x3F Codec for Windows/PC users

[PicOne]

Not sure where but I have installed manufacturer codecs for various brands on my machine. The faststone one isn't free but it works for my DP2m and it's $10 at the moment once the trial expires.

 

[PicOne]

Emailed to the general Sigma USA contact us page.

"Can, or will, Sigma be able to publish a installable Codec for MS Windows so that X3F camera files can be previewed (thumbnails) through regular windows folder views?"

first response:

"No on all accounts, we do not keep the information a secret it is Microsoft that must create what you are requesting."

Follow up:

"Interesting. I thought manufacturers did this. At least it was my experience with eg. Canon CR2 raw files where canon has published the codec for download. Eg. Canon Raw Codec "

or for Nikon at Nikon Raw Codec

2nd Response ('explanation'):

"All other manufacturers use Raw files based in Adobe DNG which Adobe gave out many years ago to all who cared to use it. DNG files are single layer files as opposed to the multi-layer files of our X3F RAW files. We do not prevent Adobe or Microsoft from handling our files and it would be up to them to allow their use.'

Obviously there's some confusion, or I didn't state my query clearly enough? Anyone know perhaps a Sigma contact/email who would understand what i'm asking for?

 

[Scottelly]

I think pride might be getting in the way here. Pride can be good and bad. I think in this case it is holding Sigma back. Maybe you should ask Microsoft if you can submit a codec to them to get it included in the next version of Windows . . . and while you're at it, can you get Apple to include it in the next update of OSX Mavericks too?

Then again I might be wrong about what I'm saying . . . having to do with pride. It could be that Sigma tried years ago to get other companies to support their raw files, but to no avail. They apparently had some limited success, because some of the older raw files ARE supported in some Adobe products, and I think in Apples Aperture too. They may have decided to never try again, because of the difficulty and possibly some expense.

 

[PicOne]

I think pride might be getting in the way here. Pride can be good and bad. I think in this case it is holding Sigma back. Maybe you should ask Microsoft if you can submit a codec to them to get it included in the next version of Windows . . . and while you're at it, can you get Apple to include it in the next update of OSX Mavericks too?

Then again I might be wrong about what I'm saying . . . having to do with pride. It could be that Sigma tried years ago to get other companies to support their raw files, but to no avail. They apparently had some limited success, because some of the older raw files ARE supported in some Adobe products, and I think in Apples Aperture too. They may have decided to never try again, because of the difficulty and possibly some expense.

This isn't about true raw file support. This is about very basic functionality of getting x3f files recognized by windows OS, to low level extent so that you can browse folders with x3f thumbnails and even view the full-sized jpegs that are built into the x3f. likewise ability to read Exif. In other words, just looking for Sigma to do what other camera makers do and supply what is effectively a 'device driver' for their own files. most hardware manufacturers provide their own drivers so that popular (eg. Windows) OS's can work properly with the equipment.

Fastpictureviewer does this for $9.99 and works with over 500 different raw file formats (don't know if Quattro support exists yet).. just looking for Sigma to publish the same that covers the half dozen different x3f formats they've used. It can't be that difficult.

--
'Everything in photography boils down to what's sharp and what's fuzzy.'
-Gaylord Herron

 

[D-Man67]

This is the free version of the CODEC pack that I spoke of [DOWNLOAD_LINK].

The link will be valid for up to four days from the time of this post.

FastPictureViewer WIC Codec Pack 1.50
Author: Axel Rietschin Software Developments
Program description: A free collection of 32 and 64-bit WIC-Enabled image decoders for Windows 7, Vista and XP SP3.

It also works up to windows 8.1 at 64-bit.

If it stops rendering thumbnails (because of Windows updates), just reinstall. It has a repair option.

TO ALL: Please burn this to a CD and place the media in your camera box for safe keeping!!! ;-)

This version will not render the new Quattro format (obviously).

NOTE: Don't confuse its naming with an actual standalone viewer (eg. IrfanView or FastStone).

This is only a CODEC package installer.

Let me know how its working for you.

 

[Hng]

This is the free version of the CODEC pack that I spoke of [DOWNLOAD_LINK].

The link will be valid for up to four days from the time of this post.

FastPictureViewer WIC Codec Pack 1.50
Author: Axel Rietschin Software Developments
Program description: A free collection of 32 and 64-bit WIC-Enabled image decoders for Windows 7, Vista and XP SP3.

It also works up to windows 8.1 at 64-bit.

If it stops rendering thumbnails (because of Windows updates), just reinstall. It has a repair option.

TO ALL: Please burn this to a CD and place the media in your camera box for safe keeping!!! ;-)

This version will not render the new Quattro format (obviously).

NOTE: Don't confuse its naming with an actual standalone viewer (eg. IrfanView or FastStone).

This is only a CODEC package installer.

Let me know how its working for you.

Thanks, it works with my Win 8.1 64 bits.