PEF (Pentax Electronic File) is the proprietary RAW format used by Pentax DSLR cameras, including the full-frame K-1 Mark II, the APS-C K-3 III, and earlier models like the K-70 and K-5. PEF files contain 12-14 bit sensor data along with Pentax-specific metadata such as Shake Reduction (SR) stabilization data, Custom Image tone presets, and lens correction profiles. Pentax cameras also offer in-camera DNG as an alternative RAW format, but many photographers use PEF for its slightly faster write speeds.

BMP is an uncompressed raster format that stores every pixel without any compression. Converting PEF to BMP gives you a raw pixel grid that any Windows system, legacy application, or embedded display can render without specialized RAW software. The demosaiced sensor data from your Pentax camera becomes a universally accessible, pixel-perfect bitmap.

Pentax PEF files require dedicated RAW software to open — Pentax Digital Camera Utility, Adobe Lightroom, Capture One, or RawTherapee. When you need to view a Pentax photo on a computer without these tools, BMP provides guaranteed compatibility. Every version of Windows and most embedded systems render BMP natively without any codec installation.

BMP is also relevant for technical workflows that require uncompressed pixel data. Industrial inspection systems, medical imaging displays, and machine vision setups sometimes mandate BMP input because it ensures no compression algorithm has altered the pixel values. Converting PEF to BMP gives these systems a direct, uncompressed feed of the demosaiced Pentax sensor output.

The conversion reads 12-14 bit Bayer-pattern sensor data from the PEF container, performs demosaicing to reconstruct full RGB color, and applies white balance from the camera metadata. The output is a 24-bit uncompressed BMP file (8 bits per channel). A Pentax K-1 II image (36 MP) produces a BMP of approximately 103 MB, while a K-3 III image (26 MP) produces about 74 MB. The SR (Shake Reduction) metadata is not applied during conversion — it is informational data used only by Pentax's own software.

The K-1 II has a 36 MP full-frame sensor. At 24-bit BMP (3 bytes per pixel), that is 36 million x 3 = 103 MB. BMP does not compress the data at all, so file size scales directly with pixel count.

Yes. PEF is used across the entire Pentax DSLR line, from the entry-level K-70 through the flagship K-1 II. The converter handles all PEF variants regardless of camera model or sensor generation.

No. Custom Image presets (Bright, Natural, Portrait, Landscape, etc.) are stored as metadata in the PEF file but are only applied by Pentax's own software. The conversion uses standard color rendering.

PNG is lossless but compressed — same pixel quality in files 30-60% smaller than BMP. Choose BMP only when the receiving system cannot handle PNG.

Ricoh (which acquired Pentax) continues to produce Pentax cameras. The K-3 III Monochrome (2023) is their latest model and produces PEF files.

Device	PEF	BMP
Windows PC	Partial	Native
macOS	Partial	Partial
iPhone/iPad	Partial	Partial
Android	Partial	Partial
Linux	Partial	Partial
Web Browser	No	No

Feature	PEF	BMP
Full Name	Pentax Electronic File	Bitmap Image
Extension	.pef	.bmp
Best For	Pentax cameras	Uncompressed

Convert PEF to BMP — Free Online Converter

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