Canon 5D III. Also use the old 7D

Okay, everybody. Thank you very very much. I've gotten a lot out of your answers that I can work with.

I took an earlier suggestion and ordered CS6 on EBay. Maybe I'll subscribe later, but for now, I just want the box of toys. And thanks, Dan on clarifying what Elements is.

I could really use some clarification on RAW files. I've read here many times that RAW files cannot be edited. In fact, that they are not even viewable. So far so good. When I open Canon Digital Photo Professional, it displays an image of the RAW file I have selected. Is the program actually displaying the imbedded JPG? And when I perform edits on the RAW file image I am seeing, am I actually editing the embedded JPG? And if that is true, and you have performed edits on the embedded JPG, is there a way to generate a new unedited embedded JPG from the still presumably unchanged RAW file? Or, If it is not true, and the RAW file is storing the requested edits separately from itself, then is it possible to delete those edits after they have been saved? If it is not possible, then it seems that the fact that a RAW file cannot be edited is moot, and some sort of copy should always be made before performing edits. Thanks for helping!!

Can I say thanks, too? That was a great tip!!!

I haven't been on for awhile. It used to be that someone from B&H would regularly scan this website for comments, particularly, but not exclusively, negative ones and address the concern personally. I was impressed that they cared enough to do that. I'm expecting a hodgepodge order of inexpensive accessories in a few days. Based on this message, it could be very interesting.

Yes, I absolutely see what you mean, thanks! I will definitely try it. I did want to convey the surroundings as well as the bird and was concerned that I'd lose that if I cropped too close. But you guys have been right so far!

An apt description.

Thanks. Hm, I used to know that. Don't know where I came up with purple finch. Oh. I think I have those too.

Dynamic!

New crop. Any better? Thanks for looking!

Thank you !

Thanks for the comments. Yes, I got the greeting card vibe too. I'll re-crop and see.

5DIII, 400mm, 1.4 extender, F8 at 1/640. Spot metering, spot focus. Guesswork in cropping and photo editing. Seems okay, hoping to learn more. Comments or suggestions, please? Took several shots, all seem a little soft. Handheld, but resting lens on window ledge. Thanks for looking.

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