What is the difference between ORF and RW2?

ORF is used by Olympus and OM System cameras, while RW2 is used by Panasonic Lumix cameras. Both are RAW formats, but they come from different manufacturers and may have different metadata structures.

Why do my ORF files show distortion when converted to JPG?

Many Micro Four Thirds lenses rely on software correction. The correction data is stored in the RAW file. If your converter ignores this data, you will see barrel distortion or dark corners. Use a converter that applies the corrections, like jpeg2raw.com.

Can I use jpeg2raw.com for High Res Shot files?

Yes, jpeg2raw.com accepts large RAW files, including those from High Res Shot modes. Just ensure your file is within the upload limit.

Do I need to update my converter for new camera models?

Very new camera models may need a converter update before their RAW files open. If you encounter issues, update your converter or use the manufacturer's software, such as OM Workspace or SILKYPIX.

ORF and RW2 to JPG: Olympus, OM System and Panasonic RAW

Olympus and OM System cameras save RAW as .ORF. Panasonic Lumix cameras, including the full-frame S-series, save .RW2. Converting either to JPG is straightforward, but Micro Four Thirds shooters face a trap: lens corrections stored as metadata. An orf to jpg conversion done right preserves every pixel. Do it online. No install, no waiting.

Understanding ORF and RW2 Files

What The Formats Store

ORF (Olympus RAW Format) belongs to Olympus and OM System bodies. RW2 (Panasonic RAW) belongs to Lumix cameras, full-frame models included. Both hold uncompressed or losslessly compressed sensor data plus metadata covering settings, lens, and exposure.

That metadata matters. It carries the correction parameters many lenses demand.

The Micro Four Thirds Correction Trap

Micro Four Thirds sensors measure about 17.3 x 13 mm, a 2x crop factor from full frame. The smaller sensor keeps lenses compact, but many rely on software to fix optical flaws. The camera applies these fixes when it builds a JPG. The RAW file stores only the correction parameters. A tool that ignores those parameters shows barrel distortion and dark corners the in-camera JPG never had.

Why Lens Corrections Matter in Micro Four Thirds RAW

Distortion Hidden In Plain Sight

Many Micro Four Thirds lenses ship with strong optical distortion and vignetting, corrected entirely in software. The correction data sits embedded in the RAW file. When you convert to JPG, the tool must read and apply that data. If it does not, expect:

Barrel distortion at wide angles, especially at the edges
Dark corners (vignetting) that get worse at wide apertures
Geometric distortion in straight lines, such as building edges

Tools that respect the metadata fix these issues automatically. A converter that ignores the data forces you to apply manual corrections, a slow process that rarely matches the camera's intended output.

Converting ORF to JPG

Use The Manufacturer's Own Tool

OM Digital Solutions gives away OM Workspace for ORF files. It applies the same corrections as the camera, so your JPG matches what you saw on the back screen. It also handles High Res Shot files, which dwarf normal RAW files.

Go Browser-Based

For a browser tool, jpeg2raw.com accepts ORF files. It applies the embedded corrections, delivering a JPG with correct geometry and exposure. No download needed.

Converting RW2 to JPG

Panasonic's Free Desktop App

Panasonic gives Lumix owners SILKYPIX Developer Studio SE at no cost. This application reads RW2 files and applies lens corrections. It also manages the high-resolution modes that produce larger RAW files.

Very new camera models may need an update before their RAW files open. Hit an error? Update your tool or fall back to the manufacturer's application.

Using Jpeg2raw.com for ORF and RW2

Upload, Convert, Done

jpeg2raw.com is a free online tool that takes both ORF and RW2 files and turns them into JPGs. No software install. It reads the lens correction data from the RAW file, so your JPG keeps the same geometry as the in-camera version.

Upload your file, pick JPG as the output, and download the result. The process takes seconds. The tool handles large files, including those from High Res Shot modes, without complaint.

Handling High Res Shot and New Camera Models

Big Files, Big Demands

High Res Shot and High Resolution modes on Olympus, OM System, and Panasonic bodies produce RAW files more than twice the size of a normal shot. Check your converter's file size limits before uploading.

New Body, Old Tool

Older converters may not open RAW files from newly released cameras. If the file fails, update your tool. OM Workspace and SILKYPIX get regular updates to support new models.

Step-by-Step Conversion Process

Open jpeg2raw.com in your browser.
Click the upload button and select your ORF or RW2 file.
Choose JPG as the output format.
Click convert and wait for the process to finish.
Download the resulting JPG file.

The tool applies all embedded corrections. You do not need to adjust anything manually. To tweak exposure or white balance, do that in a dedicated editor first.