Convert X3F to VIPS

The X3F file extension, associated with Sigma Digital Camera Raw Image File, is a proprietary format created by Sigma Corporation for cameras with Foveon X3 sensors. X3F files store raw image data, capturing full-color information at each pixel for enhanced color accuracy and detailed post-processing. This format includes metadata, thumbnails, and preview images, offering photographers comprehensive control over their images. While primarily processed with Sigma Photo Pro software, X3F files are also supported by plugins for popular photo editing software like Adobe Photoshop.

The VIPS (Virtual Image Processing System) file format, developed by the libvips library, is designed for high-performance image processing with low memory usage. It supports arbitrary metadata and is optimized for command-line operations. Although not widely supported by other programs, it serves as an efficient intermediate format for tasks like image inversion and gamma correction. The format includes a 64-byte header with basic fields such as image width and a set of band-interleaved scanlines for the image data.