Setting Raw Camera Data Preferences

To better support the prosumer digital camera user, Paint Shop Pro 9 now supports Raw camera data images. These images contain unprocessed sensor data captured by high-end digital cameras from Canon, Fuji, Kodak, Minolta, Nikon, Olympus, and Pentax.

Raw Camera Data Images vs. RAW (Graphics) File Format Images

In order to avoid confusion, be aware that there is quite a difference between Raw (unprocessed) camera data images and images in the RAW graphics file format.

Raw Camera Data Images

This help topic focuses on Raw camera data images produced by high-end digital cameras. The data from these images in no way resembles or responds like RAW graphics image data.

RAW (Graphics) File Format Images

RAW graphics images are basic raster data format images with no compression, and may include an optional non-standard header which is not supported by Paint Shop Pro. These graphics images are used primarily by game developers and by the scientific community. Game developers use RAW graphics images for custom image texturing, bumpmapping, and shading. The scientific community uses these images for custom application-based image analysis.

Paint Shop Pro is used not only to create and edit RAW graphics images, but also to provide conversion from standard formats (such as TIF, JPEG, or TGA) into the RAW graphics format.

Opening Raw Camera Data Images and RAW Graphics Images

When you choose File > Open, and then check the options in the Open dialog's Files of type field, you'll notice that RAW graphics files are differentiated from Raw camera data images as shown here.

Setting Raw File Format Options

You may want the option of setting sharpening, white balance, and exposure levels before the images open in Paint Shop Pro. Set this option via the Raw Camera Data tab of the File Format Preferences dialog.

  1. Choose File > Preferences > File Format Preferences.

  2. Click the Raw Camera Data tab.

  3. Make sure the Prompt for override settings each time a raw camera format is opened check box is marked.

  4. Click OK to close the File Format Preferences dialog.

When you now choose to open a Raw camera data image, the Raw Camera Data dialog (discussed below) will appear, allowing you to override the camera settings.

If this check box is not marked, the Raw Camera Dialog will not appear prior to opening a Raw camera image.

Using the Raw Camera Data Dialog

Use the Raw Camera Data dialog to modify Raw images prior to opening them into the Paint Shop Pro workspace.

  1. If necessary, use the and buttons to zoom in and out on the image preview, and use the Pan button to determine what portion of the image is shown in the preview area. You can also use one of the Zoom level presets from the drop-list. To set the image zoom level to 100 percent, click the button.

  2. If you want to rotate the image, use the and buttons to rotate in 90-degree increments.

  3. If you expand the size of the dialog, click the button to proportionally scale the image to fit the new window size.

  4. The Sharpen Mode setting controls the contrast between adjacent image pixels. Be aware that applying sharpening may introduce noise in the image. Click the Sharpen Mode drop list and choose a setting:

  5. Low: applies a minor level of sharpening.

  6. Normal: applies a moderate level of sharpening -- in some case this may introduce image noise.

  7. High: applies a high level of sharpening -- may introduce image noise.

  8. Standard: this is the camera-specific default level of sharpening.

  9. Off: no sharpening will be applied.

  1. The White Balance settings provide options for correcting the color cast certain types of lighting may cause. If the photo was shot indoors in fluorescent lighting, for example, and the camera was set for outdoor lighting conditions, the photo may have a green color cast. In this case, you could choose Fluorescent to correct this problem. Click the White Balance drop list and choose a setting:

  2. As Shot: uses the camera settings enabled when the photo was taken.

  3. Incandescent: applies correction for a photo taken in incandescent light.

  4. Fluorescent: applies correction for a photo taken in fluorescent light.

  5. Sunny: applies correction for a photo taken in sunlight.

  6. Cloudy: applies correction for a photo taken in cloudy conditions.

  7. Shade: applies correction for a photo taken in the shade.

  8. Flash: applies correction for a photo taken with camera flash.

  1. Use the Exposure compensation numeric edit control to set an exposure value. (The default value is 1.0.) The values range from -2.0 to 2.0; lower values will darken the image, while higher values will lighten the image.

  2. When you're satisfied with the settings, click OK to open the Raw camera image into the Paint Shop Pro workspace.