Converting Raw Format Images - Canon PowerShot A40 Software Starter Manual

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Converting RAW Format Images

Please check whether or not your camera model supports this function (p. 12).
The RAW image file format records image data as captured by the camera's image
sensor without further processing by the camera. Although the data is compressed
when recorded, the original data can be completely restored without any loss of
quality. Moreover, the RAW format is extremely compact, creating files approximately
one-quarter the size* of uncompressed files (RGB TIFF). However, RAW images
cannot be opened by standard image editing programs unless they are first
converted.
Conversion involves generating high-quality RGB signals from the RAW format files. If
you use ZoomBrowser EX, RAW Image Converter, or the TWAIN Driver (Windows 98/
Windows 2000), you can adjust the attributes of the original data before conversion to
retain the degree of image quality appropriate to your purposes. The result is high-
quality images. In contrast, image data recorded in the RGB TIFF and other standard
uncompressed file formats is irrevocably processed in the camera and again by an
application program when you change the file attributes, which reduces the image
quality.
* As measured by standard Canon test conditions.
• Please see the Camera User Guide to learn how to shoot RAW images.
• ZoomBrowser EX, RAW Image Converter or the TWAIN Driver (Windows 98/
Windows 2000) is required to convert or download images to the computer.
Converting RAW Images with ZoomBrowser EX
You can convert RAW images with ZoomBrowser EX. Unless you specify a format,
images are saved in a new file with the same name (except for the extension) in the
TIFF (8 bits/channel) format. To learn how to change the format, read "How to
Change the Image Format" (p. 51).
Converting RAW Images without Adjusting the Quality
1.
Select a RAW image.
• Select a RAW image from the Browser Display Area of ZoomBrowser EX.
2.
Click the [File] menu and select [Convert RAW Image(s)].
• The image will be converted and saved as a new file in the same folder as the
original RAW image.