Total Newbie with RAW Question

Another problem folks that I hope you can help me with

I have never shot anything in RAW and dont have any software how can i go about doing that?

I have lightroom will that bring my RAW files in?

Cheers

qc

Lightroom will do all you need and more. Use the import feature to bring the files into LR, then when you want to convert it to jpg tiff etc etc etc use the export feature.

You should have the CDs that came with your camera, so at the very least you will have Pentax Photo Laboratory.

It intrigues me why you wanted to shoot in RAW if you weren't sure what to do with the files. What shortcoming are you hoping it will solve, or is it just having a go to see what it's all about?

In any event, it will be an interesting path of doscovery, so have fun!

Thanks guys

Ive been told for bird photography you are best to shoot in RAW because light and white balance are often in need of a change in post processing. I dont have any software - acquired the camera used without it.

So choose RAW and the bring it into lightroom?

Qc

You need to know that John R learned his craft the hard way - with unforgiving slide film. The result is that he learned to both frame and expose his pictures very precisely.

He now finds it difficult to comprehend that ordinary mortals are much less competent, and really do benefit from being able to alter exposure later. And it's the ability to alter exposure by several stops that really distinguishes RAW from JPEG.

I use Silkypix Pro and nothing else. Lightroom is all very well, but there is a significant learning curve, and it is much more than just a RAW converter. However, if you expect to do a lot of post-processing, it is the market leader.

G

great will try a few test shots later ty

I'm astounded to hear you don't shoot in RAW and shoot in JPEG as the quality and exposure of your shots, the ones I've seen here and on Flickr, are spot on.

Are you available for tuition

Thats awfully nice mate

I dont know anything else other than JPEG - i suppose I have a good eye in PP.

I cant get this RAW thing to work anyway.

When I bring the file into Lightroom it says something about cant process RAW DNG file or something.

Should I be shooting PEG format or something?

Very confused but thinking JPEG is the way to go now

QC

Is lightroom up to date? I've shot and processed in lightroom on both my K5 and Kx with no problems. Tried PEF initially on the Kx, then decided to go with DNG after a couple of months.

very strange.

Yes Alan its Lightroom 3 - any thoughts anyone?

Go to the help menu. Select "About Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 3"

The box that pops up tells me I'm on Lightroom 3.6 and Camera Raw 6.6.

If yours says the same then you are up to date. If not, select "Check for Updates"

Other than that, I give in

3.4 and 6.4

Would this affect it?

Hi Alistair, I think you can download the Pentax software that comes with new Pentax cameras from the Pentax UK website. If not, PM me your address and I would be happy to send you a disc.

This is very simple software, based on a Silkypix engine that enables RAW processing and lets you save to a Jpeg file. It works fine and I use it all the time.

Regards
David

thanks Dave I will try that in the morning and if the offer is there I will come back to you

Cheers

A

I can't remember the version numbers but the version of Camera Raw that came with Photoshop CS4 (which I think was the same engine as LR3) wouldn't read the PEF files off my K-5, but you have the option of having the camera store your RAW fiies as either PEF or DNG and it read DNG just fine. So I'd suggest taking a few photos as DNGs and trying to import those.

Good luck!
Paul