Canon RAW Codec 1.11

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Canon RAW Codec is a free plugin that adds native CRW and CR2 file support to Windows, allowing you to preview Canon RAW images directly in Windows Explorer and Photo Viewer.

This legacy codec works with Windows XP SP2/SP3 and Windows Vista (including SP1) and supports a wide range of older Canon EOS and PowerShot cameras.

The plugin integrates with Windows Imaging Component (WIC) to display RAW thumbnails and open files in Windows Photo Viewer without conversion.

Note: Canon RAW Codec is discontinued and does not support 64-bit operating systems.

For Windows 10/11 users, install the Raw Image Extension instead - it provides native CR2 and CR3 support through Windows File Explorer.

Read the Understanding RAW Formats guide.

Supported EOS Cameras

EOS-1Ds Mark III, EOS-1Ds Mark II, EOS-1Ds, EOS-1D Mark III, EOS-1D Mark II N, EOS-1D Mark II, EOS-1D, EOS 5D Mark II, EOS 5D, EOS 50D, EOS 40D, EOS 30D, EOS 20Da, EOS 20D, EOS 10D, EOS D60, EOS D30, EOS Rebel XSi/EOS 450D, EOS Digital Rebel XS, EOS Kiss Digital X/EOS 400D, EOS Rebel T1i, EOS Digital Rebel XT/EOS 350D, and EOS Digital Rebel/EOS 300D.

Supported PowerShot Models

PowerShot Pro1, Pro90 IS, G10, G9, G6, G5, G3, G2, G1, S70, S60, S50, S45, S40, and S30.

Main Features

Canon RAW Codec includes XMP rating support, making file ratings compatible with Digital Photo Professional, ZoomBrowser EX 6.6, and other XMP-compatible applications.

The final version adds support for EOS 60D, PowerShot G12, and PowerShot S95.

Limitations

The codec does not work on 64-bit Windows and lacks support for newer CR3 files from modern Canon mirrorless cameras.

Metadata compatibility issues may occur when sharing files with users running older codec versions.

Modern Alternatives

For current Windows systems, consider these options:

Raw Image Extension - Microsoft's free codec for Windows 10/11 with CR2 and CR3 support.
Digital Photo Professional - Canon's official RAW editing software with full format support.
FastStone Image Viewer - Free viewer supporting CRW, CR2, and other RAW formats.
Adobe DNG Converter - Convert Canon RAW files to universal DNG format.
XnView - Lightweight viewer with 700+ format support including Canon RAW.

Canon RAW File Formats Explained

CRW is Canon's original RAW format used in early digital cameras, while CR2 replaced it in later DSLRs with improved features and post-processing flexibility.

Newer Canon mirrorless cameras use CR3, which requires Raw Image Extension or Digital Photo Professional to view.