 Posted 2/28/2008 3:32:44 PM
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Nine Months after getting my Camera I've just taken my first RAW Shots.
I've never so much as experimented with them or the software I got with the Camera. So, I've just had a look - the software is Silkypix Developer Studio and I'm expecting a steep learning curve and I'm a little daunted by it.
Has anyone used this software? Any tips?
Is there better software out there? What would you recommend?
Is it worth the hassle when you don't print your photos or submit anywhere else?
I'd really appreciate any advice and input.
If you want the rainbow - you gotta put up with the rain.
A conscience is what hurts when all your other parts feel sooooo good! 
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Posted 2/28/2008 5:04:14 PM
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SS, this is a big topic. But, I'll be happy to offer some suggestions.
Shooting in RAW format gives one the opportunity to use one's computer (a machine with a much larger and more sophisticated processing engine than your camera) to adjust the shot parameters after the shot!
When capturing images in JPG format, one delegates the responsibility for the image parameters to the algorithms of the camera. This can be very good, if one happens to hit the exposure, contrast, color temperature, brightness, levels, saturation, etc. quite correct at the time of exposure. Well, that's everyone's goal! But, I often miss on one or many of those parameter.
RAW processing software allows one to shift almost all parameters with computer processing. For example, exposure can be shifted +/- 2 camera stops. The RAW format contains all the image data collected by the camera. So, great flexibility in final image processing is available.
I don't know about your specific RAW processing software. But, I think you'll find the latitude offered will be a delight. You are right about the steep learning curve, btw. But, I'll be happy to help along the way.
 My Top 24
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Posted 2/28/2008 5:13:29 PM
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Richard is right SS. I have been shooting raw ever since I got my first SLR. When I got my second, I had to upgrade from PSElements 3.0 to 6.0 to read the raw files of the new camera. The camera raw capabilites in PSE6.0 are far and away above PSE3.0. You can conceivably do all your fine tuning in camera raw and save it as a jpeg for entry. From exposure, to color to tint, fill light, contrast, clarity, detail sharpening and even noise reduction....all at the same time. It constantly amazes me the more I use it. Good luck!
RoBMy Top Images My Profile
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Posted 2/29/2008 9:29:04 AM
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Thanks Richard & Robert - very much appreciated!!
I'll certainly take you up on your offers of help - hope to have more time next week - something I think I'm going to need lots of. 
Thanks again!!
If you want the rainbow - you gotta put up with the rain.
A conscience is what hurts when all your other parts feel sooooo good!
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Posted 2/29/2008 4:13:53 PM
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http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=d48e808e-b10d-4ce4-a141-5866fd4a3286&DisplayLang=en
[url=http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=d48e808e-b10d-4ce4-a141-5866fd4a3286&DisplayLang=en][/url]
Currently exploring - but only now and then and for short periods unfortunately. 
Question: Microsft RAW Image Thumbnailer - Thoughts/Opinions appreciated!
At present - I cannot open a RAW image in anything other than my Camera Software - not sure if the step towards Microsoft is a good thing or not!?
Will the Microsft Software be better than the Software that came with my camera?
Anybody got any experiences of the Microsoft Software??
If you want the rainbow - you gotta put up with the rain.
A conscience is what hurts when all your other parts feel sooooo good!
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Posted 2/29/2008 4:20:47 PM
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Posted 2/29/2008 5:31:03 PM
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Sandy, for what it's worth, I tried to edit some RAW photos in Silky, and I got so disgusted that I just gave up. In fact, I sold that camera, as even the JPEGs were of poor quality.
Go when you can, go where you can, shoot what you can
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Posted 2/29/2008 6:11:32 PM
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Sandy I use Microsoft Raw Image Viewer. It works fine for me. I needed it because if I viewed the file in Nikon Picture Perfect that came with the camera, the raw file gets amended and I would not be able to use the image for an original unedited that I would need for DPChallenge. MS works fine for me to view both the 5mb and 15mb Raw files from my cameras. Jpegs can still be viewed on it as well.
RoBMy Top Images My Profile
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Posted 2/29/2008 8:07:24 PM
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