50D and Raw files

[flipmode]

Hi Guys/Gals,

I recently upgraded to a 50D and noticed that when I shoot in RAW it doesn't open with Photoshop CS2. Can someone fill me in on a good work flow please?

Do I need to open with DPP, save as another type of file extension then convert it? That's just my quick guess but not 100% sure whether that's right? If so, what type of file extension do I save it to in DPP and how do I then convert it?

TIA,

Chris

[Colin Southern]

Hi Guys/Gals,

I recently upgraded to a 50D and noticed that when I shoot in RAW it doesn't open with Photoshop CS2. Can someone fill me in on a good work flow please?

Do I need to open with DPP, save as another type of file extension then convert it? That's just my quick guess but not 100% sure whether that's right? If so, what type of file extension do I save it to in DPP and how do I then convert it?

TIA,

Chris

Hi Chris,

The answer is easy - just pop along to www.adobe.com and download their free DNG converter to convert the RAW files to Adobe's universal RAW format - then you can open them in any version of CS (so long as you're running the latest versions of the plugins).

I convert ALL my images to DNG and then delete the original *.CR2 files - works like a charm (and you don't get those pesky sidecar files either!).

[pwnage101]

if i remember correctly, you need an updated version of ACR (5.6) to open newer cr2 files, but each photoshop version has a limit as to how new your ACR version is. i believe you need CS4 to update to ACR 5.6. perhaps find a DNG converter?

edit: yea, like colin said, there seems to be a DNG converter provided by adobe

[flipmode]

Thanks Collin! Just like you said, "works like a charm".

Chris

[carregwen]

Thanks Collin! Just like you said, "works like a charm".

Chris

The bonus is that DNG files give you a saving of 20% disk space. Which on a 50D is about 3MB per file. That can't be bad, can it?

[pwnage101]

i've always wondered if the smaller size of DNG is lossless compresssion, or actually destroying data

[Colin Southern]

i've always wondered if the smaller size of DNG is lossless compresssion, or actually destroying data

Hi Troy,

The original DNG specification (1.1.0.0 off memory) used to discard black-masked pixels which (arguably) had some small benefit in certain circumstances, but as far as I know, subsequent revisions are completely lossless. For what it's worth, I delete my CR2 files the moment they're converted to DNG (without hesitation) -- the only time it can bite you in the bum is if you want to open the files in something like DxO that (still) doesn't support DNG as an input file format.

[PopsPhotos]

For what it's worth, I delete my CR2 files the moment they're converted to DNG

Out of curiosity, why don't you dump them to a CD?

Pops

[carregwen]

Out of curiosity, why don't you dump them to a CD?

Pops

There doesn't seem to be much point in that as far as I can see, unless as Colin said you need them for some other application. I too convert all mine to DNG then delete the CR2. To save further disk space I only keep recent DNG on my computer disk. All others are backed up onto two external hard drives, one I keep in the house, the other at a safe distant location.

[Colin Southern]

Out of curiosity, why don't you dump them to a CD?

Pops

Hi Pops,

As Rob said - basically - no point. I just don't have a need for them. DNG is the same data, just re-organised into a standardised format, complete with manufacturers encrypted "secret sauce" data.

[belong]

what's wrong in keeping the CR2 data?
besides its the original file...

[Colin Southern]

what's wrong in keeping the CR2 data?
besides its the original file...

Hi Isabelo,

Nothing "wrong" per sec - after all it's a free world, and people are free to do what they like All I'm saying is that CR2 files are of zero use to me; not "of little use" - ZERO use - so for me it's just silly to take the time and go to the expense of creating and storing something that will NEVER be used.

People need to keep in mind that DNG is still RAW - exactly the same data, just organised in a standardised way ... and ... you can enbed the original file into it (which can be extracted later) if you wish (I don't bother).

In my opinion, what would make more sense is if manufacturers gave DNG as an output file option (in fact, if I had the choice between having DNG and JPEG on my camera I'd go for DNG).

[pwnage101]

Colin, I believe Pentax DSLRs have that very capability

in some cases, wouldn't this help drain the buffer for better continuous drive?

[Colin Southern]

Colin, I believe Pentax DSLRs have that very capability

I wish Canon would follow suit!

in some cases, wouldn't this help drain the buffer for better continuous drive?

Who knows - Probably, due to the slightly smaller file size. Then again, the camera might not have the CPU power to make a tight DNG compression. I seldom have a problem with buffer over-flow to be honest; my camera will do up to 12 RAW (and I can configure the fps from anywhere between 1 to 5, on either of 2 drive modes) - and if I need more then there's always (I can't believe I'm about to say this) JPEG.

[pwnage101]

well, i'd like to have more than 6 raw for my nikon d80 anyway

[Colin Southern]

well, i'd like to have more than 6 raw for my nikon d80 anyway

Are you another one who likes to shoot a full length feature movie on their SLR

[belong]

Hi Isabelo,


People need to keep in mind that DNG is still RAW - exactly the same data, just organised in a standardised way ... and ... you can enbed the original file into it (which can be extracted later) if you wish (I don't bother).

In my opinion, what would make more sense is if manufacturers gave DNG as an output file option (in fact, if I had the choice between having DNG and JPEG on my camera I'd go for DNG).

thanks collin, i thought dng is another file compression...
i tried a while ago converting cr2 to dng then going to cs3 and i found out that it is more powerful and flexible working in cs3 with raw files.
and yes your correct that once the cr2 converted in dng, it is zero use anymore...
thanks a lot...

[Colin Southern]

thanks collin, i thought dng is another file compression...
i tried a while ago converting cr2 to dng then going to cs3 and i found out that it is more powerful and flexible working in cs3 with raw files.
and yes your correct that once the cr2 converted in dng, it is zero use anymore...
thanks a lot...

No worries - we're here to help

[flipmode]

Oh, I just noticed something. I can't seem to view the dng files in zoombrowser. How does that work now?

[carregwen]

I no longer use Zoom, but I think you need the correct RAW codec to view them. Can't remember if it's Adobe or Canon. It's about time they sorted this business out - everyone gets confused over this.