30D RAW & 7D sRAW Questions regarding load time.

When I had my 30D, I ALWAYS exclusively show in RAW. I since moved to the 7D and the file sizes are considerably larger to say the least. when reviewing my files, it takes my computer 3-6 seconds to load a picture in ZB. Today I was out with my daughter and her cousins and decided these photos were not going to be images to keep in the original RAW format, so I gave sRAW a shot, figuring the load (to review) times would be faster. I'm surprised.

As I reviewed my photos in ZB, RAW, or sRAW from the 7D are taking about 3-6 seconds to load the image.

I went back to compare my old 30D RAW files to see if they were indeed loading faster. I opened a folder of 30D RAW files and flipped through them as fast as my finger could press the arrow key.

The 30D RAW files are 3504x2336 (apr 7.5mb)

The 7D sRAW files are 2592x1728 (apr 9mb)

The sizes are relatively similar, and pixels are smaller for sRAW when compared to the RAW of the 30D. Is there something I maybe missing?

I have 4GB of Ram and a 1GB dedicated video card. PLENTY of HD space. Any ideas?

Thanks!

Here's my guess: Since you are browsing in ZB, what you are seeing is the jpg embedded within the RAW file. The 30D's jpg is 1168x1752 pixels, around 2 Mp. The 7D's sRAW might have the same jpg that would be embedded in the full sized RAW which is 1728x2592, around 4.5 Mp. Thus the difference in load time.

That makes sense as we shouldnt be able to view straight CR2 images. We are only viewin jpegs as previews.

Anyone want to add?

If this is the case, I may just start shooting RAW+jpg.