RAW and PNG explained
A camera RAW file is the sensor's unprocessed readout, plus the camera's settings as metadata. It is not really an image yet: it has to be developed, which is why the same RAW can produce very different-looking photos.
PNG is a lossless raster format built to replace GIF. It stores every pixel exactly as given and supports a full 8-bit alpha channel, which means genuine partial transparency rather than the single transparent colour GIF offers.
- Where RAW files come from
- Interchangeable-lens cameras and phones shooting in professional mode.
- Where PNG is used
- Screenshots, exported logos and UI assets, and anything designed rather than photographed.