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Editing RAW files?
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Aug 21, 2011 11:20:46   #
Ugly Hedgehog Newsletter
 
Any suggestions for editing files from images shot in raw format on a canon eos rebel.

My main issue is that although I can edit in Picassa and photoshop, the files automatically convert to pdf and what was a 9 meg file drops t a 2 meg or lower res file.

Files are shown as CRW files in windows explorer.

Thanks in advance
David C.

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Aug 21, 2011 11:30:15   #
dannydperez
 
I've been using Picasa to process RAW files for the past few weeks, and have had good luck. Make sure that you set the parameters when exporting from RAW to maximum / 100%. Once you do this, you won't have to reset it again. If I remember correctly, the export defaults to around 80%?? I have a pet pieve about programs that always reduce your file size (data) every time you tweek a photo :-( Picasa will not do this, although you WILL have a smaller file after converting from RAW initially, as the unprocessed RAW file contains all the data your camera captured.

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Aug 21, 2011 11:31:41   #
dannydperez
 
Forgot to mention, in Picasa, my files are converting from RAW to JPG - again, you have to set the export parameters.

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Aug 21, 2011 13:10:34   #
jant
 
here is my solution-- raw-convert to tif then to jpg-- you can get much more data in the pics that way-enjoy!

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Aug 21, 2011 13:27:00   #
PaulDBowen Loc: Belfair, WA, USA
 
I think it is too involved to try and explain it here. Basically, it is in your export settings. Go back and read the instructions very carefully and then keep them handy while you try a few edits. Pay attention to file type, file size, etc. during the export process.

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Aug 21, 2011 13:48:28   #
PitchurMan Loc: Michigan
 
I am wondering why, if you have Photoshop, do you import and edit in Picasa? My solution would be to use Adobe Bridge to import your photos from the camera to computer. Set your parameters to convert Canon Raw files to Adobe's digital negative format (DNG), then you will have no problem editing and saving them in any format you choose.

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Aug 21, 2011 17:32:29   #
jant
 
if using corel or ps- you can go directly into the editing[without using bridge] i like to print large sized photos so i still think going raw to tif to jpg is the best solution-- i use jpg files only for uploading for e mails and facebook type sites-- i print from tif also--what is your opinion and why?

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Aug 21, 2011 19:56:59   #
dannydperez
 
For some unexplained reason, I've never tried the TIF format - will have to give it a shot, as I like to maintain as much detail as possible in the final product. Thanks so much for the tip - this site, and you folks are great!

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Aug 21, 2011 21:20:45   #
henrycrafter Loc: Orem Utah
 
Canon has a cd called digital photo professional. I believe that this disc comes with every nes Canon. It did with mine. To process raw any other way autmatically converts it to jpg.
You can believe me or not but I really suffered with this until a friend told me about the corrrect way to do it.
Nothing else works

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Aug 21, 2011 21:48:07   #
dannydperez
 
My new Nikon has a program that came with it called View NX2, but I haven't had a chance to try it yet. I'll give it a shot and try the TIF format. I've got a good sample shot of a flower shot in RAW and JPG fine / large to use for comparison. It's going to be a couple of days before getting the chance to try it out, but will let you know the results. Thanks again for the tip!

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Aug 21, 2011 23:38:43   #
DanielB Loc: San Diego, Ca
 
Save your RAW files in a Separate folder. Then change the preferences in in Photoshop or Picassa to "Save As PNG or TIFF" then from those files, if you choose, you can convert to jpeg. I never use RAW unless I have a specific project I know I'm going to need maximum editing flexibility. If your determined to use RAW format make sure you have plenty of storage - Min 1TB with 1 TB backup to be safe.

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Aug 22, 2011 08:28:34   #
dannydperez
 
Ditto on not using RAW for every photo - I know this is a subject that many folks dissagree on, but I use RAW only on shots I know I will be doing a lot of editing on, or one that it's really important to capture as much detail as possible.

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Aug 22, 2011 09:11:03   #
jant
 
i so disagree- i shoot everything raw[almost]then use ps for very quick minor editing--it is an awesome tool- i have ps set up to save as tif automatically--it is better and easier and more complete program for minor or major editing- and you can work on 30 or 40 pics at one time - save them all at one time--what a time saver!-- try it- you might like it--test out one pic- save as tiff- pick same pic- save as jpg-- check the properties and you will see the data increase on the tif files!!

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Aug 22, 2011 12:58:39   #
DanielB Loc: San Diego, Ca
 
I see that everyone has there own thoughts on RAW vs other file formats so I'm attaching a link to an article that should really help explain how they all work and when some should be used and others should not. Let me know if you find this helpful. http://www.wfu.edu/~matthews/misc/graphics/formats/formats.html

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Aug 22, 2011 19:55:52   #
Randyb1969 Loc: Armpit of California
 
Wow. That was really enlightening. I shoot almost entirely in RAW because I want the best quality to work with. I only convert the photos I've decided I like the most and have edited. I should really think about converting everything to TIFF or PNG when I transfer to the computer.

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