Using PSCS Camera Raw. The ultimate gen

[billhercus]

I was advised somewhere (I hope it wasn't here but search reveals nothing) to read Bruce Fraser's Camera Raw with Adobe Photoshop CS (ISBN 0-321-27878-X).

This is a superb instructional tome. Clearly written in plain language with very good (not excellent) explanatory pictures. Although far from being expert I judge there is something in here for all. I am finding my self gravitating towards PSCS Raw and away from C1 these days after such good teaching.

Going back over some of my old 'negatives' has been quite satisfying after reading this. I thoroughly recommend it. .. and no, I'm not related or getting 10%!! :D

[Tiger1]

Bill, thanks for your post.

I have a 10D and downloaded the C1-LE trial package. I messed with it and found it to be difficult to convert raw into Tif. I had a little trouble understanding the process and much difficulty doing the conversion. The trial period ran out and I couldn't continue unless I purchase the program, which I may yet do; but I spoke to one of my friends who uses Adobe Camera Raw and he likes it :D

SOOOOOO :D I started reading about PSCR and found out that Adobe doesn't provide CR for PS 7 anymore, which I have, that you need to upgrade to PS-CS, which isn't a problem either. Reading on, I found out about Adobe DNG (digital negative) and it seems to be the way to go for the future, at least in my opinion with my limited knowledge.

Have you used this new format and what is your opinion of CR and DNG?

I invite (would appreciate) all of the experienced folks on this great forum to join in with their comments - pro or con.

Thanks,

Gene :D

[billhercus]

Gene,

PNG is undoubtedly a first class move by Adobe and will allay fears of what to do with 'negatives' in the years ahead. I have not converted yet but will. (Presently setting up IMatch database but that is another story!!)

C1 is widely praised but is a little complex and not as intuitive in its file handling as I would like. If someone wrote an instructional book about it of the calibre of this Bruce Fraser tome I suspect more would find the learning curve a little less daunting.

I am certainly happier now with PSCR having used C1LE almost exclusively. Best bet is to upgrade - its not just for CR either - PS has one or two real goodies such as the Shadow/Highlight command. Then buy this book and so many reasons for working in RAW post and pre processing become v clear.

Finally, just in case anything I say sounds authorotative - I am very much an amateur here - learning at the feet of the great masters!!

[Tiger1]

:D Bill

Thanks for the reply. I really intend to proceed with PS-CS. I would like for all of the processing to be done in "one" software package. I have a feeling that somewhere in PS is the capability to do everything really well, with a lot of investigation of course.

Again thanks,

Gene :D