NEF to SVG Converter

Encoding: the NEF uses uncompressed, lossless compressed, lossy compressed, or High Efficiency on recent Z bodies; SVG uses XML text describing paths, shapes and text, sometimes gzipped as .svgz, and the download is an SVG traced into vector paths (or, if you prefer, the pixels embedded in an SVG wrapper).

Bit depth: 12 or 14 bits per channel in the NEF; SVG allows not fixed: coordinates and colours are continuous values, and the SVG written here has vector paths with flat colours. The sensor's 12 or 14 bits are not used: the 8-bit camera preview is converted.

Colour: camera RGB from a Bayer mosaic in the NEF; SVG supports sRGB by default, other spaces through CSS colour functions, written here as flat colour regions.

Metadata: the NEF can carry EXIF and Nikon maker notes, partly encrypted, plus a thumbnail and a larger preview; SVG can carry title, description and RDF metadata elements, but nothing is copied across.

NEF is the raw format of Nikon cameras, from the D1 to the current Z series. It stores 12 or 14-bit sensor data, uncompressed or compressed, with a JPEG preview the camera renders using its Picture Control.

NEF is TIFF-based: the first directory usually holds a small thumbnail, and sub-directories hold the sensor data and, on current bodies, a full-size JPEG preview. Nikon's maker notes are a TIFF structure of their own, and since the D2X their white-balance block is encrypted with a key derived from the camera's serial number and shutter count.

NEF files usually come from Nikon DSLRs (D-series) and Z-series mirrorless cameras.

SVG describes shapes, paths and text as XML instead of pixels, so it stays crisp at any size. It is the standard for logos, icons and illustrations on the web.

An SVG is an XML document: a root <svg> element with a viewBox, then paths, shapes, text, gradients and filters. It can also embed raster images and, dangerously, scripts, which is why untrusted SVG is sanitized before rendering here.

SVG is the better choice for logos, icons and illustrations, while NEF suits editing Nikon photos in a raw developer.

SVG strengths: Infinitely scalable and sharp; Tiny files for logos and icons; Editable as text and styleable with CSS. Drawbacks to weigh: Not suitable for photographs; Can contain scripts, so untrusted SVG must be sanitized; Many apps and social sites will not accept it.