Tandem

Hi Mike, use Adobe Bridge. It has many options including ‘open with’ in any PP software you choose. It’s always up to date and reads any brand of RAW file.

47greyfox Loc: on the edge of the Colorado front range

I use the excellent freebie donations appreciated) IrfanView for Windows. Excellent! Check it out.
www.irfanview.com

Selene03

This program is wonderful, and I have been using it on all of my Windows computers since I learned about it. It probably is good that Windows/Microsoft hasn't bought it out, because Fastpicture viewer updates its Codecs pretty regularly and pretty rapidly; would probably take Microsoft a year. In any case, I definitely second this recommendation.

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

The attached link from 2017 is the official Microsoft Camera Codec Pack (6.3.9721.0) which will allow you to view raw files in the Windows 10 File Explorer Preview Pane, MS Photos, and MS Photo Gallery. I'm not sure if there is a more updated version available so the very latest cameras may not be supported.

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=26829

Denny142 Loc: Kentucky, Maui

Raw files can be viewed in loupe view with Lightroom before importing into catalog.
1. Once source has been selected for importing, uncheck "Include in import" checkbox.
2. Starting at first image, select loupe view (E)
3. Using "P" (shortcut for pick) and right arrow key, move through all images "Picking those wanted".
4. After "selecting" those you want, continue to other parameters like location(if coming from SD card) then ultimately clicking on IMPORT button.

Only those selected will be imported.

Rickoshay Loc: Southern California

My photo viewer in Windows 10 displays the .CR2 files on my laptop with no issues.

Mike Holmes Loc: The Villages Fl

mwsilvers, The download is for win7 and will not load in win10. So far the only thing that works for raw files for my canon 80d is canon pro software.

frankraney Loc: Clovis, Ca.

I installed the download on my win 10 machine and it works fine. Try uninstalling and reinstalling or try another download.

(Download)

dsmeltz Loc: Philadelphia

What is your workflow that has you downloading the files to your computer before importing them to LR? I import and download through LR with embedded and sidecar enabled.

Mike Holmes Loc: The Villages Fl

My workflow is to download to my computer from my card, examine my images in windows and delete images I do not want or that do not require pp. Then when I have time go back to windows and bring into LR images I want to work on. I should add that I am rather new to LR and much of my time is spent exploring features in LR.

DirtFarmer Loc: Escaped from the NYC area, back to MA

I, too, download the files to my computer before importing them to LR.

I import through Downloader Pro. That program gives me a thumbnail view of all the images on the card along with a sidebar with the capture dates. I can select/deselect the images by normal selection actions (ctrl-click, shift-click) and/or by selecting dates on the sidebar. The program asks me for a string describing the images in general, which it then uses to (1) name the folder the files go into and (2) rename the files, with time and date added to the file name.

This workflow was established before I discovered that LR could rename files on import, but the LR process wants two entries: the file name basis and the folder name. I have not found a way where one entry will cover both, so for that reason I find Downloader Pro a bit more efficient.

Downloader Pro is flexible in how you set it up to change the file name. I use the descriptive text and add the date and time. The date is in the format YYYYMMDD so it sorts both chronologically and numerically the same. Downloader Pro can use many other items from the EXIF data to name the files. Camera model, serial number, and many other things. If you are several shooters shooting with several different bodies things like camera model or serial number could be useful to separate the files. Since I'm only one shooter, the date and time is sufficient even though I use several different bodies. I can only shoot one at a time.

My workflow is described at https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/user-page?upnum=1584

sodapop Loc: Bel Air, MD

I download my photos directly to Lightroom. You have the option to choes which ones you want to go into Lightroom before downloading. It is super easy to delete them from either just Lightroom on completely from disk. do not understand the need to have the additional step.

Mike Holmes Loc: The Villages Fl

The reason for the step of loading into windows is that I also have a pp called Luminar. I have not decided if I am going to keep LR so I am pp photos in both systems.

markngolf Loc: Bridgewater, NJ

I use a variety of approaches for transferring images from memory cards to catalogs/organizers. Mostly I use FastStone as a browser to initially select those I wish to process. I save the RAW files to a newly created folder on my dedicated internal Photo drive. Then, I use PS CC 2019 to make adjustments and save adjusted files to a sub folder. At times I use LR Classic CC for my initial upload. My system works for me, but I doubt it would work for others. I back up to 4 external drives. I am not a professional and only do photography for my own enjoyment. Consequently, my images, other than keepsakes, are not for earning money.
Mark

DirtFarmer Loc: Escaped from the NYC area, back to MA

Nothing wrong with downloading directly to LR. For some it's probably the most efficient way.
I do all my previews and triage in LR before initial editing in LR. Final edits are in LR 90% of the time, and PS 10% of the time (estimate).
Images are saved as jpg. The raw files are preserved. Everything is backed up as soon as it comes off the card. When editing is completed, everything is backed up finally. When the final backup is complete, the card is reformatted.