Picasa2 and RAW

**krs** · 04-19-2008, 08:08 PM

Given a number of references to Picasa and the fact that it is FREE, I downloaded it tonight, and have done a bit of playing with it.

I have found it fairly easy to use, but ....

It can obviously process raw files, but what can Picasa do with a raw file "better' than a jpeg? I took a photo that I took in "raw+" mode, played with editing both, and could not see any additional tools, benefits, or whatever of a file being in raw..

Thoughts?

stevebrot · 04-19-2008, 10:38 PM

Picasa has RAW support, but my experience has been that the Picasa converter is no better than doing an in-camera JPEG on the K10D. ACR in Photoshop or Lightroom does a much better job. The post-processing options are also pretty limited.

On the other hand, it is free! So, what is it good for? Well, I have it installed on my workstation at the office so that I can decode a file without having to having to "extend" my Lightroom license to include another computer beyond my home computer and laptop. That allows me to display and do basic post-processing of the occasional photo without exposing my employer to prosecution for piracy!

Steve

**krs** · 04-20-2008, 06:05 AM

I continued to work with it for a while last night. I definitely did not see any benefit of raw over jpeg in Picasa. As you indiated, it does appear that post-processing (editing) of pictures is limited...

reeftool · 04-26-2008, 03:07 PM

I love Picasa myself. Sure, it isn't Photoshop but for quick crops and light adjustments and such its fast, easy to use, and free.

little laker · 04-26-2008, 09:32 PM

I don't think that I have it on either of my computers at the moment, however I agree with reeftool.
I like it for a quick batch edit, and it's one of the better free programs I know of at auto fixing.

04-19-2008, 08:08 PM	#1
krs Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: St. Louis, MO Photos: Gallery Posts: 395	Picasa2 and RAW Given a number of references to Picasa and the fact that it is FREE, I downloaded it tonight, and have done a bit of playing with it. I have found it fairly easy to use, but .... It can obviously process raw files, but what can Picasa do with a raw file "better' than a jpeg? I took a photo that I took in "raw+" mode, played with editing both, and could not see any additional tools, benefits, or whatever of a file being in raw.. Thoughts?

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04-19-2008, 10:38 PM	#2
stevebrot Otis Memorial Pentaxian Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Vancouver (USA) Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 42,007	Picasa has RAW support, but my experience has been that the Picasa converter is no better than doing an in-camera JPEG on the K10D. ACR in Photoshop or Lightroom does a much better job. The post-processing options are also pretty limited. On the other hand, it is free! So, what is it good for? Well, I have it installed on my workstation at the office so that I can decode a file without having to having to "extend" my Lightroom license to include another computer beyond my home computer and laptop. That allows me to display and do basic post-processing of the occasional photo without exposing my employer to prosecution for piracy! Steve

04-20-2008, 06:05 AM	#3
krs Site Supporter Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: St. Louis, MO Photos: Gallery Posts: 395 Original Poster	I continued to work with it for a while last night. I definitely did not see any benefit of raw over jpeg in Picasa. As you indiated, it does appear that post-processing (editing) of pictures is limited...

04-26-2008, 03:07 PM	#4
reeftool Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Upstate New York Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 9,553	I love Picasa myself. Sure, it isn't Photoshop but for quick crops and light adjustments and such its fast, easy to use, and free.

04-26-2008, 09:32 PM	#5
little laker Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,697	I don't think that I have it on either of my computers at the moment, however I agree with reeftool. I like it for a quick batch edit, and it's one of the better free programs I know of at auto fixing.