How do I open raw files from my Canon 6D in Photoshop CS5.1?

[Polinahe01]

Just tried to open raw files from my Canon 6D in Photoshop CS5.1. An error message appeared: "

Could not complete your request because the file appears to be from a camera model which is not supported by the installed version of Camera Raw.

Please visit the Camera Raw help documentation for additional information." Is there a simple solution?

[station_two]

You cannot, nor will you ever be able to open your Canon raw files directly in CS5.1.  Your camera model requires at least ACR 7.3 which only works with CS6, or Lightroom 4.3.  There will be no further updates for CS 5.1 ever.

Your choices are (1) to upgrade to CS6, or (2) to download the latest version of the Adobe DNG Converter, currently 7.4, and convert your Canon raw files to raw DNG files that you can then open in your CS5.1.

You should also know that the rendering in ACR 7.4 is far superior tou the raw conversion in ACR 6.x, so you would be leaving a lot of image quality on the table if you go the (free) DNG Conversion route.

[kjs1959]

I just purchased a Canon 6D and was shocked to learn that I couldn't open my RAW files in the Adobe Camera Raw plugin for my CS5.

So do I pay $200 to upgrade my Photoshop?  Or do I upgrade my Lightroom for $79? 

I would love an opinion.

[JP Hess]

You are obviously going to have to do one or the other. Purchasing Lightroom upgrade is certainly a good alternative. Of course, it will require Camera Raw 8.1 to be fully compatible. And you won't be able to use that version of camera raw. However, you can use the option to render a copy with Lightroom adjustments. That option works well. The only difference in your workflow is the point at which the TIF or PSD file is created. I have used this option in the past and have been very satisfied with the results.

[kjs1959]

Thanks Jim.  I'm going with the Photoshop upgrade.  I've been using the same workflow for years and really don't want to make it more complicated for myself.

[JP Hess]

I think you'll really like Photoshop CS6.  I have it, and I enjoy using several of the new features.  But I also use Lightroom, and use it more extensively than I use Photoshop.  Eventually, when the next version of Photoshop is released, I'm going to have to deal with the differences in Camera Raw.  And isn't going to bother me at all.  I have dealt with it in the past, it is simple, and I'm satisfied with the results.  But I would never want to be without Photoshop for those times when I need it.  I think you are making a good choice.

[station_two]

kjs1959 wrote:

…So do I pay $200 to upgrade my Photoshop?  Or do I upgrade my Lightroom for $79? 

I would love an opinion.

From my point of view, that is a no-brainer:  go for Photoshop.

[kjs1959]

Thank you, station_two. Yes, I believe I'll go with Photoshop CS6. I've never been comfortable with Lightroom.  And the new Photoshop CC is prohibitively expensive.