RAW file contains untouched data. It contains just one red, green, or
blue value at each pixel location. Differrent digital camera has
different RAW file generator engine.
The RAW file format is digital photography's equivalent of a negative
in film photography.

When converting into TIFF format, digital camera adjust the color,
contrast and other irreversible adjustment. So this is why TIFF format
look better than RAW format.

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wrote:
When exporting a RAW file to TIFF, should the TIFF look exactly like
the RAW file, in terms of color, clarity, sharpness, etc.? It seems my
TIFFs are a little dull, somewhat "hazy" I guess you would say.
Curves, color adjustments, background highlights, and sharpening bring
them almost back around, but it's something I've always wondered about.
No, this isn't a monitor issue as I'm looknig at them on the same
monitor - RAW file - very crisp, TIFF file - not so much!

B