Compact Cameras with RAW Format

Serious photographers know that shooting uncompressed RAW files can offer many advantages over compressed JPG files. But until recently, RAW support was only available in digital SLRs. Now more and more compact cameras with RAW format are being released. Manufacturers such as Nikon, Canon and others have all recognized the demand for this feature and are creating new cameras to meet the need. This page lists some of the most popular and well-rated compact cameras with RAW support. Take a look below to learn more about them.

(Image of Nikon Coolpix P7100 compact camera provided by Amazon)

• "This is a camera for people who want full creative control. Five Stars!" - Amazon reviewer

Is it any surprise that Nikon has one of the best compact cameras with RAW format? The P7100, which was released in late 2011, already has a 4.3- out of 5-star rating with over 50 reviews on Amazon.

In addition to its ability to shoot RAW, the P7100 offers users plenty of other great features, such as a 7.1x Zoom-NIKKOR ED glass lens, 10.1-MP, 1/1.7-in. CCD sensor, 3-inch 921k-dot Vari-Angle monitor and optical viewfinder, macro mode, and 720p HD video.

• "Overall, I highly recommend the LX5 if you are in the market for a serious photographer's P&S camera." - Amazon reviewer

Panasonic may not play in the Big Leagues of DSLRs, but when it comes to point-and-shoot compact cameras, this manufacturer know how to hit a home run. Over 370 reviewers have given the DMC-LX5 an average 4.4- out of 5-star rating on Amazon. The quality and pricing make this camera a favorite.

The 10.1-megapixel Lumix DMC-LX5 sports a 3.8x optical zoom, 24mm ultra-wide angle Leica lens, 3-inch LCD viewer; and the ability to shoot HD video.

• "This camera has absolutely exceeded ALL my expectations." - Amazon reviewer

Fujifilm is another popular brand in compact cameras, and more than 90 customers have given this Fujifilm compact camera an average rating of 3.7 out of 5 stars. The X10 features a 12 MP CMOS sensor, 4x optical zoom, 1080p HD video, motion panorama and a variety of shooting modes.

• "Easy to use camera that takes great pictures." - Amazon reviewer

With an average 4.4- out of 5-star rating from more than 275 reviews, Canon's G12 is currently the best-rated compact camera with RAW on Amazon. The 10 MP camera offers such features as a 5x optical image-stabilized zoom, 28 mm wide angle lens, 2.8-inch Vari-angle LCD monitor and optical viewfinder,ISO range from 80 to 3200, multiple scene modes, and the ability to shoot 720p HD video in stereo sound.

• "I highly recommend it to anyone looking to move up from a simple point and shoot, but not yet ready to go full on with a dslr and a bunch of lenses.." - Amazon reviewer

With over 70 reviews, the Olympux XZ-1 compact camera is winning positive feedback from reviewers who have given it an average 4.4- out of 5-star rating. This compact camera with RAW format also features a 10-megapixel CCD sensor, iZUIKO 24mm wide angle lens with 4x zoom (28-112 mm equiv.), 720p HD video at 30 fps, a 3-inch OLED monitor, six creative Art Filters and much more.