Digic X and RAW...

[Ferenc MOGOR]

A technical question just came to my mind with regards to what extent do our Canon cameras process RAW files with the on-board processor. (Digic X in my R6.) Had the "feeling" the processor doesn't do much, but our newest friend ChatGPT gave me an interesting answer:

Qte

Me: Does a RAW file on a Canon camera go through Digic X or it bypasses it?

ChatGPT: A RAW file on a Canon camera does go through the DIGIC X processor (or whichever DIGIC version the camera has), but with minimal processing compared to JPEGs. How the DIGIC Processor handles RAW:

• Sensor Captures Data – The image sensor collects raw light data.

• DIGIC Processing (Minimal for RAW) – The DIGIC X processor processes basic functions like:
  Noise reduction (only if enabled in RAW settings)
  Lens corrections (for some cameras with RAW options)
  Color calibration
  Debayering for display preview
  Compression (for CR3 RAW format)

• RAW File is Saved – The minimally processed data is written to the memory card.

How RAW Differs from JPEG:

• JPEGs undergo heavy processing (color grading, sharpening, noise reduction, compression).

• RAWs retain the maximum amount of image data, allowing post-processing flexibility.

So while RAW files are processed by DIGIC X, they remain as close as possible to the original sensor data, avoiding major in-camera modifications.

Unqte

Interesting or in other words we might not really need to worry about the version of the on-board processor as long as we keep our good old habit/practice of shooting RAW exclusively.

Comments most welcome!

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Cheers, Feri
'I can look at a fine photograph and sometimes I can hear music. Ansel Adams.'

 

[Quarkcharmed]

Sorry but both question and answer don't make much sense. AI's response is basically a word salad with false information.

Your camera can't create a single file without getting it "through processor". In fact it's the Digic processor that performs all operations in camera. A raw file can't "bypass" the processor because it's created by the processor.

You're probably confusing raw data inside a raw file with the file itself.

Raw data is not modified, although some mild noise reduction can be applied in the R6 (but not in all Canon cameras), but there's no setting to control it.

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https://www.instagram.com/quarkcharmed/
https://500px.com/quarkcharmed

 

[Ferenc MOGOR]

Sorry but both question and answer don't make much sense. AI's response is basically a word salad with false information.

Your camera can't create a single file without getting it "through processor". In fact it's the Digic processor that performs all operations in camera. A raw file can't "bypass" the processor because it's created by the processor.

You're probably confusing raw data inside a raw file with the file itself.

Raw data is not modified, although some mild noise reduction can be applied in the R6 (but not in all Canon cameras), but there's no setting to control it.

Thanks for your comments Quarkcharmed. I think basically we are saying the same thing. On-board processor has less effect on RAW than on JPG.

BTW, never heard a question makes no sense! Take care!