For the world of mobile photographyThis is great news: we're talking about the possibility of shooting in RAW on a smartphone. It's not exactly new; it's a feature that's been talked about for some time and that some smartphones already offer. The new thing is that the Google Camera app This possibility could also be included (and in many models already is included), bringing RAW+JPEG to many more mobile phones without the need for professional apps.
RAW + JPEG
Specifically, A version of the application that allows shooting photos in both JPEG and RAW format is expected.This is common in DSLR and mirrorless cameras: a Full version with all sensor information (RAW) for editing with maximum quality, and another compressed and processed (JPEG) which weighs less and makes it easier to share on networks.
If you always enable RAW, The RAW+JPEG workflow changes how your files are managedPreviously, in Google Photos, JPEGs were displayed in the feed and RAWs were saved. in a separate foldermaking it easier to delete in bulk without touching the JPEGs. Currently, RAW and JPEG are usually grouped together. in the same batch and both can be uploaded to the backup, which affects storage and complicates deleting only the RAW files. practical solution It involves using the Gallery tab in Adobe Lightroom and filtering only the RAW files on the device; this helps to clean up locally, though. It does not prevent uploading to the cloud.Many users are asking Google to bring back the separate RAW folder in Google Photos (there's a support thread to vote on this request): link).
In Google Photos, RAW+JPEG pairs appear with a RAW badgeYou can tap to view the JPEG or RAW file, and define a default RAW editor If you prefer to edit in another app. If your backup is active, RAW files are also supportedTo manage them faster, open Photos > Library > RAW and filter your digital negatives.
What is RAW?
If RAW doesn't ring a bell, think of it as a digital negativeThe RAW file saves all the data captured by the sensor before processing. This allows the photographer to apply adjustments in an editor without degrading the image, maintaining dynamic range, shadow/highlight detail, and white balance malleable. That's why RAW is key in professional and advanced photography, and its arrival on mobile was inevitable.
On Android, RAW capture is usually saved as DNG (Digital Negative), which is a standardized RAW container. RAW and DNG are not exactly the same thingDNG is the specific format that encapsulates RAW data and metadata, facilitating compatibility between apps.
- No significant lossesRAW retains information that JPEG discards.
- More editing room: allows you to recover highlights, lift shadows and adjust color with fewer artifacts.
- Wider color rangeThis translates into smoother transitions and finer gradations.
- Creative flexibilityFrom flat reveals to contrasting styles, an even better base for HDR fusions.
Google camera
The Google Camera app is compatible with the Camera API from Android (camera2) and with modern libraries such as CameraX, which is opening the door to More apps, including social ones, support RAW more easily. References to the function have been seen in the app's code. RAW + JPEG as experimental at times, which anticipates gradual deployments depending on the device.
To activate it on Pixel phones: go to More settings > Advanced options tab and activate RAW/JPEG ControlThen, in Photo mode, enter Settings and turn on RAW+JPEG. Nota: In some models like Pixel 8 Pro this additional step is not necessary because the control appears directly. RequirementThe mobile phone must support the camera2 APIIf the manufacturer did not enable it, there will be no native RAW capture (you can check this with diagnostic apps and use third-party apps if your hardware allows it).
RAW on Pixel and differences by brand
In the Pixel family, Shoot in RAW+JPEG usually maintains a Very consistent JPEG with standard Photo mode (HDR+ processing and signature color tone), although may vary depending on scene and modeIn brands like Samsung, RAW output is offered in specific modes such as Pro y RAW Expert, as well as the JPEGs in those modes may differ from the standard Photo mode JPEG, sometimes with less aggressive processing and less polished "SOOC" results. If you value a highly processed JPEG but also you want RAWIt's worth evaluating which mode fits your workflow; some users explore GCam ports to get closer to Google's look.
Activate RAW format on your mobile phone's camera
Currently, many manufacturers include serial support for RAWOn Pixel, the path is as already described. On Samsung, activate it from Pro/Expert RAW mode and, in Advanced Image Options, activate RAW CopiesRemember that not all models from the same brand display RAW files; It depends on the hardware and the API..
If your native camera doesn't offer this option, Check for compatibility with camera2 API with a diagnostic app. If it's compatible, use third-party apps with manual mode and RAW (for example, tools like Open Camera, Manual Camera, ProShot or Camera FV-5) to unlock DNG capture and shutter, ISO and focus controls.
How to edit RAW images
For editing, you have options like Snapseed (fast and intuitive) or Adobe Lightroom (Full workflow with catalog). In Snapseed you can adjust exposure, shadows, contrast, saturation, and temperature...in addition to white balance with Auto mode. In Lightroom, besides developing, Filter only RAW files From the Gallery to manage your storage if you continuously record in RAW+JPEG.
From Google Photos, open a RAW+JPEG pair, Tap Edit to reveal the RAW or set your favorite editor as the default. In Lightroom, take advantage of noise reduction, lens correction and selective masks to extract maximum detail without introducing artifacts.
RAW format on mobile, and advantages and disadvantages
RAW retains more information (lossless or minimal compression), expands color gamut and offers creative freedom in editing. JPEG is fast and lightweight, but What doesn't exist in JPEG cannot be recoveredHowever, if you need to deliver quickly (for example, in news coverage), JPEG makes senseMany photographers work in RAW + JPEGThey share the JPEG and reserve the RAW for the best shots.
Pro controls on mobile devices and when to use 50 MP
If your mobile offers a tab ProIt dominates three pillars: manual focus to decide on the clear creative plan; shutter speed (fast freezes, slow draws movement) and ISO (Sensitivity: higher ISO, more noise). When you go to print, cut out or enlarge, activates the full resolution (for example, 50 MP in some sensors) to preserve fine detail, combining it with RAW if you're going to do a lot of editing.
Good storage and backup practices
Shoot in RAW+JPEG duplicate files per shot. If you use Google Photos, remember that it now... They group together and both can go up to the cloud. To optimize: periodically review your RAW from Lightroom To refine the discards, consider temporarily disable RAW in casual sessions and maintain a card or storage with margin If you work in travel or events. If this change affects you, you can join the petition to recover the separate RAW folder in Google Photos from the support thread linked above.
When to use only JPEG and how to configure it
There are contexts where JPEG is the practical choice: quick coverages, bulk uploads, or when you're not going to develop the film. In that case, configure the camera properly to obtain a “ready” JPEGIt's a more demanding flow because there is no going back.
- White BalanceAvoid always relying on AWB; if there is artificial light, select the appropriate setting for consistent colors.
- Focus and sharpnessPrioritize a precise focus; don't overuse profile sharpening to avoid artificial contours.
- ContrastChoose the curve that represents your style; a very high contrast can cut out shadows and highlights.
- SaturationUseful for giving life, but in moderation; raising it excessively introduces dominant and banding.
With the Google Camera app enabling RAW+JPEG and CameraX being adopted by more developers, Edit your mobile photos like a pro It's becoming increasingly accessible. Choose the mode that fits your workflow, manage your storage, and take advantage of RAW files whenever you want. maximum quality without giving up the immediacy of JPEG.