RAF
Fujifilm RAW
RAF is Fujifilm's RAW file format for X-series and GFX cameras, saved uncompressed, lossless compressed or compressed depending on the body.
Fujifilm cameras write RAW files with the .RAF extension. A RAF holds the sensor data — from X-Trans sensors on most X-series bodies and Bayer sensors on GFX — along with a JPEG preview and metadata. Fujifilm's film simulations are applied to the JPEG, while the RAF keeps the unprocessed data so the look can be chosen later.
Recent bodies let you choose uncompressed, lossless compressed or compressed RAF.
How it works
Lossless compressed RAF is typically much smaller than uncompressed with no data loss; compressed RAF goes further with lossy compression. Lightroom, Capture One, Photo Mechanic and Fujifilm's own X RAW Studio read RAF. Because X-Trans uses an unusual colour filter pattern, demosaicing results differ between editors more than with other brands. See lossless compressed RAW.
An example: film simulations on the day
A wedding photographer on an X-T5 shoots RAF+JPEG with a favourite film simulation. The couple sees the JPEGs during the reception, already in the look they booked the photographer for, and the RAFs are edited for the final gallery.
RAF and CloudTether
CloudTether tethers Fujifilm cameras over USB (verified on an X-T3) with the connection mode set to USB tether shooting; Fujifilm Wi-Fi is experimental, so use a cable for paid work. RAF files go unchanged to storage destinations such as Dropbox, Google Drive, S3 or FTP; JPEG-only galleries skip them. Rated send isn't available for Fujifilm because its tether only reports new shots. To send the film-simulation JPEGs fast, use JPEG only.
Tether mode and the card
Fujifilm's USB tether mode can change what's written to the card. Check the camera's settings so a copy stays on the card while you tether.
Tips and common mistakes
- Use USB tether shooting mode, not the card-reader style USB mode.
- Choose lossless compressed RAF to save space without losing data.
- Shoot RAF+JPEG to deliver film-simulation looks during the shoot.
Put it into practice
CloudTether tethers your camera to your phone and delivers every shot to the cloud, live as you shoot — no laptop.