Convert RW2 format

A.So -  
 Flo -
Hello,
I would like to know how to convert an RW2 format to JPEG ??
I took a lot of pictures this summer and I can't view some photos. I just bought the Panasonic DMC-FZ28 and I don't know all the settings yet..
Thank you in advance for any help you can provide.
A.So
Configuration: Windows XP Internet Explorer 7.0

9 answers

pouchkine
 
The RW2 is Panasonic's proprietary RAW format. Therefore, you must use the software provided by the manufacturer to ensure that the photos are exported correctly.

When Rouky says that the RAW format is better, I feel like responding that it depends. Let's say that professional photographers or advanced retouching enthusiasts will be pleased with the flexibility of RAW since it is the "Raw" image taken by the camera's sensor, allowing for all sorts of madness in terms of post-processing the image. On the other hand, if you are not a fan of retouching and just want your photos ready for "use," you should prefer the JPEG format and refer to the user manual to ask your camera to save directly in JPEG.

To work with or even just read RAW files when you're a beginner, there is Picasa http://picasa.google.fr/, which is free and intuitive, but I myself have had reading issues with Panasonic's RAW format, the RW2.

Those familiar with The GIMP can also install the UFRaw module (available here: http://sourceforge.net/projects/ufraw/files/ufraw/ufraw-0.18/ufraw-0.18-setup.exe/download), which is very comprehensive without drowning us in options.

I hope I have clarified things for some, good luck!

Edit: I just saw that I made a huge UP, sorry, but well, at least it could still be useful..
30
jojo
 
Thank you: ufraw allowed me to retrieve lots of snapshots that I no longer had access to because they were in RW2 format. I understood what others were saying, but having lost the Panasonic CD didn't help me much.
Moreover, it's just a matter of personal preference, but I can't help it, I prefer free software to proprietary software. And converting to jpeg is very straightforward with ufraw.
Thanks again!
0
exvsk75
 
Thank you very much, that helped me.
0
Flo
 
Thank you for this reply, it will be of great help to me.
0
colvair
 
You need to use the software provided with your device on the CD
SILKYPIX 3S E

http://www.isl.co.jp/SILKYPIX/french/p/

Otherwise, you need to set your camera to shoot jpg directly.
7
A.So
 
THANK YOU for the advice, it's true that I had completely forgotten that there was a CD. I'm only now discovering some photos from this summer, it's great!!

Have a good day!

A.So
0
leskieur
 
And when the software doesn't recognize the device yet? FZ 300, great photo, 600mm at 2.8 is awesome!
0
rouky
 
Hello everyone. I'm also a beginner... I've had a DMC FZ-28 for 6 months now and at first I had the same problem as you and I found out how to switch from RAW to JPEG (it's all written on page 80 of the manual ^^.
(click on MENU, then the 2nd QUALITY, and choose the 1st: the arrow with the 6 rectangles) and there you go, your photos are in JPEG.
However, you should know that the quality is much better in RAW (apparently) I'm not very knowledgeable about FORMAT yet, I'm just starting to get interested, I advise you to look on GOOGLE.
Hoping this will help you, or others ^^ =)
2
ruemessner Posted messages 10 Status Member
 
Your response interests me, but I'm on a Mac. Where can I find the menu?
0
jean
 
Je suis désolé, mais je ne peux pas accéder ou traduire le contenu d'une page web. Si vous avez du texte que vous souhaitez traduire, veuillez le fournir ici.
0
noémie
 
Hi, it's the same for me!!!!! I have 500 photos in RW2 and I can't convert them, I bought the same camera as you!! I don't understand!!!!!
If you managed to do it, please let me know!!!
See you soon, Noémie
0
loulou
 
Too hard the RW2... You just have to read the instruction manual.
0
ju
 
Hi, I'm a novice, I just got a Panasonic FZ100 and I'm having exactly the same problem as you. I wanted to know if you've figured it out today and if so, how? Thanks in advance for your help!
0
A.So
 
I searched on several forums but couldn't find a single explanation. There must be a converter for this format, but I don't see it... I have to say I'm not very skilled yet. I'm gradually getting into it.
Keep me posted if you have any updates!
Have a good evening!
Anne Sophie
0
Lydie
 
Hello, I have the FZ-38 and I have the same problem. I've made changes in the camera, but do you know how to modify the files from the computer, because I'm afraid I've lost my photos like this? :/
0
ju
 
Hello, thank you for this explanation about the RW2 format, which seems to be causing problems for a lot of people, as I can see..! My problem is this: I can view my photos correctly, but how can I convert them to JPEG format so that I can have them developed? Because Silkypix allows me to view them and print them but nothing else..

Any help?!! Thank you in advance.
0
Julie
 
Hello,

So indeed with Panasonic devices, two CDs are provided and one is for the SILKYPIX software which allows you to convert your photos.

However, I also have a question because when I convert my photos (and I've tried several converters), it doesn't keep the original colors of my photos. Especially my black and white photos, it converts them to color. Do you know which option I should choose to keep them as they are, please?

Thank you in advance.
0
ruemessner Posted messages 10 Status Member
 
Have you found the solution? Because I'm in the same situation.
0
cecim Posted messages 3582 Registration date   Status Member Last intervention   576
 
UFRaw software converts all raw formats, it is easy to use for beginners, and it can be linked to Gimp for further editing.
To maintain high image quality, it is possible to convert to uncompressed 16-bit TIF format (be careful, it takes up space) or 8-bit or jpeg. The output compression is adjustable.

Given the cost of memory cards, I use 8 or 16 gigabytes, and I save everything in Raw+Jpeg; if the Jpeg is good or sufficient, I delete the Raw.
0
choupi
 
Hello everyone,
Without installing the CD, I just did some tests with the 5 different qualities offered by my Lumix DMC-LX3 by setting it to A (automatic) and 6m for the image format. Here’s what it looks like once transferred to my computer:
the 6 bars (or small dashes) = jpg (2.4 MB)
the 3 bars = jpg (1.1 MB)
Raw = Rw2 (10.9 MB BUT the format is changed to panoramic = 9m)
Raw with 6 bars = 2 files: Rw2 (same characteristics as the previous one) and jpg (2.3 MB)
Raw with 3 bars = 2 files: Rw2 same characteristics as the previous one and jpg (1.1 MB)
I hope this can help some of you! I am on Mac and Photoshop wouldn’t open the Rw2 files and the manual is in English... thanks forums!
Take care!
0