Photo Gurus + RAW Processing

[ethandt]

So I have posted in a couple of the photography threads in the past, along with some pics. I am getting the Panasonic LX5 this week and have never worked with RAW files before. The camera comes with Silkypix, which I have read some not so flattering things about. I have Lightroom but its an older version that doesn't support this camera. I plan on upgrading it soon but not right away.

Just looking for any tips on converting RAW files and if anyone has any input on Silkypix.

Happy holidays everyone!

[Jason_86_951]

You should be able to download a plugin for lightroom to support raw images.

[GAD]

I'm a big fan of the Capture One software. Pricey though.

[shane88]

i've never used it either because i'm a fan of gettin the pic i want in the camera @ the time - ie i can't stand spending x hours playing around with images - ymmv

[Ted Witcher]

i've never used it either because i'm a fan of gettin the pic i want in the camera @ the time - ie i can't stand spending x hours playing around with images - ymmv

Digital doesn't really work this way. Film, yes.

[Blix]

Digital doesn't really work this way. Film, yes.


Not film either, unless you shoot slides and only project them. :)

[Ted Witcher]

Not film either, unless you shoot slides and only project them. :)

Yeah, I'll buy that. But you can make the basic exposure properly in the camera, and your selection of film will lend the image its essential color and contrast properties with minimal or no adjustment. In digital, you can make a proper exposure in-camera, but to me the image still looks flat and plastick-y unless you adjust it. The advantage with digital is on the front end: no multiple types of film to carry, keep shooting, adjust ISO on the fly, no lab/shorter turnaround, lower upfront cost, etc. You pay for it on the backside, though, with having to make each image look like something. Film is the reverse: more hassle on the front, less potential work at the end.

[photoguy]

I think that the upgrade for LR is about 100...though I got an e-mail last week discounting a bunch of Adobe software (from Adobe btw) so you might want to check.

LR 3.1 *should* support the Panasonic RAW files, and will convert them to digital negatives while importing. You can then export as any file type.

I've been a Photoshop user for a long time and am really impressed with LR's intuitive way of storing/organizing and editing images. So much so that I've recently starting using it on paying jobs where I only used it for personal pictures before. I'm far from a LR expert though and generally work with assistants who are. I stand over their shoulders saying things like "Wow...I didn't know you could do that!"

One thing to consider when shooting raw is that file sizes will be substantially larger and could require additional storage space.

Sorry, don't know a thing about silkypix, but you might search around; there should be freeware that will convert for you. Gimp maybe?

[MrGretsch]

You can always just use the software that came with your camera to convert RAW to whatever file form you prefer, then use you primary photo software. You don't even have to import the RAW files with the camera software - you can just drag & drop. You'll eventually get updated software, but until then........

[photoguy]

Just checked my e-mail. LR 3 $50.00 off from Adobe. Ends 1/5/11

Some interesting thoughts above. While digital photography is certainly more forgiving than film, when done properly can match and exceed anything in the film world imo.

Let me know if you're interested, I'll happily forward you the e-mail offer.

[ethandt]

Thanks Photo Guy, I am interested for sure. PM me.

I am very excited to start working with RAW files, I won't use it for everything but when I am shooting certain stuff I will. I am a designer by trade and have years of experience with Photoshop, color correction etc.

Thanks for the tips everyone.

[jrm]

I love shooting in RAW.. really is so much better for me. I have used Lightroom in the past and it is a wonderful product. Highly recommended.

[scottlr]

I only shoot RAW anymore. I have Photoshop, so I just use that.

[sws1]

LR3 is great. Love what it can do. Minimal set of stuff, but very well designed for someone who take boat loads of pics, and then has to widdle them down to the keepers.

[GAD]

jpg is lossful compression. It's like recording in the studio using only mp3. Additionally, Raw records more information that jpg can display, so you're just throwing information away if you only save jpgs.

[shane88]

Digital doesn't really work this way. Film, yes.
so r u saying u manipulate every shot u take? what do u change and how long does this take?

[Blix]

so r u saying u manipulate every shot u take? what do u change and how long does this take?


Regular image processing isn't manipulating by any stretch. Shooting raw you can get closer to "real" than you ever can with jpeg, as with jpeg your camera does the image processing for you, leaving you with little room for adjustment after.

I always shoot raw, and doesn't spend much time processing them, working with raw is just as fast as with jpegs now...