The ARW file extension stands for Sony Alpha Raw, meaning that the file is a Sony raw image. ARW files are raw photos created by Sony camera models. They contain all of the data your camera recorded when taking the photo and can include extra information like GPS data if available. Although file sizes vary, ARW formats contain a single photo and are usually much smaller than 1 or 2 GB.
A CR2 file is a RAW image captured by a Canon digital camera based on the TIFF file specification. This format stores uncompressed, high-quality image data, making the files large but ideal for post-processing. The CR2 format replaced the older CRW format used by earlier Canon cameras. CR2 images can be opened with various programs, including free options like IrfanView and UFRaw and professional software like Adobe Lightroom and Canon's Digital Photo Professional.
To convert files from ARW to CR2 use an online tool that supports mass conversion, like Convertjack. Such a tool transforms single or bulk images at once to save time.
Go to Choose File, and select any ARW photos you want to convert. If you want to do a bulk conversion, click Choose File and select all the ARW pics you want to convert.
After uploading the ARW image, click the “Select Format” button at the center. A drop-down menu will pop up; select CR2.
On the bottom right corner of the display, click the “Convert” button. Your converted CR2 file will be ready for download.
Click the “Download” button on the right side of the CR2 file, and the converted image will be downloaded. If you convert multiple files, each file will have a “Download all” button in front of it, and you can click each button to download all the converted files.
To save a ARW file as a CR2 file, you first convert it to CR2 and then download it.
Instead of converting a file manually from ARW to CR2, use an online tool like Convertjack to convert the file without losing any details.
After converting the ARW file, Download the CR2 file and save it in the default folder for all your downloads on the desktop or mobile.
One of the advantages of CR2 is its ability to preserve the full range of image data captured by Canon cameras, offering compatibility with Canon-specific software and editing tools. Even though it is a raw file, CR2 can still use lossless compression to reduce file size without losing quality. The main disadvantage of ARW files is their large size and specific use case for professional editing within Sony devices.