RAW images in Picasa 3

I took some RAW images whilst out and about yesterday, but on trying to view them in Picasa 3 the programme seems completely unable to render the image colour effectively. I'm not sure exactly what the problem is, but a red balloon becomes blue - The pictures are obviously not usable.

After a quick google the problem seems common and without a fix, does this mean Picasa is just not for RAW images, or am I just missing something?

Can anyone recommend an alternative bit of free software if this is the case?

I have the same problem too. pinks and purples initially open correctly then after a few seconds turn blue!

I have had that issue about 2 years ago with Picasa and there was no fix available then. I eventually went to Lightroom but that's obviously not free.

It opens correctly initially as it's just previewing with the embedded jpg, but once it opens the raw file it messes things up.

Pity as Picasa is quite good for what it is.

Probabvly the easiest thing for you to do is use Pentax Laboratory, which is shipped with the cameras for free. Convert to TIFF or JPEG, after which all programs will open them with no problems.

I have a k-r and shot in raw for the first time today. I used scarab darkroom which is free and got great results.