Batch process help

[InskiP]

I'm currently using the DPP software that came w/ my 20D until I can get the CS2 upgrade. Anyway, I shot a bunch of RAW pics today and realized, after the fact, that I should've shot RAW+jpeg because now I want a quick proof sheet. However, I'm not ready to tweek my RAW images yet. Is there a way to batch convert a copy/duplicate of my RAW files to JPEG and keep my OG RAW file? Even though my pics don't look like they need much tweeking, if upon closer inspection I realize they do then I want the ability to do so later on. So, basically I'm saying I want my OG RAW files and from them I want to make a duplicate JPEG file...possible?

Thanks in advance.

[robertwgross]

There seems to be misunderstanding.

As far as I know, you can't/won't/don't change a RAW file. You can view a RAW file, and the RAW converter program will allow you to modify it for viewing (change exposure, etc.), but you don't actually change anything inside the RAW file. The modifications are stored, but the RAW file is kept pristine. Then, when you have tweaked it the way you want, you can cause the conversion to take your modifications and produce a TIF or JPEG. Let's say you produce a JPEG. But the pure RAW file is still there, still original. You can go back into the RAW converter and tell it a different set of modifications if you choose, or you can make it convert to a TIF. In other words, you can make a lot of different converted files out of the one original RAW, if you had to.

---Bob Gross---

[tzalman]

In addition to what Bob wrote, you should know that embedded in each RAW file is a 1024x1536 pixel JPEG which is used by the camera for its review image on the lcd. Many viewers, for instance Irfanview or Picasa (both freeware) display that JPEG when you click on a CR2. The image can then be saved as whatever and is good enough for proofing purposes. Irfanview will do a batch convert very quickly.

[InskiP]

Well, I'm new to digital, so all of this IS confusing to me. So what you're saying is that in order to save the modifications made to a RAW file I have to convert it to a JPEG or TIFF, correct? The RAW file would be unchanged and the coverted/modified file would be a copy???

Sorry, I don't know how to quote a message. But Bob said, "The modifications are stored, but the RAW file is kept pristine." This confuses me. Where are they stored? I mean, if I tweek the exposure on a RAW file and then close the converter program, the next time I open it what will I see, the tweeked version or original one?

I will check out the programs listed above. Thanks.

[InskiP]

I checked out picasa and irfanview, but unfortunately they don't have a Mac version. You say there's a JPEG embedded in the RAW file, is there a way to get to it w/ the DPP software that came w/ my camera?