RAWFile Plugin Update

[cola007]

Hello all,

I've been attempting to update the RAWFile plugin in order to increase compatibility with the various RAW file types out there. So far it's been successful.

For reference, here is a link to the original plugin and its source: http://forums.getpai...ge__hl__RAWFile

I'd like to continue to improve the plugin but I need some ideas and help. I was able to update the dcraw.exe file within the plugin to a fairly recent version, update the parameters passed to the exe and updated the list of file types the plugin can open.

My ideas for improvement are:

- Add additional file formats to the supported format list (I don't believe all of the supported formats are currently included)

- Create a dialog when opening the files so the user can change the dcraw options for each RAW file opened (similar to the dialog used for saving jpeg files)

- Save the most recent settings to the registry as the default for the next time a RAW file is opened (including an option to reset to defaults)

- Given the amount of options available within DCRaw.exe it may be best to use a tabbed interface for the dialog

Any other ideas for this plugin are welcome.

One big question I have is: is creating a dialog on the open file action even possible/supported? If not then I could certainly use something like a parameter file, which won't be as friendly but will still get the job done.

Now, on to my need for assistance... I'm not very familiar with C#. I took a few basic C and C++ classes in high-school (that was 10+ years ago now) and, quite frankly, don't remember too much other than the basics and even then I'm quite foggy. In fact, I don't believe we went over DLLs in any of the classes I've taken, so basically this is really new territory for me. If anybody can provide some examples of how to code the updates I'd like to make I'd greatly appreciate it.

I've attached the current plugin if any body would like to test, however the source has not changed much from the original if you'd like to get a feel for it. I can certainly post the current source for anybody willing to look at it or even help me update it.

Some links for reference:

Compiled DCRaw.exe (I used the DCRawMS.exe): http://www.insflug.org/raw/Downloads/

DCRaw options/switches: http://www.cybercom....aw/dcraw.1.html

I look forward to any and all feedback.

Thanks!

- Jeff

UPDATE: Link to RAWFile

Edited June 3, 2011 by cola007

[mojochan]

Hi. I have a Panasonic GF2 and would be happy to beta test this plugin. The current version seems to have the white balance wrong because the picture comes out grey.

Do the raw files contain data on exposure etc? When I open them in other software (e.g. Directory Opus) they looks correct, so presumably it is getting the information from somewhere.

[cola007]

Hi mojochan,

Thanks for your interest in the plugin! Currently the plugin uses the camera's white balance by default. If your images are coming out gray it may be due to the version of DCRaw that's included in the plugin. This particular version of DCRaw may not be fully compatible with your specific camera. When I compiled the RAWFile plugin I know that the DCRaw EXE I used was at least 2 minor revisions out of date as I used a precompiled EXE from another source (see original post). I'm not sure when support for the GF2 was added, but it appears to be on the list of supported cameras so theoretically a newer version should work properly with your camera.

I'll look into compiling the latest source code for DCRaw but I can't make any guarantees that I'll be able to. As a side note, one of my friends helped me out getting the RAWFile plugin compiled from the original source code as he's a full time coder (unfortunately, I am not), meaning it may take a while before I'm able to get to this.

- Jeff

[null54]

My ideas for improvement are:

- Add additional file formats to the supported format list (I don't believe all of the supported formats are currently included)

- Create a dialog when opening the files so the user can change the dcraw options for each RAW file opened (similar to the dialog used for saving jpeg files)

- Save the most recent settings to the registry as the default for the next time a RAW file is opened (including an option to reset to defaults)

- Given the amount of options available within DCRaw.exe it may be best to use a tabbed interface for the dialog

Any other ideas for this plugin are welcome.

One big question I have is: is creating a dialog on the open file action even possible/supported? If not then I could certainly use something like a parameter file, which won't be as friendly but will still get the job done.

Now, on to my need for assistance... I'm not very familiar with C#. I took a few basic C and C++ classes in high-school (that was 10+ years ago now) and, quite frankly, don't remember too much other than the basics and even then I'm quite foggy. In fact, I don't believe we went over DLLs in any of the classes I've taken, so basically this is really new territory for me. If anybody can provide some examples of how to code the updates I'd like to make I'd greatly appreciate it.

Yes it is possible to create a load dialog for a File Format plugin, @evanolds's Icon Format plugin does this for instance.

As for saving settings to the Registry you would have to save to the HKEY_CURRENT_USER branch as standard user accounts do not have access to the other branches.

You could also save something like an XML file into the Paint.NET User Settings directory which would be easier to modify and/or delete than a Registry key.

Attached is a binary of dcraw v9.08 that I built.

dcraw v9.08.zip

[cola007]

Hi null54, thanks for compiling the new version of DCRaw and pointing me to an example of an open file dialog! I've updated the DLL but now it's too big to attach directly to the post. I've seen a recommended hosting service somewhere in the forums, once I locate it I'll upload the file and put a link up.

Updated original post with new download location.

Edited June 3, 2011 by cola007

[Ego Eram Reputo]

You can attach a zip file directly to any of your posts. Use the FULL EDITOR and you'll find the relevent buttons at the foot of the message window.

[cola007]

You can attach a zip file directly to any of your posts. Use the FULL EDITOR and you'll find the relevent buttons at the foot of the message window.

Thanks for the tip, EER! Unfortunately in this case the zipped file is about 280KB, just a tad more than what I'm allowed to upload directly.

[Simon Brown]

box.net is quite good. Failing that, MediaFire isn't great, but doesn't force you to wait 45 seconds to download a file.

[Magicool]

hey I can't download this plugin since megaupload doesn't exist anymore can anyone reupload the plugin or give me a link to another downlod source?

[Ego Eram Reputo]

I don't have a copy of this DLL as it wasn't released publicly.