CR2 means Canon Raw 2nd edition.CR2 file is a proprietary file extension for Canon’s raw images that are captured inside the camera. RAW files are not processed and need conversion in a familiar and easy to handle format like JPG.
Raw files are large and hold information or metadata like lens info, camera details, bracketing stats, white balance particulars, and other settings. Unlike JPG, the unprocessed CR2 file that comes out directly from the sensor experiences no data or quality loss, so it is called raw.
The quality of the original image offers a real purpose and feel but there is a need for editing to resemble photo meaning and quality. The unedited version allows the photographer to portray his/her perspective.
Challenges and issues about CR2 file format
CR2 file is large and uncompressed, so editing is hard. CR2 file to JPG conversion is the best way to resolve this challenge. This format is used for 3D modeling but will need a CR2 to JPG converter. The format is still new and not compatible with many editing programs.
Nevertheless, some directly open CR2 files but in the majority of cases, a converter is needed. The use of the CR2 format in businesses can cause storage problems because of its size. It is a hard file format, so sharing project images with the team and clients is hard. Therefore, conversion is a simple solution for editing and sharing the project images.
While converting there are two factors to consider compatibility and size of the CR2 file. There are multiple converters available but sometimes there is no need for conversion. When you edit leave the original RAW format. Make changes and export the JPG image file. It is a good way of maintaining picture quality.
The RAW images don’t deteriorate even after changes are made. You can undo the editing process and maintain its original picture quality. However, if you desire to convert photographs into works of art then edit in CR2 format and then use reaConverter to convert into JPG for sharing.
When to shoot in JPG?
- If there is no chance to edit the images on a computer.
- You are happy with the post-processing associated with the JPG file.
- If there is a lack of space on a memory card.
- If you have to click hundreds of photos back-to-back.
- When the image has to be shared immediately.
When to shoot in CR2 or RAW?
- If there is time, ability, and software to post-process images on a computer.
- The memory card has lots of space because RAW files occupy 5X more space than JPG.
- The shooting ambiance is dynamic like some areas are too dark and a few are bright.
- CR2 or RAW images allow lifting the shadow during editing. RAW files are forgiving. Even if you over or under-exposed the image. You can fix it in a RAW file.
When to shoot in both?
When you are playing around with editing experiment with RAW but retain JPGs usability as a stand-in. You shoot in RAW but there is a need to display or share the photos before the editing process.
You shoot in JPG but are capturing some exceptional scenes you believe to use one day to enter a competition. The original JPGs are sufficient proof even if there is no RAW file but remember to save unedited JPG copies. It is sensible to avoid taking pictures in RAW and JPG format because it is a wastage of space.
How to convert CR2 image to JPG?
Choose a credible converter and download it. Install and configure the program. Its operating process is user-friendly and there is no need to take help from a technician.
Start the program. Choose the CR2 files that need to be converted into JPG.
Batch conversion is possible with Reaconveter, so take advantage of this app. From the savings, alternatively, choose the output folder where the new JPG files will be saved. You can even apply extra edits to the chosen images. As output format choose JPG from massive format options.
Click start and the conversion will start. The conversion process will conclude after some time. Download the JPG file and share it with your team or clients. Like any other image format, .cr2 files are not invulnerable to corruption. The corrupt files turn inaccessible for various reasons.
Reasons why.cr2 files turn corrupt Sudden shutdown of the system during .cr2 files transfer. SD card from a card reader, camera, or computer is not removed or inserted properly. The Canon camera’s battery is low, which causes an issue in saving the files. The storage drive that holds the .cr2 files is outdated. Computer experiencing malware or virus attacks can harm the .cr2 files.
How to repair the corrupt .cr2 files?
- CR2 files not recognized
- Repair – Update software you used to open the CR2 files or convert them in another RAW format like SR2, KDC, DNG, K25, or ARW.
- File not found [“Clock L-XV.cr2 error”]
Fix – Run scannow/SFC to fix system files or use online third-party tools. - Due to malware or virus attack
Troubleshoot – Use a reliable anti-virus program and scan the entire system or enable Windows 10 Firewalls to recover the CR2 files. - Finder cannot be complete because some data in the image cannot be written or read [Error code – 36]
- Solution – Covert the .cr2 file into Adobe DNG for image file preservation.
If all the solutions mentioned above fail then use 3rd party tool and restore the corrupt CR2 files.
If you are an amateur photographer then shoot in JPG. When you sharpen your skills there will be a need to gain more from the photos then focus on editing the JPGs. Ultimately, you will feel you need a lot more than start shooting in RAW and JPG.
Compare the benefits and evaluate the drawbacks. Soon, you will get hooked to getting the best photos from your camera and you will opt to capture in RAW and never look back. With digital negatives converted into JPG, you can start the editing process and portray your creativity.
