RW2 Files

[tongu05]

Will Photoshop Elements 14 open (and obviously be able to work on) RW2 files, (RAW files from a Panasonic Lumix camera)?

[99jon]

It depends on the Panasonic model?

[tongu05]

It is a Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ72

[99jon]

Yes those files will be supported in PSE14. The latest version is PSE 2018.

[tongu05]

Thank you very much for your help. I have a now rather ageing version of the full Photoshop CS3 software, which will not open them. I realise that the current version of Elements is 2018 but my computer only has a 32 bit operating system (Windows 10 32 bit) and I have been told that PSE 2018 only works with 64 bit operating systems. Also, you can buy a (genuine) copy of PSE 14 much cheaper than a copy of PSE 2018, since it is no longer 'state of the art' software.   

[99jon]

OK I get it. You could of course convert RW2 into Adobe raw (DNG) without any loss of quality and the DNG files will work with CS3.

DNG converter is free to download and use. You can batch convert a whole folder of RW2 files with a couple of clicks.

Get the latest DNG Converter Mac  | Win

[tongu05]

Thank you very much for your suggestion. I have tried it, as obviously, if it worked, it would save me the cost of purchasing Photoshop Elements 14. However, Photoshop CS3 will not open DNG files. I downloaded the DNG converter and converted one of my RW2 files into DNG. When I attempt to open the DNG file with Photoshop CS3, I get exactly the same error message as I do when I try to open the RW2 file - namely "Could not complete your request because it is not the right kind of document".

On the Adobe web site, you can download a 30 day trial copy of Photoshop Elements 14, which I have done. This opens the RW2 file OK (and, incidentally, the DNG file as well, which presumably means that I have done the RW2 to DNG conversion correctly). At the end of the 30 days, I will presumably be given the option of paying for the trial copy that is already on my machine. At that point, I can compare the cost from Adobe with my other source.

I than you for all your help.  

[99jon]

Maybe CS3 is just too old. I thought it may work but worth a try. Adobe no longer sells PSE14 so you will need to find a copy from a reseller. Perhaps try on-line e.g. Amazon, Costco etc. There is no need to uninstall simply click licence this software at the end of 30 days and enter the 24 digit serial number from your purchased disk.

[John Waller]

tongu05  wrote

I downloaded the DNG converter and converted one of my RW2 files into DNG. When I attempt to open the DNG file with Photoshop CS3, I get exactly the same error message as I do when I try to open the RW2 file - namely "Could not complete your request because it is not the right kind of document".

When you used the DNG converter, did you change the Compatibility setting in the DNG converter? It defaults to Camera Raw 7.1 (CS6 or later).

Click Change Preferences... and change it to Camera Raw 4.6 and later for CS3 compatibility then convert to DNG.

[tongu05]

Yes, you are correct. I had not changed the default preference, due to non-familiarity with the software. I have now changed to 'Camera Raw 4.6 and later', as you suggest and the DNG file does indeed open with Photoshop CS3.

I now have a decision to make - do I continue with the DNG file converter/Photoshop CS3 (at nil cost to me) or do I purchase Photoshop Elements 14 at the end of my 30 day trial period? Genuine, brand new, sealed and boxed DVDs of Photoshop Elements 14 are available on eBay for £49.99. To some extent, it is unfortunate that Adobe no longer offer Photoshop Elements 14, as it is the last version that is compatible with 32 bit operating systems (it will work with Windows 7, 8 and 10, 32 or 64 bit). Photoshop Elements 2015 and 2018 can only be used with 64 bit operating systems and, no matter what Adobe might think, not everyone in on Windows 10 64 bit!

I thank everyone for their help here.