Raw Files

[playinhockey]

I know this probably been already asked, but I'm new to this and have a lot of dumb questions. I finally got a real lens for my DR. I bought a 100mm f2 for shooting pictures in ice rinks. I shot some test pictures and the lens works great. I even figured out how to set the white balance!. I shot the pictures in RAW and tried to open them with the photoshop software that came with the camera. The software is photoshop elements 2.0. When I try to open the Raw files the only files that appear are the jpegs that I extracted using the canon file viewer utility. Can PS elements read the RAW files from the DR?

[scottbergerphoto]

Raw files are like undeveloped negatives. They are the raw digital data captured by your camera, with a minimal amount of interpretation. I say minimal because I have learned recently that even Raw files have some sharpening done to them( www.RobGalbraith.com). They have to be developed before you can view them in PS Elements or other viewers. You can use the Canon File Viewer Utility(FVU) that came on the CD, or download BreezeBrowser from www.breezesys.com, or Capture 1 LE from www.PhaseOne.com. To use BreezeBrowser you must have the Canon FVU installed on your computer. I use BreezeBrowser and I am very happy with it. Both BreezeBrowser and C1LE have file viewers that allow you to view your Raw files before they are converted.
Another very expensive option is the new Photoshop CS( 8 ). It has a Raw Converter built in. It would be worth your while to read the Canon Software Manual. Even if you decide not to use FVU as your converter, it will explain the conversion process.
Scott

[playinhockey]

Thanks, I'll ceck out C1 and BB. Thanks for the imput!

[GenEOS]

Breeze Browser is very easy to use. Great for viewing. The expensive option is great too. I am running PS7 with the Adobe RAW plug-in. I am very happy with their performace. Canon's converter is not that user friendly and doesn't work as well as others...