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Product Review: Page (1) of 2 - 04/04/06

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With more digital cameras sporting the capability to shoot in the Raw image format, those who have cameras with that feature might not want to invest in software that offers the capability to convert Raw images. While some digital imaging tools offer some sort of Raw support, some do not. Pixmantec RawShooter Essentials 2006, previously marketed by Corel Corp. in North America but available free from Pixmantec, enables you to convert Raw image files to JPEG or TIFF. The company also offers a Premium version for $99. This review is about the currently free version. I call it current because Pixmantec says the policy continues, but the policy may expire. I spent some time with RawShooter Essentials, checking out the interface and workflow of this tool.

The interface of RawShooter Essentials features a file browser window, where you search for your Raw image files, a visual filmstrip of those raw files, and the preview window. The Correct and batch Convert tabs are where you do the great majority of your Raw file conversion.

Your first step in using RawShooter Essentials is to locate the Raw image files that you want to work with. This is achieved via the file browser window. Click on a folder and RawShooter Essentials will search for Raw files. If it doesn't locate any Raw files, the software will indicate that no Raw files were found. When Raw files are present in a folder, they are displayed in a filmstrip view. From the filmstrip there are several attributes that you can contribute to the image files, including the capability to tag them, arrange them in order of priority by assigning them numbers, view the previously converted files, mark them for removal, rotate them, and change the file name. You can also toggle through the images in the filmstrip very easily as well, using the arrow keys on the keyboard.

You can change the workspace layout (viewing mode) depending on your workflow, as well as the task at hand. See images below for sample viewing modes). This is a plus for digital photographers who like flexible worflow styles. You can choose to move the filmstrip to the left side, the bottom, remove the file browser from view, thumbnail view only for sorting, as well as a single image view for correcting. You can also change the sort order by name or date, A double click of an image in the filmstrip sends it to the big preview window.

Click image for larger view

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