RAF Format Guide

Available Conversions

About RAF Format

RAF (Fujifilm RAW Format) is Fujifilm's proprietary RAW image format used across their X-Series mirrorless cameras and GFX medium format digital camera systems. As a RAW format, RAF files contain minimally processed data captured directly from the camera's image sensor, preserving all the information recorded at the moment of exposure without the quality loss associated with in-camera JPEG processing.

What makes RAF particularly distinctive is its preservation of data from Fujifilm's unique X-Trans CMOS sensor (used in X-Series cameras), which employs a non-Bayer color filter array that randomizes the typical repeating pattern of red, green, and blue pixels—a design that reduces moiré and false color artifacts without requiring an optical low-pass filter, resulting in exceptional sharpness and resolution.

RAF files also store Fujifilm's renowned Film Simulation settings (emulating classic Fujifilm film stocks like Provia, Velvia, Astia, and various monochrome films), allowing photographers to apply, adjust, or completely change these "looks" during post-processing while preserving the original sensor data. The format is based on the TIFF specification with Fujifilm-specific extensions and uses lossless compression, typically resulting in file sizes ranging from 20 to 35 MB for X-Series APS-C cameras and 60 to 120 MB for GFX medium format cameras depending on resolution. RAF files capture 14-bit RAW data, preserving 16,384 tonal levels per color channel and delivering excellent dynamic range of 13-14 stops, with GFX medium format sensors achieving even greater latitude for shadow and highlight recovery.

History of RAF

Fujifilm, founded in 1934 and legendary for its photographic film production (particularly the Velvia, Provia, and Astia slide films beloved by professional photographers), entered the digital camera market in the late 1990s and introduced the RAF format with their early digital cameras. The company's first serious foray into professional digital photography came with cameras like the FinePix S2 Pro (2002) and S3 Pro (2004), which used Nikon F-mount and were targeted at professional photographers transitioning from film to digital.

However, Fujifilm's transformation came in 2012 with the launch of the X-Series, beginning with the X-Pro1—a revolutionary mirrorless camera that introduced the X-Trans CMOS sensor, a fundamentally different approach to digital imaging. Unlike the Bayer pattern used by virtually all other camera manufacturers (which arranges color filters in a predictable 2×2 repeating grid), the X-Trans sensor uses a 6×6 non-repeating random array inspired by the random distribution of silver halide crystals in film. This innovation eliminated the need for an optical low-pass filter (which traditionally blurs images slightly to prevent moiré patterns), delivering unprecedented sharpness while maintaining excellent color accuracy.

The X-Trans sensor was accompanied by Fujifilm's Film Simulation modes—digital recreations of their legendary film stocks built into the camera's image processing pipeline and stored as metadata in RAF files. The X-Series expanded rapidly: the X-E1 (2012) brought rangefinder styling to enthusiasts, the X-T1 (2014) introduced a professional-grade SLR-style body with weather sealing, and the X-Pro2 (2016) refined the hybrid optical/electronic viewfinder concept. Each generation improved the X-Trans sensor and RAF processing: X-Trans II (2014), X-Trans III (2016), and X-Trans IV (2018) brought progressively higher resolutions (from 16MP to 26MP), improved phase-detection autofocus, better high-ISO performance, and expanded Film Simulation modes.

In 2017, Fujifilm made another bold move by entering the medium format market with the GFX 50S, featuring a 51.4-megapixel 43.8×32.9mm medium format sensor—significantly larger than full-frame (36×24mm) and offering exceptional image quality at a fraction of the price of traditional medium format systems from Hasselblad and Phase One. The GFX line expanded with the GFX 50R (2018, rangefinder style), GFX 100 (2019, 102MP), GFX 100S (2021, compact 102MP), and GFX 50S II (2021, affordable medium format entry point), all producing RAF files ranging from 60MB to 120MB depending on resolution.

Throughout this evolution, the RAF format advanced to support higher resolutions, improved color science, expanded Film Simulation modes (now including Classic Negative, Eterna Bleach Bypass, and specialized monochrome simulations), and various computational photography features. The format gained excellent support from RAW processing software including Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop, Capture One (which has particularly strong Fujifilm support), DxO PhotoLab, and Fujifilm's own X RAW Studio and Capture One Express Fujifilm (free version customized for Fujifilm cameras). Fujifilm's unique approach—combining innovative sensor technology with digital emulations of their film heritage—has created a devoted following among photographers who appreciate both technical excellence and the distinctive "Fujifilm look" preserved in RAF files.

Key Features and Uses

RAF files store unprocessed, linear sensor data in 14-bit depth, preserving 16,384 tonal levels per color channel compared to JPEG's 256 levels, providing exceptional flexibility for exposure and color adjustments in post-processing. X-Series RAF files from the X-Trans sensor preserve the unique 6×6 non-repeating color filter array data, which requires specialized demosaicing algorithms—Adobe, Capture One, and other software developers have invested significant effort in optimizing their RAW converters specifically for X-Trans RAF files to extract maximum sharpness without introducing artifacts. GFX medium format RAF files capture data from sensors ranging from 51.4MP to 102MP with pixel dimensions that can exceed 11,000 pixels on the long side, providing extraordinary resolution for large prints, extreme cropping, and commercial work.

RAF files include comprehensive EXIF metadata containing all camera settings: shutter speed, aperture, ISO sensitivity, focal length, lens identification, autofocus mode, metering mode, dynamic range settings, and crucially, the Film Simulation mode selected at capture (Provia, Velvia, Astia, Classic Chrome, Acros, and many others). The Film Simulation metadata is particularly valuable: while the RAF file contains the raw sensor data, the selected simulation is stored as metadata, allowing photographers to apply, modify, or completely change the film look during RAW processing—or use Fujifilm's X RAW Studio software which connects to a Fujifilm camera via USB and uses the camera's actual image processor to render RAF files, achieving perfect fidelity to in-camera JPEGs while maintaining RAW flexibility.

RAF files preserve Fujifilm's dynamic range extension data, which can bracket exposures internally (capturing multiple exposures in a single shutter release) to extend dynamic range by up to 400% compared to base, particularly useful for high-contrast scenes. The format includes lens correction data specific to Fujinon XF, XC, and GF lenses, allowing automatic correction for distortion, vignetting, lateral chromatic aberration, and diffraction. GFX medium format RAF files store the full 14-bit data from sensors with larger photosites (pixels) than APS-C or even full-frame, resulting in exceptional shadow detail, highlight retention, color gradation, and lower noise at equivalent ISOs—particularly valuable for studio work, fashion, landscape, and fine art photography where maximum quality is essential.

Common Applications

RAF files are essential for photographers using Fujifilm X-Series and GFX cameras across diverse photographic disciplines. Street photographers are particularly drawn to Fujifilm's compact X-Series cameras (X100 series, X-E series, X-Pro series), shooting RAF files that capture the brand's legendary color science and Film Simulations—many street photographers specifically choose Fujifilm for the ability to achieve classic film looks straight from the camera while retaining RAW flexibility; the discrete size and rangefinder styling of cameras like the X-Pro3 and X100V make them ideal for candid photography.

Documentary and photojournalism photographers value Fujifilm's excellent JPEG output combined with RAF backup, often submitting the in-camera JPEGs (which closely match Film Simulations) while archiving RAF files for critical images requiring additional processing. Wedding photographers increasingly use X-Series cameras (particularly the X-T4, X-H2, and X-H2S) for their combination of image quality, compact size, Film Simulations that deliver beautiful skin tones, and face/eye detection autofocus, shooting RAF files that preserve maximum latitude for exposure correction in challenging mixed lighting. Portrait photographers shoot RAF files with fast Fujinon XF primes (35mm f/1.4, 56mm f/1.2, 90mm f/2) to capture exceptional color gradation and smooth bokeh, often using Classic Chrome or Classic Negative Film Simulations for sophisticated color palettes.

Fashion and commercial photographers working with GFX medium format cameras capture RAF files that provide the resolution, color depth, and tonal gradation required for high-end editorial work, advertising campaigns, lookbooks, and large-format prints—the GFX 100's 102MP sensor produces RAF files with extraordinary detail that meets or exceeds requirements previously only achievable with traditional medium format backs costing $30,000+. Landscape photographers shoot RAF files with both X-Series (for hiking and travel where weight matters) and GFX systems (when maximum quality justifies the larger system), leveraging Fujifilm's Velvia simulation for saturated landscapes or processing RAF files for ultimate control over color and tonal rendering. Fine art photographers use GFX medium format RAF files for museum-quality prints, taking advantage of the 16-bit processing capabilities in software like Capture One to extract maximum tonal smoothness and color fidelity from the 14-bit RAW data.

Architecture and interior photographers capture RAF files with Fujinon GF wide-angle lenses and the GFX system's excellent perspective control capabilities, producing images with exceptional detail and dynamic range for architectural documentation and real estate marketing. Product photographers use GFX RAF files in studio environments where the medium format sensor's color accuracy, tonal gradation, and resolution provide maximum quality for e-commerce, catalogs, and advertising. Film photographers transitioning to digital specifically choose Fujifilm cameras for RAF files that can be processed to closely emulate the look and feel of film, using Fujifilm's various Film Simulations or third-party presets designed to recreate specific film stocks. Travel photographers rely on compact X-Series cameras shooting RAF files that deliver professional image quality in bodies and lenses significantly smaller and lighter than competing full-frame systems, making them ideal for extended trips where weight and size matter.

The Fujifilm community is notably passionate about the brand's unique approach, with many photographers specifically choosing Fujifilm cameras for the combination of Film Simulations, distinctive color science, compact systems, and excellent tactile controls—all preserved in RAF files that maintain the "Fujifilm look" while providing full RAW editing flexibility.

Advantages and Disadvantages