Questions about Lightroom, RAW format etc

[NicoleScraps]

I thinking about getting the 30 day trial of LR and then trying out RAW format on my camera. So far, I have only been shooting in the largest jpg, mainly because I have no way to process RAW right now.
My questions are:

1. If I shoot in RAW, can I see the photo in the folder on my computer (I have a PC) or will they be an icon that I can only see through LR?
2. Does LR talk to Photoshop Elements at all? I mean, can they work together since they are both adobe?
3. Can I use PS actions in LR? Or do I have to switch the file over to use the actions?
4. Is it REALLY necessary to shoot in RAW? I mean, I take mostly family snapshots. Most of the time, I don't edit them at all. I am kind of dreading that I might have to process every photo that I take. But I would like to learn and at least be able to use the format for more serious/formal photos if I decide to.

Basically, I am just confused about LR in general. Is there anything that it does that PS cannot, other than process RAW images?

[LeeR]

What version of PSE do you have? It was my understanding that most of the newer versions had a RAW processor included. If not, you have two other options; your camera manufacturer may offer software that will handle RAW images. (Each manufacturer handles RAW information differently so the software to manage it is proprietary. Programs like ACR, LR and PSE include converters to handle most camera's files.) Barring that, you can download UFRAW for free and it will allow you to open and manage RAW files.
Now your other question may be even more important; should you be shooting in RAW? I think you should try it, if nothing else, to see what all the fuss is about. But there is no shame in shooting jpg for the rest of your life. Lots of pros shoot nothing but jpg and make good money doing it. Frankly, most everything you can do in RAW can also be done in jpg, though RAW may do it a bit faster. So why wouldn't you switch? There is a HUGE learning curve required to do RAW justice. Someone proficient in RAW processing can take a good shot and make it absolutely sing, but that takes loads of work and study. Most people who venture into RAW processing come away disappointed because their RAW images aren't as good as their jpgs. The fault for that lies not in the process but in the fact that they have not yet mastered a rather challenging system. Personally, I love RAW; I do 95% of my post processing there, but I have been doing this for some time and have invested the time and energy to make it my servant. If you're willing to make a similar investment, I'm sure you'll love it, too, but that is a decision you will have to make.

[zona5101]

in response to q#1. You will probably need a codec plug in in order to see your raw images in windows explorer. You can download from the canon website...
http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/suppor...ersAndSoftware

[NicoleScraps]

I have PSE 7 and I am finding conflicting information about whether it can process RAW. Some say, it depends on your camera (I have a Canon), others say I need a plug-in. What is a RAW file called, like what does it end with? Jpgs are filename.jpg, are RAWs filename.raw?

[zona5101]

Originally Posted by NicoleScraps

I have PSE 7 and I am finding conflicting information about whether it can process RAW. Some say, it depends on your camera (I have a Canon), others say I need a plug-in. What is a RAW file called, like what does it end with? Jpgs are filename.jpg, are RAWs filename.raw?

file extention = .cr2

[jdgonzalez]

On Canon I believe that are .CR2 files.

The reason I shoot in raw is to be able to recovery images where my exposure was a bit off.

[NicoleScraps]

I just found this on another forum

I believe your problem is that the Photoshop Elements that you bought probably does not have the latest version of the Camera Raw plug in. If you have PSE 7, I believe that it is shipped, or downloaded, with Camera Raw 4.5. For the your Canon T1i you will need Camera Raw 5.4 or higher.

Camera Raw 5.5 is now available at the Adobe site and it is compatible with PSE 7.

Does look like correct information? If it is, I am super happy. I'll just download this and give it a go in PSE instead of trying to learn another software on top of trying to learn the camera itself.

[Digidave]

Yes it sounds correct, but dated. Here is the page with all the updates.

http://www.adobe.com/support/downloads/product.jsp?product=106&platform=Windows

I would think that you want to get the most up to date version( vers. 6.1).

[neubauer6]

Originally Posted by zona5101

in response to q#1. You will probably need a codec plug in in order to see your raw images in windows explorer. You can download from the canon website...
Canon U.S.A. : Support & Drivers : Digital Rebel XTi

Does Nikon offer the same plug-in?

[dbevisjr]

Originally Posted by neubauer6

Does Nikon offer the same plug-in?

In response to neubauer6 inquiry about codec to show thumbnails for .nef files instead of icons. Take a look at this page. If you find a better option please post it.

http://www.fastpictureviewer.com/

Not intentionally hi-jacking your thread, Nicole. Just wanted to answer his/her question.