Reading mode: Light Dark

Confused with RAW photos

Go to last post
E

el baroda 2

Forum Enthusiast
Messages
313
Reaction score
0
Location
Sydney, AU
G'day, everyone. Yesterday, for the first time since I went digital 5 years ago, I used the RAW+ feature on my K200D. The RAW photos would not open with my old Photoshop 5 but did with the Pentax Browser and Picassa 3. My question is this: Why do the RAW photos look "finished" just like the JPEGs? The only difference between the two sets that I can see are the relative sizes of the files. I've always read that RAWs should look more like unfinished photos that need a lot of post processing. Am I doing something wrong? I have no previous experience with RAW. Your comments and suggestions will be most appreciated. Thanks a lot.
 
el baroda 2 said:
G'day, everyone. Yesterday, for the first time since I went digital 5 years ago, I used the RAW+ feature on my K200D. The RAW photos would not open with my old Photoshop 5 but did with the Pentax Browser and Picassa 3. My question is this: Why do the RAW photos look "finished" just like the JPEGs? The only difference between the two sets that I can see are the relative sizes of the files. I've always read that RAWs should look more like unfinished photos that need a lot of post processing. Am I doing something wrong? I have no previous experience with RAW. Your comments and suggestions will be most appreciated. Thanks a lot.
Click to expand...
you might be looking @ JPG thumbnails/previews written/stored in raw files by camera's firmware... and if you are using RAW+JPG that thumbnail/preview looks like in camera JPG as both are generated by the same raw converter (embedded in firmware) using the same settings... also Pentax supplied software will read the settings stored in raw files and unless you will change something it should generate images similar to in camera's JPG files... as for Picasa - again either it shows you stored thumbnails/previews or being a software designed for an average Joe it makes an effort to generate a generally pleasing (for an average Joe) look and feel by default.

--

 
Most raw files contain an embedded JPEG (1-star quality) for quick display review. Your software may just display the embedded JPEG, in this case you won't see much difference.
el baroda 2 said:
G'day, everyone. Yesterday, for the first time since I went digital 5 years ago, I used the RAW+ feature on my K200D. The RAW photos would not open with my old Photoshop 5 but did with the Pentax Browser and Picassa 3. My question is this: Why do the RAW photos look "finished" just like the JPEGs? The only difference between the two sets that I can see are the relative sizes of the files. I've always read that RAWs should look more like unfinished photos that need a lot of post processing. Am I doing something wrong? I have no previous experience with RAW. Your comments and suggestions will be most appreciated. Thanks a lot.
Click to expand...
--
Manu



http://flickr.com/photos/ensh/

http://www.pentaxphotogallery.com/home#section=ARTIST&subSection=1312871&subSubSection=3457369
 
When you view a RAW file you will see a lot of settings in your image editor (exposure, sharpness, colour saturation, white balance, etc.) - all the settings you can control - and these are used to convert the data in the RAW file to the image you see. Some programs will calculate an appropriate set of values for these parameters to give you a 'first guess' at what the developed file might look like. So if the pic was underexposed the program will automatically come up with +ve exposure compensation, for example, and display the picture accordingly. If the program's settings are close to optimal then what you will see is close to the finished product and may not need much tweaking.

Best wishes
--
Mike
 
Thank you all for your comments. Now, how do I view the RAW images? My Pentax Photol Laboratory doesn't work. Any free RAW processing software you can recommend? Thanks.
 
el baroda 2 said:
Why do the RAW photos look "finished" just like the JPEGs? The only difference between the two sets that I can see are the relative sizes of the files.
Click to expand...
PEF files are TIFF files. TIFF is just a mechanism where there are "tagged" items. The RAW data is just dumped from the sensor and needs extra work before it can be shown. The other tagged items are things like the data about lens, shutter speed etc. And also, the PEF file will contain a small JPEG that the camera has converted from the RAW data. This JPEG is what you see when you preview images on the rear screen of the camera.

When you view a PEF file in something like Windows Explorer it is the embedded JPEG that you'll see, and not the RAW data.
 
el baroda 2 said:
Thank you all for your comments. Now, how do I view the RAW images? My Pentax Photol Laboratory doesn't work. Any free RAW processing software you can recommend? Thanks.
Click to expand...
if you have Mac - try http://www.raw-photo-processor.com/RPP/Overview.html

it is a donationware and it is the best thing ever among the free raw converters qualitywise - unfortunately not available for M$ .

otherwise

UFRaw
rawtherapee
you also can get the new PPL for free

--

 
I am not getting any info on the JPGs or RAW photos, maybe because I used an M lens. I will try downloading RAW processing software and see what happens. Thanks.
 
If you are using Photoshop Elements 5, you can download a free plugin called Adobe Camera Raw that opens RAW files and allows you to do a lot of tweaking before transferring the image to PSE for finishing off.

Download it here:
http://www.adobe.com/support/downloads/detail.jsp?ftpID=4034

There are later versions of ACR with more features but this is the latest one that is compatible with PSE 5. I use it and like it.

Best wishes
--
Mike
 
Hi. I am using the very old Photoshop 5, not the Photoshop Element 5. I'll see if it will allow download of the Adobe Raw. If it doesn't, any other suggestion? Thanks.
 
to actually learn about RAW. Probably the best source (quite easy to understand) is Luminous-Landscape.com in the "understanding series"; ie "Understanding RAW."

Best wishes
--
Bill Wilson
 
You are right to point that out. I've been pulling my hair since yesterday. Once I learn more about it, maybe RAW isn't for me. Thanks.
 
Hi Roland. I was expecting Pentax Photo Laboratory would let me view and process the RAW files. I simply can't open any RAW file with the PPL. I understand, based on others' replies, that what the Browser lets me see are just the jpeg thumbmarks of the RAW files. I hope I'm making myself clear..? Thanks.
 
Are you using the software that came with your camera?
Then it should work. Always works for me.
It could be the Windows-version you are using.

Pentax older Browser/Photo Laboratory, which you indeed seems to be using (the new version is called Digital Camera Utility and is one program instead of two) has problems with newest Windows version. They work on XP.

They can have problems on older Windows too. XP is the safest bet for Browser/Photo Laboratory.
I don't know if this is the problem for you, but I mention it anyway.

--
Take care
R
http://www.flickr.com/photos/raphaelmabo
 
Hi Roland. Yes, it's the Pentax Digital Camera Utility that I've got on my PC (Windows XP). I installed it from the CD that came with the camera. I have no problem with the Browser but the Laboratory just won't open any Raw file, and I get a message that it is unable to "display" the photo. I really want to have a go at RAW processing but it's been very frustrating so far.
 
I think I didn't make myself clear enough... I meant the Browser doesn't give any info when the photo was shot with an "M" lens. My apologies.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Keyboard shortcuts

f
Forum
m
My threads
Mobile site
About
Editorial content
Cameras & Lenses
Community
All content, design, and layout are Copyright © 1998–2025 Digital Photography Review All Rights Reserved.
Reproduction in whole or part in any form or medium without specific written permission is prohibited.
When you use DPReview links to buy products, the site may earn a commission.
©GPS Media - Guides, Products, Services.
Back
Top