Image MIME Reference
Fuji-RAF
Fujifilm RAW Image
image/x-fuji-raf
VS
Simple Vector Format
image/vnd.svf
SVF
A complete technical comparison of Fujifilm RAW Image and Simple Vector Format — covering compression, feature support, browser compatibility, magic bytes, and when to choose each format.
Equal browser support
Feature Support
| Feature | Fuji-RAF | SVF |
|---|---|---|
| Transparency (Alpha) | ✕ No | Yes |
| Animation Support | ✕ No | ✕ No |
| Progressive Loading | ✕ No | ✕ No |
| HDR Support | Yes | ✕ No |
| EXIF Metadata | Yes | ✕ No |
| ICC Color Profile | Yes | ✕ No |
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
Simple Vector Format
image/vnd.svf
Extension
.svf
Container
Custom Binary/Text (Legacy) or ZIP (Autodesk Forge)
Compression
Uncompressed / Deflate (in modern Autodesk SVF implementations)
Algorithm
None
Color Depth
Vector Data (Not Applicable)
Developed by
SoftSource & NCSA (National Center for Supercomputing Applications)
Released
1995
Magic Bytes
Unknown (SoftSource SVF)
Browser Support Comparison
| Browser | Fuji-RAF | SVF |
|---|---|---|
Chrome
|
✕ | ✕ |
Firefox
|
✕ | ✕ |
Safari
|
✕ | ✕ |
Edge
|
✕ | ✕ |
IE (Legacy)
|
✕ | ✕ |
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
SVF
SVF Strengths
- Acted as a crucial pioneering stepping-stone in proving that scalable, zoomable vector graphics were viable and necessary for the World Wide Web
Limitations
- Completely obsolete and unsupported by modern web standards
- Required end-users to install bulky, proprietary browser plugins
- Causes significant developer confusion today due to Autodesk adopting the exact same acronym and file extension for a completely different technology
When to choose which format
Fuji-RAF
Use Fuji-RAF when…
- Professional Digital Photography
- Fujifilm X-Trans Sensor Image Archival
- High Dynamic Range (HDR) Post-Processing
SVF
Use SVF when…
- Historical Web-based CAD Viewers (1990s)
- Legacy 2D Vector Archival
- Autodesk Platform Services (Forge) Model Translation (Name Collision)