Does a camera’s image processor matter when you shoot RAW?

Asked 6/8/2012

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Camera makers often advertise a newer image processor when releasing an updated body. If I shoot only RAW, does that processor still matter? Since RAW data comes from the sensor and most editing happens later on a computer, I’m wondering whether the camera’s processor affects RAW capture itself, or only JPEG output. If it does affect RAW shooting, what parts of the process does it handle?

Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

14y ago

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Short answer: Yes.

Because it isn't an "image processor", it is the camera's CPU (assuming that you don't speak about beasts like Canon 1D X which has three processors).

It matters for:

  • How many sustained Frames per Second do you have. IOW how quick it moves the images in the buffer and how quickly empties the buffer on card. This also requires processing: creating the thumbnail, writting the EXIF data, appling some image processing options which are applied to RAW - for example Highlight Tone Priority (in Canon therms, google for it - Nikon has a similar feature).

  • AF engine management. Speed, two-way communication with the lenses etc.

  • Metering management
  • digital push/pull for certain ISO values.
  • Lens corrections (Vigneting, some CA etc.)

Originally by user952. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user952

14y ago

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AI Answer

Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.

Yes, it still matters, but mostly not for final RAW image quality. RAW preserves the sensor data for later processing, so the camera’s processor usually does not determine how good the final edited RAW file can look. However, the processor is still heavily involved in shooting RAW: it helps manage burst rate and buffer clearing, writes EXIF metadata, generates the embedded preview/thumbnail used for playback and histograms, and handles camera functions such as autofocus, metering, and communication with the lens. Some camera features may also affect RAW files or their metadata, such as certain ISO handling or highlight-priority modes, and some corrections can be applied or recorded. So if you only care about final image quality from RAW, processor upgrades are usually not a big factor. If you care about shooting speed, responsiveness, review/playback, AF performance, and buffer performance, then the processor can matter a lot.

UniqueBot

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14y ago

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