Other Apple ProRaw Query

[snerkler]

I have seen it said several times that the Apple ProRaw is nothing new or special and it’s just a standard .dng file, however apple state that ProRaw “combines the information of a standard RAW format along with iPhone image processing” which suggests to me that it is not a standard ‘true’ raw file.

Is there a definitive answer on this, and would you get a different result extracting the ProRaw vs extracting the raw obtained from apps such as Halide and ProCarmera?

 

[PeteBurgh]

ProRaw “combines the information of a standard RAW format along with iPhone image processing” which suggests to me that it is not a standard ‘true’ raw file

It's a confusing issue! But but you've basically answered your own question correctly here.

Yes, ProRAW is a hybrid aimed at finding a midpoint between having the greater processing flexibility and detail of Raw, whilst also making use of the some of the computation that is so important in iPhone (and all mobile) photography.

And yes, the Raw images produced by apps like Halide are different. Whether ProRAW, Raw, or simply the default processed JPEGs/HEIFs are best is complicated question that depends on what you are trying to do. Halide has an extended discussion of the issue here with lots of useful illustrations, and this video is helpful too.

 

[snerkler]

It's a confusing issue! But but you've basically answered your own question correctly here.

Yes, ProRAW is a hybrid aimed at finding a midpoint between having the greater processing flexibility and detail of Raw, whilst also making use of the some of the computation that is so important in iPhone (and all mobile) photography.

And yes, the Raw images produced by apps like Halide are different. Whether ProRAW, Raw, or simply the default processed JPEGs/HEIFs are best is complicated question that depends on what you are trying to do. Halide has an extended discussion of the issue here with lots of useful illustrations, and this video is helpful too.

Great thanks very much. I always shoot raw when using my proper camera, and I'm contemplating the 14 pro to replace my 13 mini for the camera improvements so it's useful to know that ProRaw isn't true raw 👍🏻

 

[gtg465x]

I wouldn't say it's not true RAW. I would say it's true RAW plus some additional data. Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe Lightroom lets you import ProRAW files in two different ways... one as a normal RAW photo and another way that includes the Apple processing.

 

[snerkler]

I wouldn't say it's not true RAW. I would say it's true RAW plus some additional data. Someone correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe Lightroom lets you import ProRAW files in two different ways... one as a normal RAW photo and another way that includes the Apple processing.

Then it’s not true raw 😉 I did download some samples and whilst there were two colour profiles I didn’t notice any different raw files for import.

 

[gtg465x]

Then it’s not true raw 😉 I did download some samples and whilst there were two colour profiles I didn’t notice any different raw files for import.

Well, either way, it's definitely possible to get true RAW files if that's what you want, but you have to use a third party camera app if you don't want ProRAW.

 

[jm31828]

Biggest difference in Proraw is that it’s still taking multiple shots at different exposures and combining them into an HDR image- but it has less sharpening and other processing, and is in raw format with all the extra exposure data to work with when post processing. (And these definitely need editing to look good, just like any other raw images)

 

[snerkler]

Biggest difference in Proraw is that it’s still taking multiple shots at different exposures and combining them into an HDR image- but it has less sharpening and other processing, and is in raw format with all the extra exposure data to work with when post processing. (And these definitely need editing to look good, just like any other raw images)

That's the issue, I'm not a HDR fan. Looks like I'd have to use a third party app. I don't know if it was the app or what but when I tried the demo of Halide to get the raw from my 13 mini the files were noisy even shot in bright sunlight (ISO 32, f1.6, 1/8400)