RAW & Windows Live Photo Gallery

hark

hark

Administrator
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I popped my D90's SDHC card into my card reader on my Windows Vista computer and received a prompt that there was an update available for Windows Live Photo Gallery which would allow it to read RAW files. Usually I just import the jpegs with Windows and view in Windows Live Photo Gallery before viewing anything in Photoshop; however, I actually forgot I reset the camera to save both jpegs and RAW. Here is the link if anyone is interested.

Nikon Imaging | Global Site | NEF Codec Download

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EDIT:
This might be good especially for non-photographers because people will be able to share RAW photos and have their friends view them without having to convert them to jpegs.
 
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mikeyvxt

New member
After viewing both RAW and jpeg files, I've noticed a large difference in quality between the two types. JPEG images are not as saturated as RAW files, and for some reason there's also a bit of a weird mutation, like the JPEG image is stretched out just slightly.

The difference is noticeable both in-camera (saving as JPEG fine images) as well as post-shoot (converting the RAWS to JPEG via a computer program). Is there any way to preserve the integrity of the RAW images while still converting them to a more universal format?
 
D

Don Kuykendall_RIP

RIP :(
mikeyvxt said:
After viewing both RAW and jpeg files, I've noticed a large difference in quality between the two types. JPEG images are not as saturated as RAW files, and for some reason there's also a bit of a weird mutation, like the JPEG image is stretched out just slightly.

The difference is noticeable both in-camera (saving as JPEG fine images) as well as post-shoot (converting the RAWS to JPEG via a computer program). Is there any way to preserve the integrity of the RAW images while still converting them to a more universal format?
Click to expand...


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Thanks

There should be no difference in the format (Size) of the photos. Normally you would not convert in the camera but only after you do the post processing. What program are you using for your post processing?
 
hark

hark

Administrator
Staff member
Super Mod
mikeyvxt said:
After viewing both RAW and jpeg files, I've noticed a large difference in quality between the two types. JPEG images are not as saturated as RAW files, and for some reason there's also a bit of a weird mutation, like the JPEG image is stretched out just slightly.

The difference is noticeable both in-camera (saving as JPEG fine images) as well as post-shoot (converting the RAWS to JPEG via a computer program). Is there any way to preserve the integrity of the RAW images while still converting them to a more universal format?
Click to expand...

How do you have your camera set for jpegs? I use jpeg Fine which offers the best (and largest) file.
 
M

mikeyvxt

New member
Don Kuykendall said:
There should be no difference in the format (Size) of the photos. Normally you would not convert in the camera but only after you do the post processing. What program are you using for your post processing?
Click to expand...

Hello,

Thank you for taking the time to reply. When I take pictures on the camera, I save each image as both JPEG Fine as well as RAW. However, when viewing both on the computer, there are visible differences between each rather than just the format and size. I also have converted the RAW files to JPEG manually using ViewNX2, but the difference is the same. The JPEG image is less saturated and distorted compared to the RAW file (only slightly, but still enough to bother me).

To get an idea of what I mean, open the same RAW and JPEG images on a computer and flip back and forth between the windows. That was how I discovered the inconsistencies.

I'm wondering if there is any way to preserve the integrity of the image in the conversion process, or if the changes are simply the nature of the JPEG format. Did that clarify my question?

Thanks,
​-Mike
 
Horoscope Fish

Horoscope Fish

Senior Member
mikeyvxt said:
Hello,

Thank you for taking the time to reply. When I take pictures on the camera, I save each image as both JPEG Fine as well as RAW. However, when viewing both on the computer, there are visible differences between each rather than just the format and size. I also have converted the RAW files to JPEG manually using ViewNX2, but the difference is the same. The JPEG image is less saturated and distorted compared to the RAW file (only slightly, but still enough to bother me).

To get an idea of what I mean, open the same RAW and JPEG images on a computer and flip back and forth between the windows. That was how I discovered the inconsistencies.

I'm wondering if there is any way to preserve the integrity of the image in the conversion process, or if the changes are simply the nature of the JPEG format. Did that clarify my question?

Thanks,
​-Mike
Click to expand...
I'm finding it odd you say your RAW files appear *more* saturated than your JPG images. Are you certain this is the case, that you don't have the two file-types switched in your post?

I ask because typically it's the reverse; RAW files tend to look greyish, under-saturated and lacking in contrast specifically because they have not had any post-processing applied to them. If they came out of the camera looking as good as JPG's, they wouldn't need post processing.

JPG's, on the other hand, *have* been processed and typically have much better color, contrast and sharpness because of that post processing.

.....
 
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