Another question about RAW

I'm sure this has been answered before. However several searches and reading the stickies didn't really give me the answer I wanted.

In short the question is how can you "ease into" the processing of RAW without first going out and buying Photoshop.

Most books which you buy that can teach you about RAW seem to focus on Photoshop.

I would like to use the software tools currently at my disposal. I received Elements 2 and DPP when buying my 20D. Elements doesn't process RAW (I know that Elements 3 and 4 now do) but DPP does enable me to process RAW. So the question is where do I turn to get some "tutorial advice" to teach me how to better use the DPP capabilities of RAW or some free downloadable RAW processor (which is recommended?)

thx.

RSE raw shooters essentials its free
http://www.pixmantec.c​om/
i have PS CS2 but i still use this program

Here's a Canon tutorial on DPP. Look under "tips & technics": http://www.photoworksh​op.com/canon/index.htm​l

Here's a direct linkto DPP tutorial.

Don't let raw scare you, it's really simple. Open the file, adjust, then convert & save. That's it.

DPP is a great tool, and produces excellent - sometimes superior - results. And that's coming from a CS2 devotee. Follow aam1234's link, and you'll be fine. When you understand what you are doing, and progress to the point where you want more functionality, try Rawshooter Essentials.

thanks for all of the responses and the relevant links
that has been really helpful

(and should keep me busy for a while....)

you may want to have a read here JPG v RAW - cost for a pro doing a lot of shots
http://www.shootsmarte​r.com/infocenter/jt030​.htm
you need to register but it is free
i found it interesting - but as its only a hobby for me, not quite so serious, but worth thinking about