Computer automatically converting raw to JPEG?

[mandyatm]

I am just trying to learn how to shoot in RAW. When I shoot in raw mode and upload to my computer, the pics are importing as JPEGs. I am confused!

[sybren]

You'll at least have to tell us:

1. What operating system are you using?
2. How are you uploading the photos to your computer? (the mechanical part - do you use a card reader? USB connection to your camera?)
3. What software are you using?
4. What kind of camera do you have? What is it set at?

[mandyatm]

I have a Dell laptop with Windows XP. I have tried uploading them into Picasa and Photoshop Elements 7, and I am uploading using USB connetction. I have a Canon Rebel XT and I changed the setting to RAW-L, shot in aperature value mode.

I read that I needed a plug-in for PSE to convert raw files. I went to download that, and instead of changing the name of the source file, I accidentally replaced it. Would this automatically convert my files? How do I get the source file back? THanks so much for the help.

[sybren]

Originally Posted by mandyatm

I have a Canon Rebel XT and I changed the setting to RAW-L, shot in aperature value mode.

I have the same camera, only mine is called the 350D. RAW-L means "RAW + Large JPEG", and gives you two files for each photo, one RAW and one JPEG. Perhaps you only grabbed the JPEG file off your camera?

Be sure to turn off "Hide file extensions for known file types" in the Windows Explorer settings, otherwise you'll have a hard time telling which files you're using.

I read that I needed a plug-in for PSE to convert raw files. I went to download that, and instead of changing the name of the source file, I accidentally replaced it. Would this automatically convert my files? How do I get the source file back? THanks so much for the help.

If you've overwritten a file, it's gone. You can grab it from your camera again, assuming you haven't erased it. Otherwise you're probably screwed.

[mandyatm]

ohhh, thank you, I will see if there is another file saved somewhere. And I didn't delete one of my pictures, I deleted the raw converter for photoshop off my computer. I tried to download the plug-in, and I was supposed to change the name of the original file on my computer and add the new one, but it wouldn't let me change the name and I accidentally replaced it.

Thank you.

[mandyatm]

I was able to restore my computer to the point before I downloaded the new plug-in. I took a couple test shots in regular RAW mode, but when I tried to put them in PSE, it said "no valid files found." I can't figure out how to get these on my computer and edit them. Any advice?

[sybren]

Well that does show the source of the problem. You may want to get a card reader and use that to copy the photos. I can't tell you much more, as I don't use Windows (I use Kubuntu Linux myself) nor Photoshop (I use Bibble Pro).