Help with RAW files

[asdf.0]

Hi,

I'm new to this. Can somebody walk me thru uploading RAW files from my 30D to my computer? I downloaded the CS2 plugin, but when I try to open the files in Adobe Bridge, it says they are the wrong kind of file. Any ideas?

Thanks

[Asylum Steve]

when I try to open the files in Adobe Bridge, it says they are the wrong kind of file. Any ideas?...

It would help us diagnose your problem if you gave us a more detailed explanation of exactly what your workflow is now.

Also, what do you mean by CS2 plugin? There are probably hundreds of third-party plugins for CS2...

Anyway, the best I can do is tell you how I do it. I start by copying my RAW files from my CF or SD card (USB2 card reader connected to my PC) using Windows Explorer to a new folder (drag and drop from the reader, which is read as a seperate drive).

Before I do anything else, I make copy conversions to Adobe Raw DNG (their relatively new universal Raw format) using the Adobe Raw DNG Converter (downloadable at http://www.adobe.com/products/dng/). The destination for these files is a new folder on an external archive drive.

I then copy this folder of DNG files to a working folder on my HD. BTW, at some point here I usually burn the RAW files on disc, which would make...yes, four copies of the files at this point.

When all this is done, NOW I open photoshop and Adobe Bridge. I point Bridge at the DNG working folder and wait for it to fully load and cache. Then I begin the editing process.

The 30D is supported by both CS2 and Adobe Bridge, so you should be able to work with these files straight out of the camera. Not sure why you would get that error message.

To start, you might want to make sure you have the most updated versions of CS2 and Bridge. You should also consider getting the Raw DNG converter...

[asdf.0]

Hi, thanks for your help.

By plugin, I mean the Adobe Camera Raw 3.5 plugin, straight from Adobe, not 3rd party.

My current process doesn't involve converting the files (because for now, I'm just using test RAW files in order to learn how this is done.) I transfer the files straight from my camera to a folder on my computer. I open CS2, go into Bridge, and choose the folder I put the RAW files in. I can see the file icons, but there are no thumnails or previews. It says file type is CR2. When I right click on the icon, and look for "Open with Camera Raw", it's not an option. When I double click, it says 'file is not the right kind of document'.

[Asylum Steve]

Let's eliminate a few of the more obvious things. I assume you can view the original image files on your camera, right? Also, have you tried loading Canon's Raw file viewer? If so, can you view the files on your hd folder using that utility?

Was Adobe Camera Raw 3.5 an upgrade? If so, are you sure you followed the correct procedure for replacing 'Camera Raw.8bi'? in the plugin folder?

Finally, have you tried just using photoshop and trying to open one of the Raw image files using the open function? Have you tired opening one of the Raw files from Windows Explorer by double clicking and using opens with?

I think I would try either re-installing photoshop or re-installing Camera Raw 3.5...

[Copy_Kot]

I've been using the software that came with my Canon 30d to convert the RAW files. All you have to do is click on a thumbnail, then tools, and then click process RAW files.