Options to get RAW out of EOS 20D. Software for 20D.

<p>I bought an EOS 20D (Firmware 2.0.3), it did not come with the original software CD that belongs to it.<br>

I shoot RAW+Jpeg. I connect the camera via USB to my Windows XP laptop, this way I can copy the Jpegs.<br>

But only the Jpegs, not RAW. I simply do not see any other files on the camera except the Jpeg files.<br>

What options do I have to retrieve the RAW files?<br>

Do I have to use a CF card reader? Because it is much more convenient for me to connect the camera via USB, than using a separate card reader; it's just one more thing I'd have to lug around. Can I get the original software somewhere that belongs to the 20D? Or is there even any free-as-in-beer or free-as-in-Stallman software which has equivalent functionalty?<br>

Fantastic camera btw.</p>

<p>Working, if not rugged, USB card readers are so cheap you can buy several if you want to be sure they work all right (most do). Most will read a variety of memory cards (SD, CF, etc.)<br /> It is far more easy to carry around (you've got the laptop after all) than to have to put up with the slow and battery-charge-sensitive download direct from the camera. Once you get a card reader, you'll likely never again make a statement that it is "much more convenient" to do it directly.<br /> At the simplest, you can just open up the card and drag the images (CR2 and jpg) from the card to your hard drive. Then rename them, etc.</p>

<p>Adobe Bridge™ can be set to open, name, etc. the files on the card; and, if you can find a copy of it somewhere, Canon's ImageBrowser™ and the EOS Utilities package do a nice job of making folders (try <a href="http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/support/consumer/eos_slr_camera_systems/eos_digital_slr_cameras/eos_20d#DriversAndSoftware">link</a>, though you may need a file already installed), naming the files, etc.</p>

<p>I have got higher pixel APS-C and 35mm sensor cameras, but I still use my Canon EOS 20D a lot. For what it costs nowadays, it's a huge bargain.</p>

<p>JDM, okay thanks for the info! Will try a card reader I guess.<br>

<br />Yes, I got the the 20D for about 140 US$ in excellent condition. I think I got definitely more bang for the buck than buying a new DSLR, especially as I have no interest in video capabilites, live preview etc.</p>

<p>Canon software can be downloaded from Canon websites. Although these are called updates they are in fact full packages, but for installation an original disk or a previous install is needed. There are several workarounds, search the archives for more details. If memory serves me well an ancient (in todays terms) version of DPP can be downloaded and installed; this will let you install the most recent version. Or tweak your Windows register.<br>

You may consider other options. Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom but these programs are nor free. Do a google search for freeware raw converters. UFraw, DCraw, RAWtherapee and others will show up.</p>

Besides all the great feedback you got, I guess it's important to note that you need to select RAW in the camera to record

a RAW file in the first place. Perhaps you knew this and set the camera to RAW+JPG before shooting, but if this is your

first DSLR, you could need to do this setting to have RAW files.

 

I don't remember needing a external card reader to see the RAW files out of a 20D (it's just faster and more convinient to

use the reader), but I hadn't connect a camera via a USB cable in years, so I may be wrong.

<p>> "I guess it's important to note that you need to select RAW in the camera to record a RAW file in the first place"<br>

Yes, as I already wrote "I shoot RAW+Jpeg". </p>

 

<p>Use a card reader - it's a lot faster. <br>

Try rawtherapee. It's pretty good, and it's free.</p>

<p>Anton, as long as you're not shooting high ISO, I strongly recommend giving <a href="http://lightzoneproject.org/">Lightzone</a> a very serious look - huge capability, open source, and free. </p>

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<p><a name="00c43W"></a><a href="/photodb/user?user_id=7424235">Anton Kratz</a>, Oct 12, 2013; 01:06 p.m.</p>

</blockquote>

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<p>...Yes, I got the the 20D for about 140 US$ in excellent condition...</p>

</blockquote>

<p>I bought one new, a mere 7 year's back. Roughly 10 times that price, LOL. It's still in the family, working fine.</p>

<p>Yes, a card reader is the simple/direct method to transfer files.</p>

<p>After getting the camera I think I shot raw+jpeg for the first card full, then switched to raw only. Also, found ISO400 a good default, a decent balance between speed and quality.</p>

<p>why can't photo.net make this a "sticky" that stays at the top of the forum, this question comes up all the time.</p>

 

<p>If we made every FAQ a sticky, the place would grind to a halt - most posts are, to a greater or lesser extent, a regurgitation of something that has been asked and answered umpteen times before.</p>

<p>I mean - how many "<em>which camera..?</em>" questions are posted every day on the various boards?</p>