Opening RAW picture in CS4

[Colin O'Regan]

I can't seem to open up a RAW image using CS4extended.
I download from camera to PC in the Canon software program that
came with the camera and I can open up in there no problem. I installed
CS4 and can't open and image unless it's JPEG or TIFF or some other.

I do use Bridge to try and use camera RAW but can't highlight it.

Am I missing something? (Obviously)

Thanks, Colin

[Colin Southern]

This usually happens when people use a camera that was released after CS4 came out, and CS4 hasn't been updated.

Personally, I convert all RAW files to Adobe's open specification DNG format (using their free converter) - then they can be opened in any version of CS.

If you want to stick with opening RAW files directly though, the first step is to look at what the version of ACR your using. What camera are you using by the way?

[Dave Humphries]

Hi Colin O,

As Colin S says, it could well be the version of ACR (Adobe Camera Raw that shipped with your packed CS4 is outdated.

This page lists all the cameras and which verion of ACR you need for their RAW files.
http://kb2.adobe.com/cps/407/kb407111.html
ACR is very model specific, if the camera you have isn't there, it won't open, even with the latest version.
I had the same issue for a couple of months with the Nikon D5000, although it came out quite soon after ACR 5.3, I had to wait for ACR 5.4 before I could use my regular RAW workflow again.

From there, it may be that you need to visit the updates page.
http://www.adobe.com/downloads/updates/
Go with ACR 5.4, which is top of the page, since this will open any and all models that are listed.

By the way, if you're Windows user, and you're trying to open the files from an Explorer (file list) window, just right click and select Open With ..., then select your CS4.
CS4 will detect the RAW file and automatically re-direct it to ACR first (if it's supported, so do the update above first).
i.e. you won't see ACR as a separate program.

Regards,

[Colin Southern]

I had the same issue for a couple of months with the Nikon D5000, although it came out quite soon after ACR 5.3, I had to wait for ACR 5.4 before I could use my regular RAW workflow again.

Although didn't Santa drop a 5.4 beta in your Christmas stocking a little early this year?

[Dave Humphries]

Indeed he did, for which I am grateful, but it was for the converter, not ACR itself.

Santa's attempt to get me to use DNG failed

But thank him anyway

[Colin Southern]

Indeed he did, for which I am grateful, but it was for the converter, not ACR itself.

Santa's attempt to get me to use DNG failed

But thank him anyway

Santa says "oops" - and that "you should have mentioned that you needed an ACR Beta too"

PS: I believe that Santa uses DNG and loves it

[Colin O'Regan]

Thanks Colin and Dave. I will investigate my options. I'm not sure what DNG is but I'll know shortly.
Colin, I'm using a 50D.
Dave, thanks for the links. I'm confident this will be resolved in the next few hours.

I just love this site.

Colin

[Colin O'Regan]

Downloaded ACR 5.4....the world is back on it's axis.

Woohoo!
Thanks guys. Now I just have to learn how to use it.
Should be a piece of cake.

Colin

[Colin Southern]

Downloaded ACR 5.4....the world is back on it's axis.

Woohoo!
Thanks guys. Now I just have to learn how to use it.
Should be a piece of cake.

Colin

If in doubt, the Bruce Fraser / Jeff Schewe book Real World Camera RAW with CS4 is HIGHLY recommended (almost mandatory in fact). Although, it's likely to turn your world upside down, requiring another axis alignment (doesn't apply to those of us in the Southern hemisphere though, as our world is already upside down!).

[Colin O'Regan]

I will definately order it.

Thanks Colin

[Colin O'Regan]

Thanks Colin for the tip on the Fraser/Schewe book. I also picked up Schewe's Ultimate Workshop. I feel like I just learned to ride a bicycle and then jumped into the seat of a fighter jet. However, I'm going to get that jet to fly if it takes one slider at a time.
Good stuff sir.

Colin

[Colin Southern]

Thanks Colin for the tip on the Fraser/Schewe book. I also picked up Schewe's Ultimate Workshop. I feel like I just learned to ride a bicycle and then jumped into the seat of a fighter jet. However, I'm going to get that jet to fly if it takes one slider at a time.
Good stuff sir.

Colin

Hi Colin,

Glad your getting good value out of your new investment (and the book too!)

If the Fighter is an F/A-18 then please post a picture (I've got a real soft-spot for them!)