Convert RAW files to TIFF or JPEG on your MAC or PC

If you use a DSLR you are probably familiar with the ability to shoot and save files on your camera in different formats. The basic formats that you can shoot image files are JPEG, TIFF, and RAW. The RAW file is the proprietary file that the camera uses to save all of the sensor data relating to the image. Nikon, Canon, and other high-end DSLR cameras have their own formats, but the RAW image is a file that is not processed by the camera into a JPEG or TIFF file, so you can later use the file in a graphics design program to make enhancements. If you want to view your RAW files on most PC's and MAC's, then you will need to convert the RAW files into either a JPEG or TIFF.

I recommend that you always shoot in the RAW format if you are a photographer, designer, or advertising professional using the photos for a client, portfolio, or any other business use. Photoshop CS4 will read RAW files, but most other design programs will not recognize the RAW format. If you are a hobbyist and you want to share your photos with others without the use of heavy graphics programs, then you will want to either shoot your photos in the TIFF or FINE JPEG mode. Regardless of what format you shoot in, you will still want to use these programs listed below just to view your images on most PC's and MAC's.

There are two programs that I highly recommend for doing this because they are easy to use, they both offer single conversion and batch conversions (meaning you can convert a bunch of images at once), and they both offer some tools to make enhancements to your photos as they are being converted.

Here is the program I use for my PC:

Stepok's Raw Image Converter

DOWNLOAD Stepok Raw Image Converter here


Here is the program I use on my MAC OSX 10.3:
(I still use OSX 10.3, and this program supports the older and newer OSX platforms. Just download the program appropriate for your operating system)

RAWKER 2.3.1 for MAC

DOWNLOAD RAWKER RAW image converter here

Happy conversion!