RAW - help pls

[JeannieK]

I've decided to start shooting in RAW as much as all the space it takes but it will be the first time using RAW. I'm using a Canon 400 and the software it came with has the RAW processing tool on it. What do I do once I have downloaded the images and worked/edited them? What are the steps needed? Also can I use photoshop 7.0 or Picasa?

Would really appreciate the advice. Thank you.

[BCampbell]

Essentially when you shoot in RAW you need to use an intermediate RAW editor before you can process the file as normal.

What's what the Canon software is serving as, but there are options from Adobe and other manufacturers (and open source). The RAW conversion software will let you perform certain edits on the RAW data, and then export the finished product in whatever format you want (usually JPG or TIFF) to your editor for further processing.

[LeeR]

Photoshop 7.0 should be able to open your RAW files. However, I suggest you do your homework before venturing into these waters. There is a significant learning curve to working with RAW files and while it has the potential to do some wonderful things for you, it is not for the faint of heart.I distinctly remember how frustrating it was for me until I got a couple of books that guided me through the process.

[Statto]

Hi

I have just read this thread about RAW files and thought Id post my question here as well as in the main forum


Here goes.....

I have just upgraded my DSLR from a Sony Alpha 200 to a Sony Alpha 450

While using the Alpha 200 I had no problems opening RAW files in Elements 7 (Sonys RAW file format = .ARW)

But now im using the Alpha 450 Elements says it doesnt reconginse (wrong file type) the .ARW files


Does anyone know the reason for this or a way to correct it?

[zappo]

@Statto
Well I guess you will need a newer version of camera raw that supports your camera. They are all .arw files but with every new camera they change a little bit so they are not recognized any more by camera raw.

I would suggest to convert all of your files to dng btw., that should end most of your trouble. There should be a free tool for that on the adobe website.

@JeannieK
As said RAW-Files have to be processed before they can be editited further. Think of them as digital negatives. Picasa can handle them just fine, so if you use it for archiving your pictures your not going to have a problem there (it will apply a set of some standard setting to the file so don't wonder if they look different than on your camera).

When you open the picture in PSE the camera raw dialog should pop up, this is where you can process the picture before editing it.

[Statto]

Cheers Zappo

[BCampbell]

Originally Posted by Statto

I have just upgraded my DSLR from a Sony Alpha 200 to a Sony Alpha 450

While using the Alpha 200 I had no problems opening RAW files in Elements 7 (Sonys RAW file format = .ARW)

Try updating your version of Camera RAW but I don't see the a450 in the list of supported cameras...

[zappo]

Yes it's there in the "NEW" section:

Newly supported cameras for Camera Raw 5 and Lightroom 2

Support for the following cameras has been added from Camera Raw 5.6 to 5.7 and Lightroom 2.6 to 2.7.

Canon EOS 550D
(Digital Rebel T2i/ EOS Kiss X4 Digital)
Kodak Z981
Leaf Aptus-II 8
Leaf Aptus-II 10R
Mamiya DM40
Olympus E-PL1
Panasonic G2
Panasonic G10
Sony A450