What is MIME type "image/x-raw-minolta"?

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

The MIME type image/x-raw-minolta designates a raw image file format used by Minolta cameras. It stores unprocessed sensor data for accurate, detailed image editing.

Files in this format keep the original data captured by the camera before any in-camera processing occurs. This allows specialized software to apply adjustments without losing quality.

Preserve full data for advanced post-processing
Allow non-destructive editing in raw converters
Ensure proper file handling for camera-specific workflows

Images of this type usually carry the MRW extension. Dedicated tools like RawTherapee or Adobe Camera Raw can decode and optimize these files.

The MIME type helps systems and applications identify the file structure and choose the right processing method. For more on file types, visit Filext.

Associated file extensions

.mrw

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

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


    Content-Type: image/x-raw-minolta

HTML

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


    <a href="file.dat" type="image/x-raw-minolta">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-raw-minolta');    
      res.end('Content here');    
    }).listen(3000);

Associated file extensions

.mrw

FAQs

What file extension is associated with image/x-raw-minolta?

This MIME type is explicitly linked to the .mrw file extension. These files contain raw sensor data from older Minolta digital cameras, such as the DiMAGE series, requiring specific processing to view.

Can I display image/x-raw-minolta files directly in a web browser?

No, modern web browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Safari) do not natively support raw image formats. To display these images on a webpage, you must convert the .mrw file to a standard format like JPEG, PNG, or WebP.

How do I configure Apache to serve Minolta RAW files?

To ensure your Apache server identifies these files correctly, add the MIME type definition to your .htaccess file or httpd.conf. Use the following directive: AddType image/x-raw-minolta .mrw.

What software opens image/x-raw-minolta files?

You need software capable of demosaicing raw sensor data. Industry-standard tools like Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop (via Camera Raw), as well as open-source alternatives like RawTherapee and Darktable, fully support this format.

Why is the file size of image/x-raw-minolta so large?

Files with this MIME type store uncompressed or losslessly compressed sensor data, retaining far more color information and dynamic range than a JPEG. This results in significantly larger file sizes but provides greater flexibility for post-processing.

How do I add support for this MIME type in Nginx?

For Nginx servers, you can register the MIME type in your mime.types file or inside a specific server block. Add the line: image/x-raw-minolta mrw; to ensure the server sends the correct Content-Type header.

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.