Working in the RAW? How do I....

[Astroman]

Hi all,

Can someone please explain the steps involved after a series of images has been taken with the camera in RAW format. What do I do with them after I have uploaded the RAW format images onto the computer? Do I have to process each individual .CR2 file individually convert them to TIFF or whatever then start to stack and manipulate? Are there other steps to make it simpler??? Can use a simple example like 20 frames of the Orion Nebula.. What software is needed and is it free :)

[JohnG]

Hi

I would suggest that you get a copy of ImagesPlus, I note that you have a 400D, ImagesPlus can be used to focus and automate your images, convert, stack align, combine your Darks, Flats, Lights and Bias as well. It also has a number of Image Processing options as well. :thumbsup:

For the 400D a complete package. Not free but probably the best of them.

http://www.mlunsold.com/

DSLRFocus does not yet support the 400D.

Cheers

JohnG

[Striker]

I agree with John,

Imagesplus is the simplest way of converting, stacking and aligning images you can get...its all done in a 1 step process..but you have to pay for it.

Best program I have used regarding DSLR imaging.

[fringe_dweller]

Andrew - after reading reading your thread title - all i would suggest is to try avoid working around sharp objects :scared:

[Astroman]

LOL Kearn....

Ooops, better reply to the others too LOL,

Thanks John, Tony I will give it a go and see what happens from there....

[iceman]

For terrestrial shots, get Raw Shooter Essential or Adobe Lightroom. Great products for working on your RAW's before converting to TIF.

[Geoff45]

You can also convert .cr2 files in Photoshop CS2 directly, or in Photoshop CS with a couple of minor workarounds. The latest versions of AIP4Win will also load a .cr2 file directly, but I don't like using this particular software package. All in all, ImagesPlus is the way to go, since you probably want to stack and calibrate.
Geoff
Note added: you could also use the Canon software that should have come with the camera and convert them to tiffs.

[beren]

what about giving Deepskystacker a go, its free..... http://deepskystacker.free.fr/english/index.html

[Astroman]

Thanks Beren, will try that one and see what I can come up with, and its free, the was software should be...