51 of 54 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Simple, Straightforward Explanation, July 28, 2005
This review is from: Raw 101: Better Images with Photoshop Elements and Photoshop (Paperback)
More and more advanced digital cameras offer a number of file formats for capturing the digital image, including JPG, TIF and RAW. None of these formats, because of the limitations of the camera mechanism, captures as much information about the scene being photographed as the human eye. For example, a photograph that shows detail in bright light will usually show less detail in shadows than the human eye would see. Some of these file formats actually delete some of the data. Serious photographers agree that the RAW format captures the most data from the scene.
When the Adobe Company first came out with Adobe Camera Raw (ACR), the software aimed at extracting the maximum data from the RAW file, there was little information about how to use it. But since Photoshop and Photoshop Elements, which are the most widely used digital imaging programs, both include ACR as part of the package, the knowledge base has continued to increase.
"Camera Raw 101" is a manual, aimed at the relatively inexperienced ACR user, that covers its use in both Photoshop CS2 (the current version of Photoshop) and Photoshop Elements 3 (the reduced capability, but much cheaper version of Photoshop.). After describing the techniques for getting images from the camera to the computer, Canfield describes each of the functions offered in ACR and then tells how to use those functions to get pictures that contain as much information in possible. He finishes up by summarizing the steps that should be taken in Photoshop and Elements after RAW processing. His instructions are simple, clear and easy to follow.
ACR includes several functions that are also available in the main body of Photoshop and Elements. Canfield believes there are functions to usually apply in ACR and others after ACR conversion, but also describes situations where one might process in the opposite fashion.
This is by no means a description of the entire process of moving a picture from camera to print. The emphasis is on the use of ACR. The book's publisher, Sybex, offers several other books that focus on other aspects of image processing like "Photoshop CS2 Workflow" by Tim Grey and "Photo Finish" by Canfield and Grey.
Although the book is aimed at ACR novices, experienced users may still find information about the capability of ACR with which they were not acquainted. I know I did. At the very least, it would provide a useful review of the process.
This book will appeal to those who learn best by lecture. Photographers who like tutorials might want to consider the "Photoshop Artistry" series by Barry Haynes.
I have one complaint about the book. Many of the illustrations are screen grabs from the computer monitor. Unfortunately they are printed so that the size of the image itself is only about 2 and one-half inches square. In the illustrations of digital noise I was unable to see the noise pattern, even with the use of a magnifying glass.
In summary, this is excellent instruction in the use of ACR. Although aimed at the beginner, experienced Photoshop users will probably also derive some benefit.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A great way to efficiently learn processing raw files, December 12, 2005
This review is from: Raw 101: Better Images with Photoshop Elements and Photoshop (Paperback)
I purchased a Canon 20D about three months ago. Because this was the first camera I have owned capable of writing to raw, I searched the internet and read articles on the Adobe website (I use CS2) to get an idea about what it was all about. I played around with raw files, but I was not getting anywhere. Then I purchased Raw 101.
First, it is a fairly easy read relative to reading Adobe manuals and Class Room in a Book, so I just took a couple of hours and read it. Then I went to my computer and went chapter by chapter while actually working with my own raw files. I have to say that by the end of the second reading, I felt very comfortable with Adobe Camera Raw and I now use it fairly regularly.
The book is a great way to get a feel for the process. The problem that I have had with other training materials is that you are overwhelmed by the sheer volume of material, much of which covers stuff that you will rarely if ever use. On the other hand Raw 101 gets right to the point and teaches you to quickly understand the how to gain the optimum use of raw processing. I also agree with the other reviewer that this book would be helpful to all users whether a beginner or an experienced user.
Although I have used Photoshop for several years, I consider myself a beginner when it comes to Adobe Camera Raw and I found this book invaluable. I highly recommend it.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Raw 101, March 21, 2006
This review is from: Raw 101: Better Images with Photoshop Elements and Photoshop (Paperback)
This book is very well written. It not only explains clearly but helps to understand the concepts presented. When I finished it I was able to apply what I had read with very little difficulty. He did make a distinction between Adobe Photoshop Elements and its big brother, Photoshop. My interest was in the Elements and it was clear when he was discussing The Elements and Photoshop which was very helpful and carefully done. I highly recommend reading the book to anyone who is just getting started or desiring an understanding of RAW photography.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
