10 APS-C cameras in RAW test

<a href="https://www.testbericht.de/de/vergleich/color-foto-7230.html">Compared to the KB cameras</a> from the first part of the RAW test, we tended to observe more noise at higher ISO sensitivities this time. Given the "smaller" pixels, this was to be expected. All test candidates struggle with this, but not all to the same extent. The advantages of the RAW image format also varied depending on the model and manufacturer. With Canon, the JPEG signal processing is very well tuned, and RAW brings no significant detail advantages at low sensitivities and manageable ones at higher sensitivities. Depending on the subject, there may be more denoising at ISO 1600: Even then, the RAWs are a little more finely defined, but they also produce more noise than the JPEGs. In the case of the Fujifilm X-H2S with 26 MP sensor, the RAWs show a more natural image effect as well as more definition at higher sensitivities - as long as only moderate noise reduction is applied. This is also true for the X-H2 with the 40 MP sensor as well as for the X-E4 with the older 26 MP sensor: LR2 might often be the "golden way" at ISO 1600. LR1, however, preserves the drawing better. In addition, both also improve in quality at low sensitivities with the switch to RAW. The Nikon Z30 and the Z fc experience qualitative improvements with RAW already at ISO 100, at ISO 1600 these are greater. It is noticeable that the Z30 RAW images are richer in contrast than the Z fc RAWs. In addition, there is a slightly higher noise level of the Z30 even compared to the competition with more pixels on the sensor. With the Z30, the denoise filters have to be used more intensively. Sony A6600 and A6100 deliver comparable results: RAW is worthwhile with both cameras. At higher ISOs - preferably moderately denoised - you not only gain drawing, but also benefit from the more natural image tuning. At ISO 100 the advantages are similar, but less pronounced. For the Pentax K3 III, RAW is the way to go for more natural tuning with fewer artefacts. Fine detail increases with finer details already at ISO 100. Image noise is "fine-grained": more than moderate denoising is not necessary. The test winner is the Fujifilm X-H2 thanks to its 40-megapixel sensor, but at 2150 euros the X-H2 also costs considerably more than most of its competitors. The Canon R10, Nikon Z fc, Sony A6100 and Fujifilm X-E4 cost less than half as much and are still convincing. The Sony A6100 offers the best value for money.