Uploading/processing help

[geetey]

I know it's been a while since I have been on the DIS boards, specifically the Photo board, but I am hoping someone can guide me in the right direction. (I tried 'search' but we know how that goes... )

I upgraded my camera around Christmas to the Canon 50D (love it! ) and received Photoshop CS4 as a gift. I decided to take the plunge and show RAW at my ds basketball game.

Here's my question.... what's the best way to import these pictures? Do I use Adobe Bridge? Use Vista's Window's Gallery (which says it needs an upgrade for RAW)?? I am simply looking for the best way to get the files from the memory card to the computer. I do not have Lightroom.

Am I overthinking this? Missing something obvious?? I feel like a newbie!

 

[kevrab]

Easiest and fastest way is just to import your photos into a Windows pictures folder (Thinking you have a PC) when you hook up your camera to your computer with your USB cord.
Then edit your photos individually with PhotoShop.

 

[caniswolfie]

What I do with my 40D is I installed the EOS utility from Canon and set it up to copy my photos to folders based on the date taken under the Windows My Pictures folder. When I hook up my camera to the computer using the USB cable and turn it on, it detects the camera and asks to copy the pictures.

Then I use Lightroom, Photoshop, etc on the photos in those folders.

 

[geetey]

I do have a PC (sorry - I should have specified) and I have media slots on the computer. No need to hook up the camera or use a USB cord.

I didn't load the 50D software to the computer (it arrived the day before Christmas so I was a little distracted).

What is Adobe Bridge used for? When I plug in my memory card, the window pops up and asks if I want to Import the Pictures using Windows, View the pictures using Windows, View using Media Center, MP Navigator, or Download using Adobe Bridge.

Like I said before, you would think I would know the answer! Or could find it online via google or something.

LOVIN' the new camera though!

 

[topdog]

If your PC already has the media slot built in, then you already has the answer.

Insert the memory card into the slot. I would ignore and close out the automatic window pop up. Open Windows Explorer. Select the memory card drive and that should show you all the pictures in your memory card. Select all those picture file and drag them over to your local hard drive directory. e.g. "My Pictures" directory. Then all the files should be transfer over in a minutes or two at the most.

Adobe Bridge is a preview utility for image files. If you already has the latest Camera RAW filter installed, it should able to interpret the Canon RAW files. Open Adobe Bridge and navigate to the directory when you stored the RAW files. Adobe Bridge will display all the thumbnail images of the RAW files. Double click on of the thumbnail, it would trigger Photoshop to open the image and give you all the necessary adjustment option before completely open the image.

 

[pjacobi]

Am I overthinking this? Missing something obvious?? I feel like a newbie!

Yes, you missed Canon Digital Photo Professional (DPP) that came free with your camera!

Use DPP on Raw images to adjust exposure, white balance and apply lens correction. Export the images to JPG or lossless TIFF.

Then use CS4 for other creative enhancements such as cropping or layers.

I find that most of the time DPP produces a perfectly fine image that does not need any additional enhancements.

I believe CS4 can edit raw files directly. However, DPP will always have superior Raw processing since it was designed by Canon, who also designed your camera and lens and can apply lens-specific corrections. Adobe can only reverse engineer work that was already done by Canon.

You need two different tools (DPP & CS4), each with their own strong points and weaknesses.


-Paul

 

[geetey]

Thank you, Paul! I knew I was missing something. I can't preview/view any of my RAW files in Windows so I knew I was missing something. I was just getting ready to ask where to find the latest camera RAW filter. You answered that question. I need to pull my camera box back out.

Thanks to everyone for their answers! I am glad to know I don't need to go purchase Lightroom right now.

 

[caniswolfie]

If you have Windows Vista (or if you're adventurous and have Windows XP) you can install the Canon RAW codec from Canon's USA website and you will be able to view RAW files in windows explorer (Thumbnails, etc.) without having to boot up your RAW editing application.

Also with the Canon software you can update the name listed in the EXIF data when the camera takes pictures, take pictures with the camera attached to the computer with the USB cable and have it send directly to the computer. I don't know if any of those are useful for you.