Shutter Speed: Adjust to control motion blur or freeze action.

2. ISO: Lower values reduce noise in well-lit environments, while higher values are better for low light.

3. Focus: Fine-tune focus manually for sharper images.

Choose the Right Lighting

RAW photos benefit from good lighting conditions. While they allow for some adjustments, avoid overexposed highlights or extremely dark shadows.

Stabilize Your iPhone

To minimize camera shake, use a tripod or rest your iPhone on a stable surface. This is especially important in low-light conditions.

Use ProRAW for Best Results

If your iPhone supports ProRAW, take advantage of it to combine computational photography with RAW flexibility.

Manage Storage Space

RAW files are large and can quickly fill your storage. Regularly back up your photos to iCloud or another service to free up space.

Advantages of ProRAW over Standard RAW

ProRAW combines the best of Apple’s computational photography and traditional RAW files.

Here’s how it differs:

1. Computational Enhancements

Merges the benefits of Smart HDR, Deep Fusion, and Night Mode with RAW data.

2. Ease of Use

Produces higher-quality results straight out of the camera, reducing the need for heavy editing.

3. Larger File Size

While this provides more data for editing, it also takes up more storage.

Common Challenges and Solutions

1. RAW Photos Look Dull

Solution: RAW images are designed for post-processing. Edit them to adjust brightness, contrast, and colors.

2. Limited Storage

Solution: Regularly transfer photos to an external drive or cloud storage like iCloud, Google Drive, or Dropbox.

3. Compatibility Issues

Solution: Use apps like Adobe Lightroom or Halide to work with RAW files on older devices or unsupported platforms.

4. Slow Capture Times

Solution: Ensure your iPhone has enough free RAM and storage, and close background apps to speed up performance.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I Shoot RAW on All iPhones?

No, older iPhones require third-party apps like Adobe Lightroom or Halide for RAW capture. Native ProRAW support starts with the iPhone 12 Pro.

2. How Large Are RAW Files?

RAW files can range from 20 MB to over 75 MB, depending on resolution and ProRAW settings.

3. Can I Share RAW Photos?

Yes, but many platforms like social media compress or convert the files. Export your RAW edits as JPEG or PNG for compatibility.

4. Is ProRAW Better Than Standard RAW?

ProRAW offers added computational photography benefits, making it ideal for users who want professional results with less effort.

Conclusion

Capturing photos in RAW on your iPhone unlocks a new level of creativity and control, enabling you to take professional-quality shots right from your device. Whether you’re a photography enthusiast or a professional, RAW format allows for greater flexibility in editing and ensures your photos retain the highest quality possible.

By using the native ProRAW feature or third-party apps, adjusting camera settings, and applying thoughtful edits, you can elevate your mobile photography to new heights. Embrace the power of RAW, and watch your images come to life like never before!