The Samsung Galaxy Unpacked event was fully packed. It unveiled the Galaxy S23 series in all its glory. And the great thing about the S23 devices is that they come with excellent sensors. Not to mention that the S23 Ultra is more capable than the S22 Ultra of last year.
However, the cameras’ highlight is that they can now export files in Expert RAW format. This feature is basically Samsung’s answer to the ProRAW format that Apple utilizes for its high-end iPhones. And as you can guess, you will need to do some manual work to get the most out of the feature.
Why RAW
If you are a smartphone user that is serious about photography, RAW is the way to go. This format allows you to gain much control over the shot and allows fine control during the editing phase. And compared to JPG, this format is not compressed. So you will not lose any details with the shot.
Thankfully the Galaxy S23 devices come with an ample amount of storage. So, you will not need to worry about the bigger file sizes of the Expert RAW photos. And as these files are not compressed, you get all the data from the sensor. That will eventually allow you to make the shot look exactly how you want it to.

Now, it doesn’t mean that the JPG format that the Galaxy S23 devices will shoot in default is bad. The upgraded sensor, combined with AI power, will surely make them Instagram-worthy. However, if you want to get the most out of the sensors, you have to shoot at the Expert RAW mode.
Galaxy S23 Expert RAW vs iPhone ProRAW
Expert RAW files have the support for 16-bit color depth. In comparison, the ProRAW feature of Apple is 12-bit. That means you will be getting more color with the Expert RAW mode of the Galaxy S23 phones. And that is the primary difference between iPhone’s ProRAW and Expert RAW.
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Besides, Expert RAW can save the images in DNG and JPG RAW file formats. And these files offer more after-shot editing possibilities than regular RAW files. For example, in the Expert RAW app, you will be able to fine-tune most of the photo settings. That includes white balance, ISO, exposure value, and shutter speed.
What Software Should You Use in Galaxy S23 for RAW Files?
Let’s face it; not everyone has the time to transfer the files to a PC and edit them there. The good news is that you can edit the Expert RAW files on your Galaxy S23 device! However, it should be noted that not all photo software is capable of handling RAW formats. And that is equally true for the Expert RAW format.
Now, Samsung and Adobe have just made an announcement for the Expert RAW feature. According to that, Lightroom is going to be the “exclusive default photo editor for RAW photos taken with the Expert RAW app.” So, in order to take full advantage of the Galaxy S23 cameras, you should use Adobe Lightroom.
The announcement came with the debut of the Expert RAW app too. This app basically lets you take RAW photos from the phone’s native camera. And the app can generate loads of different file formats, including JPG. You can get the Expert RAW app right from the Galaxy Store.
Afterward, you can use those files in the Lightroom app to finely edit the shots. Talking of which, the Expert RAW app is now available for Galaxy S21 Ultra, S22, S22+, and S22 Ultra as well. So, if you are using one of those, you can also take advantage of this amazing app.
Via: gizchina.com