How to Recover CR2 Files from Canon Camera SD Card

Quick Summary

Deleted CR2 photos from your Canon camera SD card? No worries — with the right recovery tools and techniques, you can restore lost or deleted CR2 RAW images from SD, SDHC, or SDXC memory cards in minutes.

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Canon CR2 photo recovery guide

Why CR2 Files Get Lost from Canon Cameras

Canon cameras save images in the CR2 RAW format. Unfortunately, these files can be lost or become unreadable due to:

Pro Tip: Stop using the SD card immediately after data loss. New photos may overwrite the deleted CR2 files, making them unrecoverable.

Video Guide – Recover CR2 Files from Canon Memory Card

Download iCare Free for CR2 Recovery

Also read: SD card recovery

Step-by-Step: Recover CR2 Images from Canon SD Card

Here’s how to bring your RAW photos back with iCare Data Recovery Free:

Free Memory Card Recovery Tool

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Download iCare Recovery Free to recover deleted photos, videos, and other files from Canon SD cards.

Step 1: Download and install iCare Data Recovery on your computer. Open it and choose a recovery mode.

Select recovery mode in software

Step 2: Insert your Canon SD card, select it from the list, and let the program scan.

Scanning SD card for lost files

Step 3: Preview the found CR2 photos and select the ones you want to recover. Save them to a safe location on your computer.

Preview and recover CR2 images

Other Ways to Recover CR2 Files

  • Check Recycle Bin (Windows) or Trash (Mac): If you copied CR2 files to your computer before, they may still be recoverable from the recycle bin.
  • Restore from Backup: If you use cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive) or external hard drives, check for older backups of your CR2 files.
  • Use Canon’s Image Recovery Tool: Some Canon software bundles include utilities that help with damaged or corrupted photo files.

How to Open CR2 Files on Windows & Mac

Since CR2 is a RAW image format, it’s not always viewable with default apps. Here’s how you can open them:

  1. Canon Digital Photo Professional (DPP): Free tool from Canon’s website for viewing and converting CR2 files to JPEG or TIFF.
  2. Adobe Photoshop/Lightroom: Industry-standard software that supports CR2 editing and conversion.
  3. Free RAW Viewers: Programs like IrfanView, RawTherapee, or FastStone Image Viewer can open CR2 files without heavy editing tools.

How to Prevent CR2 File Loss in the Future

  • Regular Backups: Always copy your photos to an external drive or cloud storage.
  • Avoid Interruptions: Do not remove the SD card or turn off the camera while saving photos.
  • Format in Camera: Always format SD cards inside your Canon camera instead of using a PC.
  • Use Quality SD Cards: Invest in high-speed, branded SD cards (SanDisk, Lexar, Samsung) to reduce corruption risks.
  • Keep Cards Clean: Avoid using the same SD card across different devices without formatting.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I recover CR2 files after formatting the SD card?
Yes. As long as new data hasn’t overwritten them, recovery software can often restore formatted CR2 files.

2. Are CR2 files recoverable after a virus attack?
In most cases, yes. Use recovery software after cleaning the SD card with antivirus tools.

3. Can I recover CR2 files without software?
You may restore them from backups, Recycle Bin, or cloud storage. However, if no backup exists, recovery software is the best option.

4. Why are CR2 files larger than JPEGs?
CR2 files contain uncompressed RAW data, preserving maximum detail and quality, unlike JPEGs that use compression.

RAW Image Formats by Other Camera Brands

Different camera makers use their own RAW file types:

  • Nikon: NEF
  • Sony: ARW
  • Panasonic: RW2
  • Kodak: KDC
  • Fujifilm: RAF
  • Minolta: MRW
  • Olympus: ORF
  • Pentax: PTX

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