.RW2 File Extension
Panasonic RAW Image
| Developer | Panasonic |
| Popularity |
4.0 | 29 Votes |
| Category | Camera Raw Files |
| Format | Binary |
What is an RW2 file?
An RW2 file is a raw camera image created by a Panasonic LUMIX digital camera, such as the LX3 and LX5. It contains a RAW raster image as captured by the camera sensor. RW2 files are similar to .RAW and .RWL formats and are based on the TIFF specification.
RW2 is a proprietary format specific to Panasonic LUMIX cameras. Examples of Panasonic camera models that create RW2 images include Lumix DMC-FZ28, FZ1000, LX7, and TZ70.
Most high-end digital cameras capture images in a raw format specific to the make of the camera. Other camera raw formats include .CR3 (used by select Canon digital cameras), .ARW (used by Sony Alpha digital cameras), and .NEF (used by Nikon digital cameras).
The RW2 format stores uncompressed data captured by the sensor on a Panasonic LUMIX digital camera. Since the data is uncompressed, the image is higher-quality than other compressed image formats, such as .JPG or .PNG, and leads to significantly larger file sizes than compressed images.
NOTE: RW2 files are typically only encountered by photographers that utilize a Panasonic LUMIX series camera. The photographers may be professional or hobbyists. However, you may also download RW2 files from camera raw image-sharing websites.
How to open an RW2 file
You can open RW2 files with various applications. Microsoft Photos (Windows) and Apple Preview (macOS) are free applications that support RW2 images and are bundled with Windows and macOS.
More advanced image editors that support RW2 files include Adobe Photoshop Elements (Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS), Corel PaintShop Pro (Windows and macOS), and XnViewMP (Windows and macOS).
How to convert RW2 files
You can convert RW2 files to other image formats, such as .JPEG and PNG with various applications. In Windows, you can convert RW2 images with Adobe Photoshop Elements, and ACD Systems Canvas.
In macOS, you can use Apple Preview by selecting . Or you can use Adobe Photoshop Elements or XnViewMP.