Image MIME Reference
Canon-CR2
Canon Raw Version 2
image/x-canon-cr2
VS
Fujifilm RAW Image
image/x-fuji-raf
Fuji-RAF
A complete technical comparison of Canon Raw Version 2 and Fujifilm RAW Image — covering compression, feature support, browser compatibility, magic bytes, and when to choose each format.
Equal browser support
Feature Support
| Feature | Canon-CR2 | Fuji-RAF |
|---|---|---|
| Transparency (Alpha) | ✕ No | ✕ No |
| Animation Support | ✕ No | ✕ No |
| Progressive Loading | ✕ No | ✕ No |
| HDR Support | Yes | Yes |
| EXIF Metadata | Yes | Yes |
| ICC Color Profile | Yes | Yes |
Canon Raw Version 2
image/x-canon-cr2
Extension
.cr2
Container
TIFF
Compression
Lossless JPEG (ITU-T81)
Algorithm
Lossless JPEG (ITU-T81)
Color Depth
12-bit (Per Channel), 14-bit (Per Channel)
Developed by
Canon Inc.
Released
2004
Magic Bytes
49 49 2A 00 10 00 00 00 43 52 02 00
Fujifilm RAW Image
image/x-fuji-raf
Extension
.raf
Container
Proprietary RAF Container
Compression
Uncompressed / Lossless Compressed / Lossy Compressed (Modern firmware)
Algorithm
NoneProprietary LosslessProprietary Lossy
Color Depth
14-bit (Per Channel - X-Series), 16-bit (Per Channel - GFX Series)
Developed by
Fujifilm Corporation
Released
2000
Magic Bytes
46 55 4A 49 46 49 4C 4D 43 43 44 2D 52 41 57 20
Browser Support Comparison
| Browser | Canon-CR2 | Fuji-RAF |
|---|---|---|
Chrome
|
✕ | ✕ |
Firefox
|
✕ | ✕ |
Safari
|
✕ | ✕ |
Edge
|
✕ | ✕ |
IE (Legacy)
|
✕ | ✕ |
Canon-CR2
Canon-CR2 Strengths
- Retains maximum sensor data, allowing extreme recovery of highlights and shadows that would be permanently lost in a JPEG
- White balance and color profiling are not 'baked in', meaning they can be completely altered in post-production without degrading the image
- Lossless compression ensures perfect pixel accuracy while reducing file size compared to fully uncompressed formats
Limitations
- Proprietary format means it requires constant updates to raw processing engines (like Adobe Camera Raw) every time Canon releases a new camera model
- Produces very large file sizes (often 20MB to 40MB per image depending on sensor resolution)
- Cannot be directly embedded into web pages or used in standard HTML/CSS contexts
Fuji-RAF
Fuji-RAF Strengths
- Retains absolute maximum sensor data, enabling massive shadow recovery and highlight protection compared to compressed in-camera JPEGs
- Stores proprietary Fujifilm Film Simulation metadata (like Classic Chrome or Acros), allowing editors to perfectly replicate in-camera aesthetics
- Very distinct and reliable magic header makes programmatic file detection foolproof
Limitations
- Proprietary format requires continuous updates to third-party software (like Lightroom) whenever Fujifilm releases a new camera
- The X-Trans sensor matrix requires highly specialized demosaicing algorithms that are extremely computationally expensive, leading to slower import and rendering times
- Completely unsupported in standard web browsers and basic operating system image viewers
When to choose which format
Canon-CR2
Use Canon-CR2 when…
- Professional Digital Photography
- Non-destructive Image Post-Processing
- High Dynamic Range (HDR) Imaging Archival
Fuji-RAF
Use Fuji-RAF when…
- Professional Digital Photography
- Fujifilm X-Trans Sensor Image Archival
- High Dynamic Range (HDR) Post-Processing