What is MIME type "image/x-panasonic-rw2"?

A MIME type is a string that tells browsers and other tools how to handle a particular kind of file.

image/x-panasonic-rw2 is a MIME type for raw image files created by Panasonic cameras.
It stores unprocessed sensor data that retains maximum detail and color fidelity, making it ideal for rigorous post-processing.

Files using this MIME type include formats like RAW, RW2, and RW1. These files hold untouched data straight from the camera sensor.

High-Fidelity Capture: Preserves all image details for professional editing.
Editing Flexibility: Offers deeper control over exposure, white balance, and color correction.
Critical for professional photography workflows that demand archival quality and precise adjustments.

Software using this MIME type can easily identify and process the raw data to produce quality images. For more details on raw image formats, see this reference.

Associated file extensions

.raw, .rw2, .rw1

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

When serving content with this MIME type, set the Content-Type header:


    Content-Type: image/x-panasonic-rw2

HTML

In HTML, you can specify the MIME type in various elements:


    <a href="file.dat" type="image/x-panasonic-rw2">Download file</a>

Server-side (Node.js)

Setting the Content-Type header in Node.js:


    const http = require('http');    
    
    http.createServer((req, res) => {    
      res.setHeader('Content-Type', 'image/x-panasonic-rw2');    
      res.end('Content here');    
    }).listen(3000);

Associated file extensions

.raw, .rw2, .rw1

FAQs

What is the image/x-panasonic-rw2 MIME type used for?

This MIME type identifies RAW image files generated by Panasonic Lumix digital cameras. It indicates that the file contains unprocessed sensor data, typically found in files with the .rw2 or .raw extensions.

Can web browsers display image/x-panasonic-rw2 files?

No, modern web browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Safari do not support rendering RW2 or RAW files natively. To display these images on a website, you must convert them to standard web formats like image/jpeg or image/webp.

How do I open files with this MIME type?

You need specialized post-processing software such as Adobe Lightroom, Photoshop, or Panasonic's official SILKYPIX Developer Studio. Some operating systems may view them natively if the correct Panasonic RAW codec is installed.

How do I configure Apache or Nginx to serve RW2 files?

For Apache, add AddType image/x-panasonic-rw2 .rw2 to your .htaccess file. For Nginx, include image/x-panasonic-rw2 rw2; within the types { ... } block of your configuration file to ensure correct headers are sent.

Why does the MIME type start with 'x-'?

The x- prefix signifies that image/x-panasonic-rw2 is a non-standard or vendor-specific subtype. It is defined specifically for Panasonic's proprietary format rather than being a standardized type registered with the IANA.

What is the difference between image/x-panasonic-rw2 and image/jpeg?

The Panasonic RAW format preserves all original sensor data, allowing for extensive adjustments to exposure and white balance without quality loss. Conversely, image/jpeg is a compressed format where the camera processes the image and discards data to reduce file size.

Can I simply rename an .rw2 file to .jpg to view it?

No, changing the file extension does not convert the internal data structure. The file will remain a RAW image, and standard JPEG viewers will display an error. You must use a file converter or image editor to export the file as a JPG.

General FAQ

What is a MIME type?

A MIME (Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions) type is a standard that indicates the nature and format of a document, file, or assortment of bytes. MIME types are defined and standardized in IETF's RFC 6838.

MIME types are important because they help browsers and servers understand how to process a file. When a browser receives a file from a server, it uses the MIME type to determine how to display or handle the content, whether it's an image to display, a PDF to open in a viewer, or a video to play.

MIME types consist of a type and a subtype, separated by a slash (e.g., text/html, image/jpeg, application/pdf). Some MIME types also include optional parameters.

How do I find the MIME type for a file?

You can check the file extension or use a file identification tool such as file --mime-type on the command line. Many programming languages also provide libraries to detect MIME types.

Why are multiple MIME types listed for one extension?

Different applications and historical conventions may use alternative MIME identifiers for the same kind of file. Showing them all helps ensure compatibility across systems.