Rumor: Sony to Adopt Uncompressed 16-Bit RAW Format in the Future

We definitely suggest reading this particular rumor with the mouse in one hand and a salt shaker in the other. It seems Sony is considering adopting a new RAW format to take full advantage of the improved dynamic range and resolution of image sensors coming down the pipe.

See what we mean about the salt?

The rumor comes from Sony Alpha Rumors, who has it from an anonymous source that Sony is considering “an uncompressed 16-bit format or a compressed 21-bit format.”

Of course, adopting a new format comes with a slew of challenges—it would be a drag if this format was only fully compatible with a Sony branded RAW editor, not to mention the sheer size of uncompressed 16-bit RAW files from an ultra-high res sensor. But if Sony can negotiate these challenges, the news would no doubt cause others in the industry to consider a bump from the standard 14-bit RAW we see in many digital cameras.

What do you think? Yay or nay for uncompressed 16-bit RAW in your next Sony camera?