It’s no secret that OS X is way ahead of Microsoft Vista. One example is the Core image built into OS X. One of the advantages of having image support built into the OS is that you can handle large image files with less strain on the cpu and memory. It also ensures that the user experience is consistent across multiple applications. I’m no expert, but there is a reason many graphics professionals choose the Apple platform.
An example of this is the way OS X deals with RAW photo files. All of the work is handled at the OS level rather than each application interpreting the data separately. This can be a really great experience unless you have a brand spanking new DSLR. When Nikon introduced the new D80 and Canon let loose with the xti digital rebel I was ecstatic. However, I soon started reading reports that the RAW files were not compatible with the my shiny new Mac Pro. In fact no application on the Mac could open the new file formats since this is an OS level activity. What a disappointment. I certainly didn’t want to wait for the next OS iteration to include new RAW support. Then I found this release from Apple.
Apple quietly to the rescue again. They released an update just to handle the new camera formats. But why is this not just available in the software updates? It’s hard to complain, considering that Microsoft doesn’t even provide vulnerability patches this quickly. I guess I just expect more from Apple.
This update allows iPhoto and all other Mac applications to handle RAW file formats from the latest Canon, Nikon and Pentax DSLR’s. Couple this with a 30 day free trial of Aperture, and I’m in SLR heaven.
Note: Apple keeps moving the installers. Here are both versions
Technorati Tags: Apple, iPhoto, Mac, OSX, Photography, Software
November 5th, 2006 at 10:33 pm
DOES NOT INSTALL ON MDD DUAL G4. Says that install not required. Yet, IPhoto will not import a .nef file (RAW Nikon D80)
November 5th, 2006 at 11:18 pm
The link posted applies to Mac OS X Server as mentioned in the system requirements. The PPC RAW fix for OS X standard edition can be downloaded here: http://www.apple.com/support/downloads/digitalcamerarawsupportupdateppc.html
November 8th, 2006 at 10:41 pm
Sorry about that. I should have also included the PPC version as well.
November 9th, 2006 at 10:59 pm
[...] My final analysis is that Aperture is good but I’m still not ready to part with $300 for Aperture when iPhoto can now handle RAW photos for the D80. [...]
December 11th, 2006 at 9:04 am
Any support for the d80 in 10.2.8?
December 13th, 2006 at 5:30 am
Sod it, went and bought a new IMAC
December 14th, 2006 at 12:18 am
steve,
You might still have to download the latest RAW patch from apple to get the Nikon D80 working. I’m pretty sure it is separate from the OS updates. Good luck and enjoy that new iMac.
December 15th, 2006 at 10:32 am
Tell me about, downloaded the raw patch only to tell me it needs os 10.4.8
Guess what the imac os is as standard? 10.4.8
The download for that was 300meg, not much fun with my current dial-up connection which I cant use with the imac anyway
Grrr
February 18th, 2007 at 1:49 pm
That link seems to lead nowhere now. Anyone know where to get the patch now? Thanks in advance.
April 18th, 2007 at 11:44 am
Anybody know if these patches are included in system updates? I have 10.4.9 and when I try to install the patch it says I need 10.4.8.
April 18th, 2007 at 9:06 pm
I’m pretty sure it’s included with the update. Just try to open a RAW file and see if it works.