Free 32- and 64-bit RAW Codec Pack for Windows

[PixelMagic]

I posted this information in another thread but I figure it deserves a thread of its own since it addresses a frequently asked question and provides a solution to a problem camera manufacturers haven't addressed.

The free FastPicViewer Raw Codec Park enables viewing of RAW thumbnails in Windows Explorer or extended viewing of large previews and slideshows in Photo Gallery, Photo Viewer, and Windows Live Photo Gallery. The Codec Pack can be downloaded here: http://www.fastpictureviewer.com/codecs/

This is especially useful for users with 64-bit operating systems, no longer will you have to open a viewing application just to review your RAW files.

[neumanns]

By the power vested in me I promote you to my Good Samaritian for the day....This promotion does not include a pay raise but does have lot's of Karma and warm fuzzy feelings.

It works....And they have done what microsoft and canon have not been able or willing to do!

This will come in real handy at times!

Thanks!

(I don't pop into the Computer section very often but it paid off today...I think you ought post this in Raw & PP forum also)

[mensur]

Thanks so much for this! I bought the Ardfry cr2 codec but having .dng would be nice too. I'll have to check to see if either of these is faster than the other in cr2.

[joeseph]

Thanks so much for this! I bought the Ardfry cr2 codec but having .dng would be nice too. I'll have to check to see if either of these is faster than the other in cr2.
I did the same - but find the thumbnail creation often locks up Windows Explorer if there's a lot of files in one folder. Will be installing this as soon as I get home...

Thanks!

[bohdank]

I've been using FastPicViewer for over a year now and downloaded it again when I installed Win 7 64 bit. Works fine.

[ChasP505]

I just remembered that I tried this once before. Didn't work then, doesn't work now. Windows XP Pro 32 bit.

[neeko]

This is great! Good find.

[mensur]

I've been using FastPicViewer for over a year now and downloaded it again when I installed Win 7 64 bit. Works fine.

I'm on 7x64 for as well and the codec works beautifully. The viewer is also the first one I've ever preferred over the one that comes with windows. I'm probably going to buy it.

[Mark1]

Microsoft themselves have a codec that allows this. I have been useing it since early XP. Works great. No need for 3rd party software.

http://www.microsoft.com/prophoto/downloads/codecs.aspx

[mensur]

Microsoft themselves have a codec that allows this. I have been useing it since early XP. Works great. No need for 3rd party software.

http://www.microsoft.com/prophoto/downloads/codecs.aspx

I used that when I was on XP with my 20D. The problem is that it only works on XP and with a limited selection of older cameras.

Actually I just checked your link and I don't even see Microsoft's codec available anymore, those are all links to 3d party sites.

[neumanns]

Mark1...that link takes you to Canon's drivers/codecs and canon does not support 64 bit vista.

Microsoft and Canon have had a long pissing match over this. Both refusing to help...

Adfry charges $30...

And I have never tried Fastpic

But this does solve a problem with donation ware...

Occasionally it's nice to see the cr2 thumbs in pictureviewer...Without reopening bridge to cross referance file names

[joeseph]

I did the same - but find the thumbnail creation often locks up Windows Explorer if there's a lot of files in one folder. Will be installing this as soon as I get home...

Thanks!

I can confirm this codec is quite a bit faster than the Ardfry one... Nice!

[TekHouse]

Good tip, I just downloaded and bought it too, cost me 10 euros for the PRO version as they have a 50% off offer at the moment! ;)

[mensur]

Looks like that offer is only good today if anyone else wants it. I paid $30 for it.

[StarJack]

Thanks for posting that!

[mensur]

I saw on slickdeals that this is free for 24 hours. Go get it!

http://www.ghacks.net/2009/12/21/christmas-giveaway-fastpictureviewer-professional/

[Mark1]

Sweet ! Im going to try it out.