opening images with Python PIL

Question

I am using a sample NEF and expecting a 4288×2848 image, but get 160x120 with the code below. Is this as expected in that PIL doesn't support NEF?

from PIL import Image
image="./blah.nef"
im=Image.open(image)
im.size

Answer 1

You're getting the JPEG thumbnail embedded in the NEF. It's pretty cool that it got far enough into the file to find the thumbnail.

Answer 2

Did you check the Python Image Library's documentation ? I don't see the Nikon RAW format (NEF) in the list of supported image formats. You'll need to find a library or application that explicitly supports this format, such as UFRaw .

Answer 3

I know the question's old, but you can use rawpy nowadays:

#!/usr/bin/env python3

import rawpy
import imageio

with rawpy.imread('blah.nef') as raw:
    rgb = raw.postprocess(gamma=(1,1), no_auto_bright=True, output_bps=16)

# Extract individual bands for fun
R = rgb[:,:,0]
G = rgb[:,:,1]
B = rgb[:,:,2]