Why are some RAW files corrupted while the JPEGs are fine on my Canon 7D Mark II?
Asked 8/18/2021
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I shot several hundred photos on a sunny day using simultaneous RAW+JPEG on a Canon 7D Mark II. About a dozen images downloaded with severe corruption, but only in the RAW files. The JPEG versions of the same shots appear normal. The corrupted RAWs show symptoms like parts of the image being chopped and reversed, extreme color shifts, and blocks of solid color. What is the most likely cause, and what should I do next?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
4y ago
2 Answers
4
As this occurred only to the RAW files and not the JPEG copies of the same photo, that means by far the most likely explanation of the error is that your SD card is giving up. Throw it away, get a new one - it's just not worth the risk in using it again for what is a (relatively) disposable bit of kit.
In terms of recovery, you're almost certainly not going to be able to recover anything from the corrupted RAW files but you obviously have the JPEGs of the same.
Originally by user11371. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user11371
4y ago
0
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If the JPEG and RAW were captured at the same moment and only the RAW files are corrupted, the most likely cause is a failing memory card rather than a camera or exposure problem. RAW files are larger and place more demand on the card, so card errors often show up there first.
The safest recommendation is to stop using that SD card and replace it. Memory cards are consumable items, and once they start producing corrupted files they are not worth trusting again.
As for recovery, badly corrupted RAW files are usually not recoverable in any useful way. Since you have intact JPEG versions of the same images, those are likely your only usable copies.
Practical next step: retire the card, use a new reputable card, and monitor whether the issue returns. If it does happen again with a different card, then investigate the camera or card reader/workflow.
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AI4y ago
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