Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) Practice Exam

A RAW file is best described as which type of file?

1. Image file

2. Compressed file

3. Data file

4. Vector file

The correct answer is: Data file

A RAW file is best described as a data file. RAW files are essentially the unprocessed data captured directly from a camera's sensor. This means that they contain a wealth of information about the exposure, color, and detail of the image as it was originally recorded, retaining much more data than typical image files such as JPEGs or TIFFs. The unprocessed nature of RAW files allows for greater flexibility in post-processing since adjustments can be made without significantly degrading image quality. While RAW files do contain image data, calling them simply image files overlooks their unique characteristics that stem from their raw data format. Unlike compressed files, which reduce file size by removing some image information, RAW files maintain all captured image data, allowing for fine-tuned editing capabilities. Additionally, RAW files are distinct from vector files, which use mathematical formulas to represent images and are not dependent on resolution. Therefore, the classification of RAW as a data file is the most accurate way to describe its primary characteristics.