Why convert CR2 to CR3?
CR2 is a TIFF-based proprietary raw format used in Canon DSLRs from 2004 through roughly 2018. CR3 is a completely different container based on ISO Base Media File Format (the same base as MP4/MOV), introduced with Canon mirrorless cameras around 2018. Wrapping old CR2 sensor data in a CR3 container would not change what the file contains, and no raw developer treats such an operation as meaningful; for open raw archiving, .dng is the correct alternative.
How to convert CR2 to CR3
Adobe DNG Converter FREE
Use the free Adobe DNG Converter to batch-convert .cr2 files to .dng, preserving raw sensor data in an open, widely supported format.
darktable OPEN-SOURCE
Open the .cr2 in darktable and export to JPEG for sharing or 16-bit TIFF for a lossless processed master.
About these formats
.CR2
Canon RAW 2 (Canon digital camera raw image, version 2)
A CR2 file is a raw image from a Canon DSLR - the unprocessed sensor data, similar to a digital negative. On Windows, install the free Raw Image Extension (Microsoft Store) to see…
Open .CR2 details →A .CR3 file is a data file used by specific software.
Open .CR3 details →Quality & what to watch
- CR3 is tied to Canon's newer mirrorless hardware; placing CR2 data in a CR3 container would produce no functional improvement and no software supports it.
- For long-term archiving, DNG is the correct target: it is documented, open, and not tied to Canon's continued maintenance of either format.
- Most modern raw editors (Canon Digital Photo Professional, darktable, Adobe Lightroom) support both CR2 and CR3 natively, so no conversion between them is needed.
