MAY be of interest to RAW format shooters

[chris-p]

You wouldn't be able to see them using windows. RAW files are not actually images so Windows won't recognise them as images and you won't be able to see thumbnails or anything like that.

You need to use a program like Picasa or Elements to organise them.

[Forseti]

Applications like Elements/Photoshop etc are supplied with the necessary codecs to read your cameras RAW images - if supported. An OS like Windows 7 does not come pre-installed with these necessary codecs to display them in Explorer. To do that you need to install the necessary codecs - here's one such site. And they are free by the way. http://www.fastpictureviewer.com/codecs/

I actually use ArcSoft RAW thumbnail viewer (also free) and have had no complaints with it. You aren't even aware that it's installed without checking in the installed programmes list, but now thumbnails for RAW images are viewable in Explorer. http://www.softpedia.com/get/Multime...l-Viewer.shtml

You might want to try the second one first and if that works out ignore the first link.

[Dagwood]

Originally Posted by Forseti

Applications like Elements/Photoshop etc are supplied with the necessary codecs to read your cameras RAW images - if supported. An OS like Windows 7 does not come pre-installed with these necessary codecs to display them in Explorer. To do that you need to install the necessary codecs - here's one such site. And they are free by the way. http://www.fastpictureviewer.com/codecs/

I actually use ArcSoft RAW thumbnail viewer (also free) and have had no complaints with it. You aren't even aware that it's installed without checking in the installed programmes list, but now thumbnails for RAW images are viewable in Explorer. http://www.softpedia.com/get/Multime...l-Viewer.shtml

You might want to try the second one first and if that works out ignore the first link.

My thanks again Forseti! I tried the second and just could not get the Raw thumbnails to open. Removed that from the programme list and tried the fastpictureviewer.com one and Bingo! up they came in Explorer just as if they were jpegs. Now that is going to make a real difference to viewing files. Perhaps the Arcsoft programme did not support Panasonic's .rw2 format? Anyhow the other certainly does. One question for yourself and others who might have downloaded software that asks for a contribution - what would be a reasonable sum to donate? £5? ..£10.... more? Any suggestion welcome.
Thanks again
Dagwood

[Forseti]

Pleased it worked out Dagwood. As to what would represent a reasonable sum to donate - in fairness only you can be the best judge of that based on how much you have benefited from the convenience of now being able to view your RAW files in Explorer. That said, I think your £5 would be greatfully received.