Ps 7 raw plugin

[Randy Fauteux]

I recently attended attended Adobe's "New Digital Workflow" in Vancouver. Part of the seminar dealt with RAW files and processing in PS 7. I've always felt that dealing with digital capture files has some distinct differences from scanned images. With the Plugin for RAW (NEF) it allows for manipulation of the raw files in so many ways before changing to a PS native file (PSD, tiff or other). As explained in the seminar the changes are to files that are not yet pixelated . A non-destructive method, assuming all processing in PS affects images adversly ("softening&quot. The difference being you are with the plugin changing parameters of the camera as if you hadn't shot the image yet.Everything you can adjust in camera you can know do on the computer in PS instead of relying on secondary software like Nikon Capture (which has a lot of limitations). I don't profess to know how this all works ,but the results are amazing. The big thing is you can upsize a file to a 10mega pixel 16bit image (still has to be changed to 8 bit to process in PS). The result is a 98MB file tack sharp and easily equal or surpassing film. It's made me for $100US put on the back burner any camera upgrade from my current D1X. Another consideration is shooting RAW allows 131 images on a 1GB microdrive instead of 60 in tiff format.Has anyone else bought this plugin? Experiences?

Randy

PS No I don't work for Adobe or get any commission..... But I am jazzed with this new tool.

[andrewr]

I've been looking at ACR as well, and have also downloaded the PhaseOne Capture One LE for my D60. One of the biggest advantages of C1 over CR is it's ability to quickly process batches of images.

In order to do this with CR you have to create an action first. I just found this excellent quicktime movie that shows you how it's done.

So how are you liking it so far Randy?

[Randy Fauteux]

Andrew

Working with NEF format (RAW) is a dream.Smaller file size 7-8MB, ease of use,speed and now compatability with PS 7. Everything can be adjusted with one exception and is a fault of most digital capture that they tend to blow out highlights.If you check on the camera monitor it has a function that will show you this. Other then that one peculiarity, any other parameter can be changed before going to PS formats (Tiff,PSD whatever you work with).It's as if you hadn't shot it yet and are tweaking your exposure,lighting,color etc, as Nike says just do it!!!! Batch processing of NEF files is better done with Nikon Capture and imported into PS 7.At least for me, there must be actions that can be made to do batches in PS too, I just haven't got that far yet. Is the Canon the same?

Randy

[Ralph]

FYI
I came across Don Lashier's web site and he has comparisons of output of PhaseOne's CaptureOne (C1) converter, Adobe's Camera Raw converter, and Canon's Raw Image Converter (RIC), Canon 1D images on his articles page @

http://www.lashier.com/home.cfm?dir_cat=20503&gal_col=2