RAF to NEF Converter

Encoding: the RAF uses uncompressed or lossless compressed sensor data in Fujifilm's own container; NEF uses uncompressed, lossless compressed, lossy compressed, or High Efficiency on recent Z bodies, and the download is a Linear DNG: demosaiced 8-bit RGB with the colour matrices raw editors need.

Bit depth: 12 to 16 bits per channel depending on the camera in the RAF; NEF allows 12 or 14 bits per channel, and the DNG written here has 8 bits per channel, linearised. The sensor's 12 to 16 bits are not used: the 8-bit camera preview is converted.

Colour: camera RGB from an X-Trans 6×6 or Bayer 2×2 mosaic in the RAF; NEF supports camera RGB from a Bayer mosaic, written here as 8-bit sRGB.

Metadata: the RAF can carry EXIF and Fujifilm maker notes, including the Film Simulation; NEF can carry EXIF and Nikon maker notes, partly encrypted, plus a thumbnail and a larger preview, but nothing is copied across.

RAF is the raw format of Fujifilm cameras, from the X series to the medium-format GFX. Most X-series bodies use an X-Trans sensor with a 6×6 colour filter pattern instead of the usual Bayer 2×2.

RAF is not TIFF at the top level: it opens with the text 'FUJIFILMCCD-RAW', then a header with the camera model and offsets to three blocks: a JPEG preview near the start of the file, a header describing the sensor layout, and the sensor data.

RAF files usually come from Fujifilm X-T, X-H, X-S, X-E, X100 and GFX cameras.

NEF is the raw format of Nikon cameras, from the D1 to the current Z series. It stores 12 or 14-bit sensor data, uncompressed or compressed, with a JPEG preview the camera renders using its Picture Control.

NEF is TIFF-based: the first directory usually holds a small thumbnail, and sub-directories hold the sensor data and, on current bodies, a full-size JPEG preview. Nikon's maker notes are a TIFF structure of their own, and since the D2X their white-balance block is encrypted with a key derived from the camera's serial number and shutter count.

NEF files come from Nikon DSLRs (D-series) and Z-series mirrorless cameras.

Forms and workflows that ask for NEF usually feed a raw editor, and each of those opens DNG as well, so the DNG can take the NEF's place. Keep the RAF if you only need to view or share the picture.

What NEF offers when it comes straight from the camera: Lossless compressed mode with no data loss; Picture Control recorded so Nikon NX Studio can reapply it; 12 or 14-bit sensor data. Its drawbacks: Partly encrypted maker notes; The lossy compressed mode discards some sensor data; Large files on high-resolution Z bodies.