Why do my RAW photos look corrupted on my computer but fine in-camera?
Asked 5/4/2013
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2 answers
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I recently switched from shooting the largest JPEG setting to RAW. On the camera, the images look fine when I review them. But on my computer in Picasa 3, the files show severe artifacts like large distorted blocks and bright colored streaks. It seems like a preview or decoding problem rather than the photos themselves. Why does this happen with RAW files, and what software should I use to view or preview them safely without risking my photos?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
13y ago
2 Answers
5
Just so you know:
- What you see on your camera is the embedded thumbnail in the RAW file.
- What you see on the computer is the software's interpretation of the RAW file.
Most likely, your files are fine but the software is having trouble decoding the RAW files from your camera. This is a regular occurrence since RAW files are different between cameras. Most software get regular updates to support new RAW formats. Check if your Picasa is at the latest version if you want to use them. Upgrade if it is not and try again.
Otherwise, the most reliable bet is to use software provided with your camera. There is always one on CD. The interface is often poor but it is the most compatible. If your camera is particularly new, which it could be since very few RAW-capable cameras can show images in the viewfinder, this will be the only software capable of understanding your RAW files for a short while. When a new camera comes out, software can take anywhere from several weeks to several months to catch up.
Originally by user1620. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user1620
13y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
This usually happens because RAW files are not universal. Each camera model has its own RAW format, and older software may not know how to decode a newer camera’s files correctly.
What you see on the camera is typically the embedded JPEG thumbnail inside the RAW file, so it can look normal there even if your computer software misreads the actual RAW data.
Most likely, your photos are fine and Picasa 3 just doesn’t fully support your camera’s RAW files. Try these steps:
- Update Picasa to the latest version available.
- Use the software that came with your camera; it is usually the most compatible with that camera’s RAW files.
- If your camera is very new, wait for software updates or use the manufacturer’s software first.
Viewing the files in different software will not harm or erase your photos. To be extra safe, make a backup copy of the files before experimenting.
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