Free Raw Conversion Software

[nkflyers2005]

Two questions here.

1. What is your favorite Raw conversion software that is free? I never was able to install the conversion program that came with my canon xsi because I have a netbook and don't have a CD-ROM drive. I have tried Raw Therapee and Picasa. Both have their strengths/weaknesses but after researching Picasa it seems to make too many of the decisions for you.

2. After using both of these programs, the file sizes seem to be vastly different. Picasa produces images with much smaller file sizes even when the pixel count is the same between the two. Any idea why this is?

Does anyone use Picasa as their main Raw editor?

Thanks.

[AGoldenTouchPhotography]

Have you tried the photoshop one?
Photoshop Camera Raw - Free software downloads and software reviews - CNET Download.com
and here is zoom browser that come with your camera, thats what I use and its treated me well.
ZoomBrowser EX - Free software downloads and software reviews - CNET Download.com

Sorry can't answer your second question.

[dharmit]

Hi nkflyers2005,

I am not a pro but here are my $0.02 worth comments. I like Open Source softwares as they have huge community to back development.

Have you tried ufraw with gimp. ufraw can process your raw images and export them as jpeg or tiff format which then can be used with gimp or picasa(minor edits) to be edited further if you are into post processing.

The best part is that you dont need cd drive to install them.

Best Regards

Dharmit