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Microsoft updates Windows Raw support - adding 22 cameras

Jun 12, 2013 at 17:43:17 GMT

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Microsoft has announced a Raw compatibility update for Windows Vista, 7 and 8, adding support for 22 cameras. This includes the previous generation of Canon Rebel cameras, along with the Pentax K-01, Sony RX100 and the Fujifilm X10. It also adds support for the Canon EOS 6D and Nikon D600, along with 'richer' support for images shot in AdobeRGB.

Windows 8 users can find the update using the Windows Update system (Update KB2836187), while Vista and Windows 7 customers will need to visit the Microsoft Download Center.

Details:

The release has richer support for images shot in the AdobeRGB color space for all supported cameras.

Support was added for 22 additional cameras:

Canon: EOS 650D, EOS1100D, EOS 6D, EOS Kiss X5, EOS Kiss X6i, EOS Rebel T4i, PowerShot SX50 HS
Fujifilm: X10
Nikon: 1 V2, D600, D5200
Olympus: E-600, PEN E-PL1s, PEN-P3
Panasonic: Lumix DMX-FZ40, Lumix DMX-G2, Lumix DMX-GX1
Pentax: K-01
Samsung: EX2F
Sony: Alpha NEX-F3, Alpha SLT-A37, Cyber-shot DSC-RX100

SOFTWARE NEWS MICROSOFT RAW WINDOWS

Comments

Total comments: 25

I think Microsoft hoped that more software developers would tie into the WIC system. We'll have to see how that plays out but some of them require you to pay to update to the most recent version if you expect support for new cameras. And you might not update if you could keep using your existing software with your new camera. So unlike Microsoft, they have a financial incentive to ignore the WIC system. Whereas other companies may not want to do all of the work to convert raw files and will use WIC instead.

I had to pay to upgrade to new versions of C1, ACDSee Pro, and DXO to get raw support for my 5DIII despite the fact I was totally happy with the old versions.

Some free current codecs -
http://support.d-imaging.sony.co.jp/www/download/vista_raw/
http://www.nikonimglib.com/nefcodec/
http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/support/consumer/eos_slr_camera_systems/software_applications/canon_raw_codec_software
http://www.olympus.co.jp/en/support/imsg/digicamera/download/software/codec/

Comment edited 3 times, last edit 5 minutes after posting

0 upvotes

At least Microsoft does see that raw files are "important" to the users. They decided to provide this service after Apple started to support raw :) Too bad that Adobe will not provide a codec for PSD files - I have to use Fastone or Bridge to see a full directory thumbnail set.

1 upvote

If you have Win8 set to automatically update then Update KB2836187 is already installed on your computer. I checked my update history and there it was.

1 upvote

A little late, aren't they?

2 upvotes

I'm not following you. As new cameras come out they periodically update the raw support to accommodate files from those cameras. This is for Microsoft or third party software that uses the WIC codecs to convert raw files. Some software such as Adobe uses their own converters and don't tie into the WIC system.

0 upvotes

Yes, they are. The next update can be expected in Dec. 2013. Then we will have the 2012 models available.

1 upvote

This update covers a lot of cameras. It is not Microsoft's responsibility to provide raw camera support to you for free every time a new camera comes out. They do it as a convenience.

If you look around you will see that the camera manufacturers themselves release codecs for their cameras that tie into the WIC system to provide raw support. I just added support for my Nex 6. And third pary codecs are also available.

Microsoft made an open system that lets manufacturers add raw system wide support very easily. Whereas with Macs it is a closed system so it is always up to Apple to add the raw system wide support as new cameras come out. They get behind too.

So if you are on a Windows system why not blame your camera manufacturer if you don't have the support you need? On a Mac you can blame Apple. I see the Nex 6 and recent Leicas (surely other new cameras too) are not supported on the Mac yet.

Comment edited 3 times, last edit 9 minutes after posting

1 upvote

Has anyone seen the connections between two types of threads that consistently pop up here?

There is the thread where the hand to mouth photographer with a small business laments changes in the camera industry and in the society that are forcing him/her to do things he would not normally do, some of which seem shitty or unprincipled to some. Like providing cds instead of prints to customers. When this topic emerges what also emerges are legions of users offering the advice that it is the responsibility of said photographer to do whatever is necessary to remain attractive and relevant to a customer base.

The other scenario that consistently arises is related to this threads topic. A multibillion dollar firm will announce that it is doing something it surely should have been doing 6-9 months ago. Something interesting happens next. Out of the woodwork pop these users explaining how said company has no responsibility to do anything free for users. Even if it obviously is in the company's interest to satisfy it's customer base.

Anyone else notice the rank hypocrisy in thought regarding the behavior of small business owners and the largest firms in the world? Why do little guys always side against other little guys?

0 upvotes

No I did not notice that. A few are complaining that they are not getting their free raw support quickly enough. I waited months for DXO to support my 5DIII and then wait for support for the Nex 6. It always takes time for this support to migrate its way through software. But the WIC system was developed to avoid all of that.

What I am pointing out and you do not seem to be responding to is that Microsoft developed the WIC system so that manufacturers and third parties could themselves supply the best codecs for raw file conversion. The thought was that the manufacturers would know the best way to convert their own files and provide it with the cameras. Microsoft just offers an alternative method as part of these updates for those who have not bothered to get the codecs from their camera manufacturer or third parties. And maybe they need to deal with files from cameras they don't own. You may also need various third party codecs for video files, software for pdfs and Quicktime, etc.

Comment edited 6 minutes after posting

0 upvotes

Microsoft? What's Windows? Sounds like just another pane in the glass to me. :) I love my Mac.

0 upvotes

Mac?? OSX??...for photo postprocessing?? Strange!!!
...but you could use Win even on a Mac!!

5 upvotes

What I am wondering, is how does windows help me with these files, when it is the application that is opening and managing the file.

Are these drivers for any windows application in particular?

0 upvotes

You can browse the raw files in any folder. This also provides conversion codecs to any program that wishes to use them. That way other programs can display raw images without going to the trouble of having to figure out how to convert them. And yes, various Microsoft apps will use these too. BTW, this is an open system and other companies can also supply system wide raw codecs you can use. For instance Nikon makes their own.

Comment edited 3 minutes after posting

1 upvote

I don't know what "richer support" is but I assume it's something like powerful software or"brighter" lenses. Or maybe it means enhanced troubleshooting capabilities.

Comment edited 2 minutes after posting

0 upvotes

When shooting raw, adobe rgb is selected after importation as with all colors that the program is able to read. How can it be "richer"?

0 upvotes

Too bad they've refused to even support EXIF orientation flags in Windows since Windows XP.

If you import photos using Windows image importer it will actually rewrite your image to put it right-side up without changing the orientation flag.

If you import your portrait oriented photos with another program and then try to view it with Windows you will find that the photo viewing programs included with Windows and Windows Live will ignore the orientation flag embedded in the image.

This has been a known issue for almost a decade and is still not fixed!

0 upvotes

hush, now. Microsoft knows best. here, play with these tiles.

3 upvotes

The Microsoft Camera Codec Pack always displays RAW images with the EXIF orientation regardless of operating system.

Windows 8 and Windows RT display jpg files with the orientation set in the EXIF also. It is "fixed" in Windows 8 so your decade wait is over.

0 upvotes

agentul:

Start me up, oh wait, the computer just crashed and won't allow startup in "safe mode"--all a much bigger mistake than the tiles.

0 upvotes

No, they're not. The rotation but was (finally) fixed in Windows 8.
Now, I agree that it should have been fixed a long time ago, but better late than never.

0 upvotes

Cool too bad that it won't see the Samsung NX100 raws, unless since it can read NX10 raws...

1 upvote

Nope doesn't preview NX100 raws, odd they can't be much different than those from the NX10.

0 upvotes

For windows 7 - http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=26829

Comment edited 3 minutes after posting

2 upvotes

thanks.

0 upvotes

That's odd - that's the link I'd put in the news story - should be fixed now.

1 upvote

Total comments: 25

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