Yes, the 512GB iPad Air can store RAW photos. However, the number of RAW files it can hold depends on the size of each RAW image, which varies significantly based on the camera model and settings. Generally, RAW files are much larger than JPEG files, often ranging from 20 to 50 MB per image, depending on the camera and settings.
To estimate how many RAW files can fit on a 512GB iPad Air, you would need to know the average size of your RAW images. For example, if your RAW files are approximately 30 MB each, you could store about 17,333 files (512 GB / 30 MB per file). However, this calculation does not account for other data you might store on the iPad, such as apps, videos, and playback, which would reduce the available space for photos.
The iPad Air supports importing RAW images using the Camera Connection Kit or through cloud services like iCloud Photos. iCloud Photos can handle RAW images by storing them in the cloud and displaying optimized JPEG versions on your iPad, which helps conserve local storage space[4]. However, if you plan to edit RAW files directly on the iPad, you'll need to ensure they are downloaded locally, which can consume more storage space.
In summary, while the 512GB iPad Air can store RAW photos, the actual number of files it can hold will depend on the size of the RAW images and how much other data is stored on the device.
Citations:[1] https://swappa.com/guide/apple-ipad-air-13-2024/storage
[2] https://photo.stackexchange.com/questions/34156/if-i-use-an-ipad-mini-to-back-up-raw-captures-how-many-files-can-i-store
[3] https://swappa.com/guide/apple-ipad-air/storage
[4] https://support.apple.com/en-us/104964
[5] https://www.apple.com/ipad-air/specs/
[6] https://forum.affinity.serif.com/index.php?%2Ftopic%2F71842-jpegraw-file-management-on-ipad-only%2F
[7] https://www.reddit.com/r/ipad/comments/1co0e4k/are_you_buying_the_new_ipad_air_what_storage_size/
[8] https://discussions.apple.com/thread/3149941