Expert: Scott Valentine - 7/31/2009

Question
QUESTION: I downloaded a raw file to Photoshop CS3, saved to JPEG but it's not recognized in any other program.  Says the file is in an unrecognized format.  I think I've tried everything and going nuts!
I'd appreciate any assistance.
Thanks!

ANSWER: Hi - I'll try to help, but I need some additional information...

First, there is a limitation in Photoshop that causes problems when saving from bit depths other than 8-bit, and some applications have trouble opening files with embedded ICC profiles. Please check these aspects of your file if possible and see if changing to sRGB and 8 bits helps.

Here's your homework =)

What camera did you use to produce the raw file?

Did you convert it using Adobe's Camera Raw application, or the camera vendor's software?

What bit depth and color space did you choose when opening the file in Photoshop?

When you say you saved it to JPEG, did you use Save As, or Save for Web?

What application are you using to open the JPEG file?

Let me know and I'll see what I can do to help!

-Scott




---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks Scott!

I shot on Nikon D3
Used Adobe Raw to open
RGB 8
Tried saving as Jpeg and saving for web
Tried opening in Iphoto, Nikon NX and even Costco :)

 When I click to open in photoshop now, it says reading JPEG file?
Do you want me to send the image to you?

ANSWER: Well, nothing jumps out at me as being immediately wrong. It may be that you need to reinstall Camera Raw, or try a different RGB space (AdobeRGB and sRGB are different spaces). One easy thing to try is resetting Photoshop's preference files (hold down the SHIFT key while Photoshop launches, and allow it to delete the preferences). However, that's a catch-all solution that may or may not work in this case.

Is there any chance the raw image is corrupt itself? If that were the case, I'd expect Camera Raw not to open it, but you never know. One other thing to try is opening again from Bridge (if you have it installed), and trying a different rendering intent (the settings at the bottom of ACR to choose size and bit depth).

Please post the JPG, if you can.

-Scott

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Before I change anything in photoshop, I'll send the photo to you.  The file shouldn't have been corrupt as none of them worked.
I have Bridge but have never really used before.  Not that familiar with it.  I'm still struggling through Photoshop.  Right now, you're my idol!

Answer
you can send me the file at pst.lokki@gmail.com

Go ahead and zip up the raw file with the jpg so I can check out both of them. I probably won't be able to do anything with the files until this evening or possibly the next day due to personal time constraints, but as soon as I get an opportunity, I will do some investigating.

-Scott