Samsung launches Expert RAW camera app for Galaxy S21 Ultra

Samsung has just launched the Expert RAW camera app with support for 16-bit Linear DNG RAW from all four cameras on the Galaxy S21 Ultra.

The DNG files include the multi-frame-based HDR processing of regular JPEG images, but with the added flexibility of the 16-bit RAW file. You can get the files looking as you like, without worrying about losing the excellent base dynamic range, detail, and sharpness of the Galaxy S21 Ultra images.

The DNG files also feature an embedded profile for Lightroom and a direct integration to export images from the Expert RAW app to Lightroom Mobile on Android.

Aside from DNG support, Expert RAW includes full control over shooting parameters such as ISO, shutter speed, focus, and white balance. You can also choose to have a histogram visible.

We shot a few samples with Samsung's camera app in JPEG and Expert RAW in DNG and see a virtually identical image, before editing. But you need to process the DNG files with an app like Lightroom because exporting the DNGs to JPEGs with Google Photos results in a flat image without HDR processing or corrections.

Expert RAW is currently only available to Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra devices, running Android 12 and through the Galaxy store. If you have such a device, but don't see the app on your local store, you could download the APK, provided by Tron. It reportedly doesn't work on devices other than the Galaxy S21 Ultra.

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