# PhotoRaw — user reviews

> 40 indexed App Store user reviews of PhotoRaw by Alexander McGuffog, rated 3.67/5 from 3 ratings.

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/photoraw/id413899112/reviews
- App overview in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/photoraw/id413899112.md
- Rating breakdown: 5★ 2 · 4★ 0 · 3★ 0 · 2★ 0 · 1★ 1

## Newest reviews (13 of 40)

### 4/5 — Excellent App!! More functions

*2015-09-26, version 4.3.4*

This app is amazing!! Please add more functions!!!

### 4/5 — Works well at low-medium ISOs, but....

*2015-08-12, version 4.3.3*

Really needs a noise reduction feature at high ISOs.  Also, a batch adjustment mode would be nice, where it applies the same adjustment to several RAW files.  In its favor, it seems to be the only app out there that can process the RAW file from a RAW+JPEG pair imported through the camera connection kit.

### 4/5 — The simple but practical PhotoRAW!

*2015-05-05, version 4.2.5*

New features include exporting to TIFF which preserves 16-bit image color information. Then I edit result in a full featured editor like Adobe Touch. Imports TIFF renamed raw files from EyeFi Mobi Pro. This has turned out to be a very nice and useful app indeed! Also very good and responsive customer support! Goodbye PiR*****, hello PhotoRAW!

### 3/5 — Not the best Raw Convertor

*2014-11-17, version 4.1.4*

I'm using PhotoRaw on an iPad Air and while it downloads and runs fine, the quality of the Raw conversions and output are sub-standard.  I'm converting Canon CR2 files from older Canon cameras, so the conversion should be good to great. They aren't.  Using any of the Recovery sliders (Shadow and/or Highlight) results in posterization.  The skies are really bad to the point of being unusable.  

The software lacks tools found in other iOS Raw Convertors, most notably noise reduction and sharpening.  

The price is less than most convertors, but it lack the ability to do a few basic functions and does others poorly.  Your money is best spent on other convertors, such as PhotoGene, my go to iOS app for Raw conversions and editing on an iPad.

### 2/5 — Used to work

*2014-09-19, version 4.0.9*

I broke down and bought this app, $9.99 and everything was fine. I just did the IOS8 upgrade and now my pictures won't load into it. Hope things are sorted soon....at which time a much higher rating will be coming. :(

### 4/5 — Desktop quality decoding, interface needs work

*2014-03-29, version 4.0.2*

This app decodes my Canon RAW files better than Filterstorm, Photogene, or PiRAWnha—the images are appreciably sharper, more detailed, somewhat less noisy, and have superior dynamic ranges, most of the time. It's the one RAW decoder app that consistently delivers the advantages of working with RAW files and without much more latency than I'm used to running Aperture on my i5 MacBook Pro. 

On my iPhone 5S, it's impressively fast—batch import/export ends up being very useful. In terms of workflow efficiency, the problem is the user interface needs work: sliders are hard to move accurately, there's no ability to save or load presets, etc. 

With a little bit of polishing, this app could be a game changer for photojournalists on the go. I can't wait for the day this thing is able to import a batch of files, apply a little bit of processing to them, and dump them into Photogene.

### 4/5 — Well worth the price.

*2013-12-10, version 3.8.1*

Works great on my 1st gen iPad Mini.

Pulling 600 stock NEF's off of SD cards/ converting and uploading to DeviantArt as stock ... it's working well for an app on a tablet.

As in other reviews - don't expect something this CPU intensive to be rocket fast (it's not), but if you enjoy sitting on the couch playing with RAW photos on a tablet then this is a good solid app for doing that.

### 4/5 — Does what it says.

*2012-12-08, version 3.6.6*

Works. No frills. Just works.

### 4/5 — Limited functionality but still good

*2012-08-02, version 3.6.1*

The importing process is slow (45s/40MB image); this makes the app useful for individual photos but not batches. I use this with my D800 and it is fantastic to be able to see the full resolution RAWs on my iPad (normal import limits the resolution). 

The interface still needs some help. The recovery algorithm doesn't provide anything I would ever use, the sliders are a bit finicky, and could use a reset button. It would also be nice to have a comparison button that let you see the image before and after changes.  

While I certainly appreciate functionality over the GUI experience, this app leaves me wishing for a revamp. 

Overall, if you like to review specific shots on your iPad, this gives you the extra depth the native photo app does not.

### 5/5 — Лучшее приложение для raw

*2012-07-25, version 3.6.1*

Спасибо Вам огромное за это приложение! Фактически оно единственное которое нормально и довольно быстро конвертит равы, а не делает вид что их конвертит как обманки наподобие iphoto, snapseed и другие. Не слушайте тех нубов которые так и не поняли для чего данное приложение и которые считают что ipad это стационарный комп с 16гб оперативы, в котором действительно можно загрузить 100 равов в конвертер.
Продолжайте совершенствовать программу, многие фотографы Вам благодарны!
Thank you very much for this program! Its the best program for convert raw!

### 4/5 — Raw Conversion and Simplicity

*2012-06-16, version 3.5.5*

I'm a semi-pro photographer and shoot in RAW format 99% of the time. Currently I use Apple's Aperture for my RAW conversion and post processing.  Although I find Aperture an excellent photo processor, it can be a little confusing at times with all of its capabilities. I saw this app while browsing the app store and decided to download after reading the developers web site. I was pleased to find it did what is advertised and does it well.  Further, it is very simplistic to use and gets down to the basics of post processing. I wish it had an histogram view but not a major issue, just would be a little helpful. 
Performance is not bad but be prepared to wait a little during up loads.  The controls are good but can be hard to make very minor changes with the sliders (a little tweaking could fix this), should be just a little smoother but, again not a major issue. 
For basic post processing work it is excellent; easy to use, all of the basic adjustments are available. I use this app in the field for quick post processing on my New IPAD, then up load into my MAC Mini or MAC PRO to use Aperture for extra fine detail work, then print or save to JPEGs. 

This app will get a lot use during my photo sessions.  Nice job! Recommend to any photographer shooting RAW format.

### 5/5 — Leica DNG Godsend!

*2012-06-14, version 3.5.5*

If your are a Leica shooter looking for a solution for your dng files on the iPad this is the killer app!  I have my iPad in my go kit and this helps with the iPad camera capture kit thumbnail problem and has helped speed up my work flow. Now only if we could plugin to Lr or Ps. Spend the money and see for yourself!

### 3/5 — Handy but not complete

*2012-05-22, version 3.5.4*

I am processing files from the Fuji x pro 1 which no one else really supports at this time.  It does a good job but it is slow to process and seems to be missing tools like shaprening and cropping.  I found I needed to use a stylus to move the sliders, but I do have big fingers and the stylus worked fine.  I would like to see the speed increased as well as some more tools.

It does work however.  I moved the final Jpeg into Adobe Photo express, cropped it and sharpened a very tiny bit and sent to Facebook.  I would also like the option of saving the file as a Tiff which I could work a bit more with in Adobe Lightroom 4.1 at least until Adobe adds the Fuji to its system.

## Most critical reviews (10 lowest-rated)

### 1/5 — I'd like a refund

*2016-09-12, version 4.3.19*

This app doesn't work, no matter how I import the files, says .nef are not raw

### 1/5 — Worst photo app

*2016-05-30, version 4.3.15*

This is the first app review I have ever written. I recently purchased an iPad Pro and wanted to see how it handled some RAW files. This app claims to process raw files, and at 10$ I assumed it would live up to its claims! It has minimal editing functions, and the major reason to shoot and edit in raw- exposure adjustments are the worst I have EVER SEEN. A single positive or negative shadow/highlight adjustment creates instant posterization destroying the photo instantly. Not sure what the point of this app is or how I go about getting my money back. It is that bad.

### 1/5 — Worthless

*2015-05-22, version 4.3.0*

It will not open raw nef files from dropbox.  I dont need it for files from photos.

### 1/5 — Not impressed

*2014-12-08, version 4.2.0*

Really wasn't happy with this app and not happy that I paid for an app that doesn't do what I need it to do.

### 1/5 — Terrible

*2014-06-16, version 4.0.6*

Nothing promised was delivered. Terrible app and very overpriced

### 1/5 — Unbelievably terrible

*2013-09-24, version 3.7.1*

Please refund my money. If you were hoping for tools that work like in Lightroom, this app is unfortunately not a good choice.

### 1/5 — Worthless

*2013-04-16, version 3.6.11*

This won't help you download from an sd card directly into the ipad!

### 1/5 — Very limited

*2011-08-07, version 2.6.1*

Not worth the money. You barely do anything with the image as far as editing. 
Im dissapointed. Wish i had saved my money.

### 1/5 — A total rip-off

*2011-03-11, version 2.0.0*

The app doesn't work- it constantly crashes and hangs the iPad 
It won't read even a single Raw file from a Canon 40d, 5D, 5D mkii, or G11

I tried all four with OS 4.2 and today again with OS 4.3 no luck 

Import button doesn't find files, and just hangs with the only way to close the app is to close it from the multitasking list. 

I wonder if anyone really tested this app before it was released.

### 1/5 — Pure junk.

*2011-02-25, version 1.1.0*

I want my money back.  If there was a zero rating, that's what I would have rated this thing.

## Most praised reviews (10 highest-rated)

### 5/5 — Outstanding customer service

*2019-11-20, version 4.5.1*

I reported a problem via email and they immediately responded. Together we diagnosed the problem and they had a fix in place within 24 hours. Now that’s customer service!

### 5/5 — Best app for opening my big Olympus raw files!

*2017-02-24, version 4.4.6*

Currently, one of my favorite photo apps.
It opens AND saves BIG files. I had to play with the sharpness settings before I got good results. I am using a 3rd Gen. Retina iPad. Yes, it takes awhile...but it opens the 80MP Olympus E-M1 Mark II High Resolution Raw files! Amazing. There are some quirks, but it works.  I also often use PhotoGene, which is a great and more full featured app, but this has its strengths. I sincerely hope it is further developed, and thank you to the creators!

BTW: Study the description and screen shots BEFORE you buy. What you see, is what you get. Check the developer's site, because there's lots of documentation, helpful tips and information there to help you make an informed decision. If you make a mistake, is it right to blame someone else?

### 5/5 — Great Much Needed Update for RAW shooters

*2016-03-19, version 4.3.7*

This app works great on my iPad Pro, and is one of the very few to work directly with RAW files. Simple and easy to use, and the results look professional and beautiful.
I'm using it with Canon RAW files, and files from my fantastic new X-Pro2 from Fujifilm. This is one of the first apps to support the new Fujifilm camera for RAW files that I've found.

Two things I would love to see added: A white-balance touch tool (where you touch a neutral color to white balance the image (maybe the app already has one that I haven't found); the ability to export the original RAW files (I have yet to find an easy way to get RAW files off of my iPad to conserve storage space once I am done with them).

As it is, it is a great a very useful app, so five stars!

### 5/5 — Awesome App

*2016-02-05, version 4.3.6*

This app is very nice. It has a lot of technical ability, extensive raw support. I just wish it could edit exif data.

### 5/5 — excellent processor

*2015-11-12, version 4.3.5*

added select all, which makes batch work really useful. hopefully the highlight/shadow problem is improved, or maybe an export dng option (more universal) so we can use another app to tweak the highlights/shadows?

### 5/5 — Best for RAW

*2013-12-07, version 3.8.1*

There are faster apps with more features, but none matches this one for RAW processing.  Those of us who take RAW images do so because we don't want an altered view of what we shot.  Other apps seem to render something that bears little resemblance to the original.  This one gives a faithful result, if slowly.

### 5/5 — Just what I needed!

*2013-09-18, version 3.7.1*

All I wanted was an app that ingests NEF files and exports them as high quality JPGs so that I can work with them in other apps; this app does exactly that!  Thank you, Alexander McGuffog!

### 5/5 — Excellent raw converter for its intended purpose

*2012-11-11, version 3.6.5*

I have used PhotoRaw on an ipad2 for 1 1/2 years to convert Leica M9 DNG and Canon 5D RAW files while traveling. The earlier versions were slow but the current version of PhotoRaw is acceptable in speed on the iPad2 for converting a few RAW photos to email to friends while I'm travelling. Once home, I would use Lightroom to make the final RAW conversions. It does not substitute for Lightroom or Photoshop on a full fledged computer. It is limited by the iPad's limitations,such as inability to calibrate the screen to provide precise color management, the limited processor capabilites, and relatively small amount of RAM. I don't use PhotoRaw for most photos that I take, just the few that my friends would like to see before I return home.  Users who complain about the program crashing may want to make sure that other programs running in the background are shut down, in order to free up additional RAM. For someone who takes RAW photos and would like to email (or upload onto social media sites) a few photos while travelling without a full-fledged computer, PhotoRaw provides a solution.

### 5/5 — Awesome

*2012-10-18, version 3.6.4*

I use this all the time with my Canon 1d Mark IV.

### 5/5 — Great app which now works great on my ipad2

*2012-08-29, version 3.6.3*

Prior versions were buggy and slow to open DNG's even with a freshly reset device.  Now DNG'sopen fast and it's worth the price. Great update!

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-06-10.*