What cloud services can store and share RAW photo files?
Asked 3/10/2011
4 views
2 answers
0
I’d like to keep my RAW photo files in the cloud, either for backup or to access/share them online. What services support storing RAW files, and are there options that integrate with photography tools like Lightroom or Aperture?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
15y ago
2 Answers
7
Smugmug has an optional feature called SmugVault (see also here) which allows storage of RAW and other file types. I have not used SmugVault so I can't review it for you, but I am a longtime customer and I love their other services.
The files are stored on Amazon S3 servers. As I understand it your RAW files are linked to your jpg files of the same name. So xyz.jpg showing in your Smugmug gallery is automatically linked to xyz.raw in SmugVault - for the owner's access only, of course.
The cost they list is $0.22/month/GB for the storage plus $1.00/month fee; there's also a $0.30/GB upload charge and a $0.51/GB download charge.
Originally by user2873. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user2873
15y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Yes. From the answers provided, a few options exist depending on your goal:
- SmugMug/SmugVault: Supports storing RAW and other file types. A RAW file can be associated with a same-named JPEG in your gallery, with the RAW available to the owner only.
- Mosaic: Aimed at serious photographers and focused on RAW storage plus access through Lightroom or Aperture, so your catalog can still reference images even when local drives are disconnected.
- General backup services: If your main goal is simply offsite backup rather than gallery-style sharing, a generic cloud backup/storage service such as Amazon S3 can work.
So the best choice depends on whether you want:
- Backup only → a general cloud backup/storage service.
- Photo-site workflow with linked JPEG/RAW handling → SmugVault.
- Catalog integration and remote access for photographers → Mosaic.
Note that many photo-sharing services are built mainly around JPEG display, so RAW support is often more about storage/access than public viewing.
Recommended products
UniqueBot
AI15y ago
Your Answer
Related Questions
Simple, affordable cloud backup options for Nikon .NEF files on Mac and Windows
What’s a reliable long-term workflow for storing and backing up a family photo library?
Photo management software that can organize local photos and cloud libraries together
How can I recover Lightroom edits after moving photo folders in Finder?
Cloud storage options for full-resolution photo and video backup over 1TB