How Do You Restore RAW Images from DSLR, GoPro, and Mirrorless Cameras?

A RAW image format is an unprocessed and uncompressed photographic file shot directly from the digital camera. It is like a digital negative that holds every minute detail of the data captured by the camera’s sensor and cannot be used until edited. 

Moreover, every camera manufacturer has its RAW file format, such as CRW, CR2, and CR3 for Canon cameras; DCR, K25, and KDC for Kodak cameras; ARF, SR2, and SRF for Sony cameras; and NEF for Nikon cameras.

Unfortunately, despite being so intuitive, losing RAW files from a high-end DSLR, GoPro, and mirrorless camera is not a rarity. A small unforeseen action like accidental deletion, formatting, and virus attack, and all your precious RAW photos are gone.

Read this blog to learn why your RAW photos are lost from DSLR, GoPro, and mirrorless cameras and the best approach to recover those data.

Common Data Loss Instances from DSLR, GoPro, or Mirrorless Cameras

For various reasons, you can lose RAW files from your DSLR, GoPro, or mirrorless camera SD card. Here are some of the most common reasons:

• Accidental deletion of RAW photo files.
• Interruption during the file transfer process from camera to PC.
• Formatting the camera SD card by mistake.
• Connecting camera to virus or malware-infected PC.
• Broken or damaged SD card.
• The file system of the SD card has become corrupted.
• SD card is not accessible when connected to the computer.

Is it Possible to Recover RAW Files from SD cards?

Yes, it is possible to recover deleted RAW files from the SD card of DSLR, GoPro, and mirrorless cameras using RAW photo recovery software. However, keep a few things in mind after losing RAW files from the camera:

• Once you have detected a photo loss situation, stop using the camera or its SD card to avoid overwriting.
• Don’t write or copy anything on the SD card.

How do you recover deleted RAW files from an SD card?

Method 1: Check Your Backup folder

If you are among those who save a backup copy of their camera’s memory card on an external drive or Cloud services like Google Photos, iCloud, or iTunes, then you can restore your deleted RAW files from there.

However, without a backup, you can jump to the next method.

Method 2: Use Photo Recovery Software

Stellar Photo Recovery is a trusted SD card recovery software for restoring deleted RAW files from a memory card. The software’s advanced algorithm recovers lost or deleted RAW files from all types of cameras, such as DSLRs, GoPros, and mirrorless.

This photo recovery tool is one of the safest and most effective tools for restoring deleted RAW files in complex data loss situations. It can also recover data from corrupt, damaged, or reformatted SD cards (Mini, Micro, SDXC, and SDHC), USB drives, and hard drives.

Steps to recover deleted RAW files from SD card

• Connect your camera’s SD card to your Windows or Mac.

• Download, install, and launch Stellar Photo Recovery software on your system.
• From the software’s home screen, Choose the file type to scan. 

• Next, select your camera’s memory card and click the Scan button to initiate scanning.

• Once the scan is completed, you can see the list of recoverable RAW files. You can preview them in the right pane.

• Next, select the RAW files you want to restore and click Recover to restore them. Browse the location to save the RAW files on your system and click Save.

Tips to Prevent Photo Loss from DSLR, GoPro, and Mirrorless Cameras

• Stop using your camera’s memory card once you identified a data loss scenario.
• Avoid using the camera’s SD card on other devices.
• Don’t shoot photos when the memory card is full.
• Make sure the camera’s firmware is up-to-date.
• Take regular backups of your camera’s memory card.
• Install updated antivirus software on your system.

Conclusion

There are many reasons why RAW files can be lost from a DSLR, GoPro, or Mirrorless camera SD card, from accidental deletion to formatting. However, by using professional photo recovery software like Stellar Photo Recovery, you can get your lost pictures back. This tool supports the recovery of RAW files from various digital, mirrorless, action, and drone cameras. 

Last Updated: May 7, 2025