FastRawViewer

Active

Country: Canada (CA)
Founded: 2014
Developer: Ikonoskop (Russian developer)
Pricing: Paid (one-time purchase)
Open source: No
Platforms: Windows, macOS

Indexes

Photo Editing

Overview

FastRawViewer is a specialized RAW image viewer and culling tool designed for photographers who need to quickly browse, rate, and sort RAW files from digital cameras. The software renders RAW files on-the-fly rather than displaying embedded JPEGs, allowing photographers to assess image quality based on actual RAW data. It integrates into photography workflows by enabling fast culling, rating, and labeling of images directly on memory cards or hard drives, with metadata saved to XMP files for use in post-processing software like Adobe Lightroom.

Key Features

Fast RAW rendering - Displays RAW files at 6-15 fps on modern computers (16-50 Mpix) and 30-50 fps for CinemaDNG 2.5k files
WYSIWYG RAW preview - Shows RAW files exactly as converters will interpret them, not embedded JPEG previews
Rating and labeling - Assign ratings and labels to images that are saved to XMP sidecar files for import into Lightroom
Exposure and white balance adjustment - Make quick exposure and white balance corrections while browsing, saved to XMP for later application
Batch propagation - Apply white balance, exposure, and orientation adjustments from one image to an entire series
Histogram and exposure analysis - View RAW and JPEG histograms with over/underexposure statistics
Focus peaking - Outline highly detailed areas and high-contrast edges for focus verification
Per-channel display - View individual R-G-B channels and simulated black and white conversions
No catalog required - Works directly with files on any media without creating intermediate databases

Pricing

Plan	Price	Includes
Standard License	$39.99 (one-time)	Full access to FastRawViewer for Windows or macOS

Platforms & Requirements

FastRawViewer runs on Windows and macOS. It works with any file system and can access media from flash cards to network servers. The software requires a modern desktop computer for optimal performance with large RAW files.

Integrations & Ecosystem

Adobe Lightroom (XMP metadata import)
Adobe Camera Raw (XMP metadata application)
External RAW converter applications (send files via File menu)
XMP sidecar file format support
EXIF data reading and display

Alternatives

App	Difference
Adobe Lightroom	Full-featured photo management and editing suite with RAW support, but slower for initial culling of large batches
Capture One	Professional RAW processor with advanced editing capabilities, more expensive and heavier than a dedicated viewer
Photo Mechanic	Image browser and organizer with fast performance, but less specialized for RAW rendering accuracy
Darktable	Open-source RAW processor with editing capabilities, steeper learning curve and different workflow focus

Reputation

FastRawViewer is widely recognized among professional photographers for exceptional speed when viewing and culling RAW files, with performance notably superior to general-purpose image viewers. Users praise its efficiency in streamlining photography workflows and its accurate RAW rendering. The software is valued specifically for its narrow, focused purpose rather than as a comprehensive photo editor, making it a specialized tool that excels at its primary task of rapid RAW file assessment and organization.

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