RAW newbie

[flame]

Hi All;

My apologies if this has been covered elsewhere, but I have been unable to find it.

I am absolutely new to shooting RAW images. When I say new... I took my first ones 2 days ago having set my camera to take JPG & RAW. I have the JPG versions OK, but the RAW are not appearing on my Cf card

When I check the file folder I can see that there is a duplicate of the JPG in a CR2 format, so it is present but my Paint shop pro is not showing it

I assume this may be a simple thing to fix, but I haven't a clue how to go about it. Is it just a setting??

Once I can view the RAW image, I guess my problems will really start, as I endeavor to manipulate the image correctly and then save it

I have tried the help section on my programme, but it is not loading.

I am using Paint Shop Pro version 7.04 the Anniversary edition ( I know its old) but it has served me very well for a number of years and I like it

Mant thanks in advance to anyone who can help me

Michael

[Forriner]

According to this Wikipedia post, 'limited' raw support wasn't added to Paintshop Pro until version 9.

Raw support is not like for example Jpeg support, because raw is not a standard file format. Each camera (each camera, not just each manufacturer) has its own raw format that has to be recognised by processing software. So even if ten-year-old software can process some raw files, it probably won't be able to process files from recent cameras.

You mention CR2, which is Canon. Canon supplies a CD with Digital Photo Professional to process and convert CR2 files to tiff or jpeg.

[flame]

Forriner

Thank you for taking the time to respond, it is appreciated

Your reply, lets me know that my version of Paint Shop Pro, does not support RAW images, that might explain why I am unable to see them

Yes, indeed I am using Canon (Canon 7D).

Do you know if I can get a "Plug in" or similar for my PSP version or am I going to have to look at soemother way of editing the RAW files, apart of course from the supplied Canon software

[brucet]

I'm afraid that the newer camera will force you into newer software. There are some excellent free raw converters out there. Google free raw programs. Try one of them and see if you can come to grips with raw before spending money on a more complete program.

regards

[flame]

Thank you "Brucet", thast an idea I did not think of

Any suggestions on a particular software

[hartpaul]

Hi Flame,
I use Canon's Digital Photo Professional (DPP) to adjust the raw files to get good jpgs if I have shot under difficult conditions.

I use PSP (X2- X8) to work on the jpgs.

If I wanted to use a more advanced raw processor I would use Lightroom or After Shot Pro.

I prefer DPP as there is not much to adjust and it is a simple process. The settings there are similar to what is in your camera so if you consistently find yourself changing setting in DPP to get the correct jpg then you can use the same settings in your camera to minimise the amount of raw processing needed.

You can get and install a later version of PSP and still continue to use your version 7 until you are familiar with the later version.

[brucet]

flame I tried most of the free converters. Never found one that I could master. I use Nikon gear and used AfterShotPro for a long time. Somehow ASP drifted away from what suited me. In the end I found Nikon's free converter. NX-D, did the best job for what I wanted. You may find that Canon's converter is similar.
Before spending money get to know what raw can do for you. After awhile you will learn what you are looking for. Then you can target a suitable converter. Raws not for everyone. It takes time to master. And it can give you some bad headaches!

regards

[dattanchu]

Since you have PSP, you can get the upgrade version of Aftershot or Aftershot Pro which deal specifically with RAW. You can even give the 30 day trial a try.