Quick answer: To send a large NEF file, upload it to Share Large Video Files (up to 20 GB, no account) and share the download link: the file arrives unchanged. One 45 MP NEF photo is about 50 MB, more than most email providers accept.
What is a NEF file?
NEF is Nikon's raw photo format, written by Nikon DSLRs and Z-series mirrorless cameras (some compact Coolpix models use the similar .NRW). It keeps the full sensor data for editing in Lightroom, Capture One or Nikon NX Studio.
Nikon lets you choose between uncompressed, lossless compressed, compressed and, on newer bodies such as the Z8 and Z9, High Efficiency RAW. On a 45 MP body the gap between uncompressed and High Efficiency can be more than three to one.
Extensions: .nef, .nrw.
How big are NEF files?
| File | Typical size |
|---|---|
| One 24 MP photo (Z6 series, lossless compressed) | about 25 to 30 MB |
| One 45 MP photo (D850, Z7, Z8, lossless compressed) | about 45 to 60 MB |
| One 45 MP photo, uncompressed 14-bit | about 90 MB |
| One 45 MP photo, High Efficiency RAW | about 20 to 30 MB |
| A sports shoot of 3,000 frames on a 45 MP body | roughly 60 to 180 GB |
Which apps can send one?
Can you send one 45 MP NEF photo (about 50 MB) as an attachment?
| App | Limit | Fits? |
|---|---|---|
| Gmail | 25 MB per email | No, send a link |
| Outlook.com | 20 to 25 MB per email | No, send a link |
| WhatsApp (document) | 2 GB per file | Yes |
| Telegram | 2 GB per file | Yes |
| Facebook Messenger | 100 MB per file | Yes |
| Discord (free) | 20 MB per file | No, send a link |
| Slack | 1 GB per file | Yes |
| WeTransfer (free) | 3 GB per transfer | Yes |
| Share Large Video Files | 20 GB per transfer | Send the link anywhere |
Limits from our file size limits by app table, checked against each service's help pages.
How to send NEF files without changing them
- Open Share Large Video Files in any browser and choose Get a link (or Send by email).
- Drop NEF files on the upload box, or pick a whole folder. Up to 20 GB and 1000 files per transfer.
- Optional: add a password, a download limit or an expiry under More options.
- Copy the link (or show the QR code) and send it by chat or email. The recipient downloads the original file, byte for byte.
Tips for sending NEF files
- Send .XMP sidecars or NX Studio adjustment files along with the NEFs if you have edited them.
- Tell the recipient which RAW compression you used; very new High Efficiency files need recent software.
- Zip each card or day into its own folder to keep culling simple.
- Do not rename files in bulk before sending if the recipient needs to match them to a catalogue.
How to open a NEF file
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between NEF and NRW?
Both are Nikon raw formats. NEF comes from DSLRs and Z cameras, while NRW was used by some Coolpix compacts. Most raw editors open both.
Can I open NEF files on my phone?
Yes. Lightroom Mobile and Snapseed open NEF on iPhone and Android, and an iPhone can often show a preview in Photos.
How can I send hundreds of NEF files at once?
Zip the folder or upload it directly as a folder, then share one link. Keep each transfer under 20 GB.
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