Pentax Software Photo Browser & Laboratory

HELP Just opened the box! Battery charging !

: Do I really need to load above software - I already have Photoshop CS2 & Elements 2 already installed and have used them for editing my compact digi pics in the past.
But now I have entered the scary world of RAW & DNG and not sure if I need to load more software on my computer for this puppy :

Lilly,
It's not absolutely essential... however, there are a few caveats to bear in mind:

* Adobe can only edit DNG, not the K10D PEF format. So, if you go for RAW, set it to DNG (which are larger files, BTW)

* Pentax's RAW convertor isn't bad - it's the Silkypix RAW engine. But it's a cut down version.

* You can download the Silkypix Free version from www.isl.co.jp - that should at least give similar functions to the Pentax RAW convertor but a nicer GUI. You could also try the 30 day full version of Silkypix as well.

I (think I) installed the Pentax software... but can't remember using it

Matt

I installed the pentax software, then heard of Silkypix and haven't looked back since. Deleted the Pentex software now and am about to purchase the full version of Silkypix

Sorry Matt, not into the lingo yet........ "BTW" & "GUI" :

Shorthand, BTW = by the way, GUI = graphical user interface.

Lilly,

As you have PS CS2, you don't need to load the Pentax Software really. It's not a friendly application to use.

Do make sure you have the latest Adobe Camera RAW (ACR) plug-in though. This will facilitate you shooting in RAW DNG mode, and you can u se Adobe Bridge, together with ACR & CS2 for editing.

Regards,

I have found a use for the Pentax Photo Browser - I leave it with my current EPZ folder showing, ready to view at a click.

Hi Lilliy

Glad you got your new K10D dont forget to upgrade the firmware to version 1.10 just out today.

Let us know how you get on and post us all some pics

Pete

Thanks, I have just shot a few RAW (DNG) and as you say need the Camera RAW Plug-In for CS2, : is how do I obtain it, I'm new to plug-ins

I will however download SilkyPix as everyone seems to rave about it and looks like it will user friendly for me at fist, new to RAW etc...
But wd like to try and use CS2 also as I have it, beginning to wonder why tho'!

Thank u again folks!

The Raw plug-in should already be installed with CS2 so you can still open the DNGs no problem... but there may be a newer version available from what you currently have installed.
http://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop/cameraraw.html
Install instructions should come with the file (you basically just need to drop it in the right folder: Photoshop CS2>Plugins>File Formats)

Joshua, very grateful after a bit of phaffing around Adobe site I got the updated raw/dng plug-in and installed all OK thank you.

May I also say what wonderful mono images you have on your website - richly processed with such tonal range (how do you do it?) exactly the type of atmospheric shots I aspire to.

: Were they taken with a K10D?