Canon CRW Raw files not supported in Preview, Nikon supported

Question

Canon CRW Raw files not supported in Preview, Nikon supported

With Panther and Jaguar, Canon RAW files in crw format were supported in Preview. In Tiger, these files are not. Also, when importing these files from camera or CF reader, canon raw files tagged with .thm! What is this? an 8 kb "document" that renders file corrupt. Did not happen in Panther or Jaguar. And the problem is NOT my camera because it works fine on Windows PC and on previous OS mac.

here's the kicker: Nikon NEF raw format is NOW supported by Preview, but was NOT supported in Panther and Jaguar.

So, I called AppleCare and they say NO raw formats should be supported by Preview.

Another example of how Apple has lost compatibility and quality control?

Anyone else who uses RAW files in photography have same experience?

Thanks.

Michael.

Posted on Jan 6, 2006 9:03 AM

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Answer 1

Tom Gewecke

Level 10

122,058 points

Jan 6, 2006 11:29 AM in response to Michael Popowitz

Are you using the latest update?

http://www.robgalbraith.com/bins/content_page.asp?cid=7-7888-8071

http://www.macosxhints.com/article.php?story=20051101035330228&lsrc=osxh

Applecare hasn't much of a clue. All it takes is a quick google search to find this stuff.

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Answer 2

Feb 4, 2006 11:16 PM in response to Tom Gewecke

OK, update on the Canon RAW .crw issue. Fact is that unless someone posts and replies to contrary, Apple is clueless about the Canon RAW import and compatibility issue with iPhoto and Preview. I have taken numerous RAW photos with Canon S50, Canon S70, and other Canon cameras that use RAW .crw format. As I originally stated in 1st post, OS X Tiger 10.4.2, 10.4.3, and 10.4.4, DO NOT RECOGNIZE CANON RAW .CRW format. A read error pops up saying file can not be read or is corrupted. I know for fact it is not corrupted. I have latest 10.4.4 Combo update, and have brought computer to Apple "genius" bar assistance. I have called Apple. 10.4.4 Update clearly states support for Canon RAW format in Preview. I previously could view and import to iPhoto in Panther and Jaguar. Nikon has no problems. Please post with your experience. Thanks for advice on Galbraith site but that is not much - all he says is repeat Apple site info, but Apple site info is evidently wrong. Please reply. Thanks.

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Answer 3

John Potts

Level 4

3,118 points

Feb 5, 2006 1:10 AM in response to Michael Popowitz

Michael

I have a Nikon not a Canon, so I can't help directly - but have you tried deleting that incorrect file extension and adding the correct .crw file extension to the imported files? Apologies if you've already tried this.

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Answer 4

Feb 5, 2006 7:24 AM in response to Michael Popowitz

Can't talk about iPhoto. I never used it although I might use it now that I have iLife '06... But Preview opens just fine .CR2 and .CRW files, from my Canon Digital Rebel XT (EOS 350D) and my Canon Digital Rebel (EOS 300D).

I think you have a software conflict.

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Answer 5

John Potts

Level 4

3,118 points

Feb 5, 2006 7:36 AM in response to Michael Popowitz

Michael

Another thought: could there be a problem with the USB cable and/or the USB port you are attaching it to?

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Answer 6

WWJD

Level 6

15,830 points

Feb 5, 2006 7:50 AM in response to Michael Popowitz

Canon RAW .CRW file display fine with my system and 10.4.4 but I have a 300D. The .thm files have always been present and Mac OS does not recognize them. These files <may> be preview files for the camera to use when viewing on camera.

regards,

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Answer 7

A. Orzech

Level 2

410 points

Feb 5, 2006 8:30 AM in response to WWJD

I have a canon s70 and I have no problems with raw in preview, finder or iPhoto.

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Answer 8

Feb 5, 2006 8:41 AM in response to WWJD

WWJD, the .thm files you talk about are the thumbnails the camera uses when you review your photos in the field so you can't see them on the computer it is, unless I am mistaken, for the sole use of the camera.

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Answer 9

WWJD

Level 6

15,830 points

Feb 5, 2006 8:49 AM in response to Diane Benoît

Yes, this is what I believe regarding the thm (thumbnail) files. The OP mentions them as being unreadable but then they have always been unreadable by the OS.

Regards,

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Answer 10

Feb 5, 2006 12:58 PM in response to Tom Gewecke

Hi Tom, thanks for the MacOSXHints link. I've also been mystified by the fact that the Finder would cheerfully display the thumbs for my Canon Powershot S50 raw photos, but Preview wouldn't open them. As I edit in Photoshop anyway I wasn't bothered by this. But following the path shown in the Hints article, I opened the Raw.plist file and discovered lots of Canons were listed, just not mine. So I copied the Raw.plist file to my desktop and then opened it with Property List Editor, and changed the entry "Canon-PowerShot S60" to "Canon-PowerShot S50" then used Terminal to sudo rename the Raw.plist file in its original location to RawOld.plist and sudo copied my modified file into the folder. Preview will now happily open my raw files.

Francine
Schwieder

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Answer 11

Feb 7, 2006 12:00 PM in response to Francine Schwieder

Thanks all for your input and replies.

The .thm documents that accompany each .crw and .avi (canon video files taken with S50) were NEVER present when using Panther or Jaguar. I know this for a fact because when I reviewed files/folders from pre-Tiger days, there were no problems using Canon in Panther or Jaguar. The issue is the Tiger presets are not loaded with S50 parameter labelling, I guess, based on some of these posts. I tried to re-write the script in Tiger to recognize S50, as Francine did, but that is over my head, so if someone would be kind as to emailing me that file and instructing me how and where to place it, I would appreciate it, because when I asked Apple to help with this (several calls and trips to Apple), they said "Gee, why doesn't it work? Maybe your camera is really old and broken." Not. I never got the .thm documents before and having to move them every time I move a picture is annoying and poor for file management, and also the photo files do not show as thumbnails as they used to. Tiger stinks. Anyway, if you could help me with this, I'd appreciate it...photofilmpop@yahoo.com. Thanks.

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Answer 12

Feb 7, 2006 12:08 PM in response to Francine Schwieder

I am unfamiliar with Terminal and other programs to modify the script. any assistance would be appreciated. I tried modifying using the app that launched, omnioutliner, and it attaches some suffix to the file which would not allow me to place back in the folder, etc...thanks.

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Answer 13

Feb 7, 2006 11:54 PM in response to Michael Popowitz

The easiest way to edit plist files is with Property List Editor, which you get installed if you install the Developer stuff that comes with your OS install disks. If you don't want to add all that stuff your computer, it is possible to edit with a a straight text editing program in plain text. Personally I find that too confusing. I put a copy of my edited Raw.plist file up:

http://homepage.mac.com/francines/.Public/Raw.plist.zip

It has the substitution of the S50 for the original S60. It also lists the S70, so your Canon S70 should be working. If it isn't working either, then this hack won't help you. Download and unzip the file.

Because of permissions--you aren't supposed to be mucking about in this area--the easiest way to proceed is using the Terminal. The path is, unfortunately, extremely long. You open the System folder, then the Library folder, then Frameworks, ApplicationServices.framework, then Versions/A/Frameworks/ImageIO.framework/Versions/A/Resources. You should now see a list of files that includes the Raw.plist file. Leave that Finder window open.

Launch Terminal from your /Applications/Utilities folder. If you have never used it, nor ever used a sudo command you will get a friendly warning when you issue the first command. We want to make sure that the original file doesn't get lost. So type:

sudo mv

and a space, then drag the Raw.plist file into the Terminal and drop it. The Terminal will helpfully fill in the path. Add a space, then copy the path up to the file name and paste, then type RawOld.plist as the new file name and hit the Return key. You'll need to type your password, which is NOT echoed to the screen, so type carefully and hit the return key again.

Next you want to add the modified Raw.plist file to the folder. Using a sudo copy command will insure that it belongs to system. So type

sudo cp

add a space and drag the new Raw.plist file into the Terminal window. Paste in the path to the folder (it should still be on the clipboard) hit return, give your password and hit return again. I don't remember whether it was necessary to restart the Finder or not. You might want to do a restart and then Repair Permissions, just to be on the safe side.

Francine
Schwieder

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Answer 14

Feb 13, 2006 2:26 PM in response to Francine Schwieder

Thanks again, for your reply.

I talked with Apple specialists at AppleCare and they keep confirming what I know: that Tiger 10.4.4 does not include scripts for Canon S50 RAW support. Duh, thanks. And then also told me to get a newer camera since S60 and S70 are supported. Gee, thanks.

Canon S50 was not supported in scripts for Panther or Jaguar either it turns out, as only S45 and S40 were listed, but S50 RAW worked fine there.

The issue is the Tiger scripts are very limited for many manufacturers.

So, Apple suggested to keep submitting "feedback" thru iPhoto, so pass it on to everyone and maybe they will review the feedback and issue a proper update.

Spoofing the system to do what you did I fear may have complications with other updates, or maybe I am naive.

But, evidently APERTURE also does not included support for Canon S50, so Apple did not do it's homework...as usual.

Thanks for your posts.

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