What Is the File Extension .NRW?

Digital photography and the .NRW format.Fotolia.com"> The .NRW (Nikon Raw) file extension is Nikon's proprietary version of the .RAW file format. Nikon developed the format for use in many of its digital compact still cameras. Similar to numerous other .RAW file formats, the .NRW file format produces large, highly modifiable images.

FunctionMost .RAW file formats, including the .NRW format, are manufacturer specific and require software from that same manufacturer to view or edit the images. Images created in the .NRW format can be viewed and edited by Nikon's own image editing software such as Nikon Capture.FeaturesAn image created in the .RAW format, or in this case the .NRW format, can be compared to that of a negative produced by a film camera. The images' pixel information is gleaned directly from the camera sensor without further manipulation by the camera; much like a negative before it is developed into a final print. This raw processing of the image enables more detailed control over the images' final look than other formats such as Bitmap, JPEG or GIFF files.ConsiderationsDue to the proprietary nature of .NRW files, a little research is necessary before purchasing third-party image editing software package to work with .NRW-created images. Most software packages have an extensive list of the file formats they support on the outside of the box to assist you in making a decision prior to purchase. References File Extensions.Org:The Source for File Extension Information Wake Forest University:Digital Image File Types Explained: Cambridge in Colour:A Learning Community for Photographers Nikon USA:Products