I just found this super useful article on the difference between Raw, Log, and Uncompressed. It is very clear and simple to understand.
My understanding is:
- Raw is pure sensor data with no processing baked in. Raw is not viewable unless converted to video.
- Log is a very flat image profile to utilize as much of the sensor’s capability to attain the most detail.
- Both Raw and Log can be compressed or uncompressed and it can affect the final image.
- And there are other image profiles and video formats that have their compression and color characteristics already baked into the video.
Read the full article to get a better explanation: http://www.hdvideopro.com/technique/miscellaneous-technique/help-desk-formats-explained.html