Fuji Finepix F810 - RAW

Has anyone out there shot this camera in RAW yet?? :?

I have a specific question about the supplied Fuji RAW Converter LE.

Does the Fuji Converter allow the user to adjust white balance?

I've already seen the DPreview review which isn't that favourable towards the RAW converter, but I haven't been able to find much other feedback.

I know that the new version of ACR2.4 does appear to "unofficially" support the F810, but I'm looking at recommending this camera to a friend who does not have PSCS.

I'm assuming it is pretty important to set white balance post dive with digicams, so as not to be adjusting an 8 bit image.

If anyone has any imput in this area, I would be most grateful.

If there is no advantage to the RAW file here, then I'll look at other options such as Canon A95 etc.,

Thanks

Sorry - forgot....

Part of the reason for seriously considering this camera is

• the availability of an inexpensive housing

[*]the excellent support from Inon in the form of an AD lens adaptor (for an Inon 105AD)

[*]the availability of an Inon optical cable for the housing (to use the D2000)

[*]the reliability of the low autofocus and low shutter lag

Three big negatives are holding me back from recommending this setup

[*]the potential lack of a quality RAW converter (other than PSCS)

[*]the relatively poor battery life (just over 100 shots)

[*]the use of expensive XD cards

Thanks again for your input.

I wonder if Fuji's Hyperutility for the S2 or S3 will convert the raw files from the 810. Just thinking out loud.

Cheers

James

Sorry James :?

Don't have a fuji-ese dictionary handy - any chance of a definition of your Hyperutility/Hyperdrive thingo?

Is it something that comes with the S2, or a separate software purchase?

The Adobe RAW converter works very well. You don't need to have Photoshop, only Adobe Elements. I like mine very well.

The battery is a bit of an issue, you'll probably have to end up changing it between dives. However it may be possible to rig up a small external battery pack using the 5v connection and like 4 AA batteries.

The xD cards are more, but they are faster. there is hardly much of a lag for writing a 12MB RAW file to a 512k card and the write time to a 1GB card should maybe be faster. They are due out soon in the US.

I like the camera for the cost, but will wait for the Ike housing.

Much more on http://DigitalDiver.net, Just do a search for F810.

Jack

Hi Jack!

Thanks very much for your reply - very informative - especially about only needing Elements. That is great news

I had a peak over at DigitalDiver, but they only seem to have a couple of threads (one about F810 performance in snow and one with some pics). I couldn't find anything about RAW converters which is why I asked here.

I'm less worried about the battery. I can't see the person I'm suggesting this setup for being very snap happy - (perhaps 30 shots / dive??)

Thanks again.

I hate to say this over here because I don't want to rankle feathers, but I wouldn't take only one user report about condensation in the camera as an experience that every user can expect. I think the camera is just fine based on my handling, without any more propensity to fog than any other.

Cheers

James

It's not the fogging that I'm worried about (it'll be used in cold 12C water). It's the other issues like RAW support that concerned me, but it sounds like even PSElements can solve any probs there.

BTW, how do you find battery life? :?

Also, Ikelite has work in progress on a housing for this camera. Guess they were impressed too.

The condensation issue has been flogged to death over on D.D. I think it's a great testimonial to buying a better housing with thicker walls and more rugged construction. Com' on Ike!!

That being said the F810 does have quite a few openings into the body for microphone, usb, etc. But a little tape and absorbent silica should take care of most issues.

As this is my first foray into the digital world, I decided to take the consumer digicam route, as the DSR is out of reach financially, and when I do invest in it, I want something that will be exactly what I want for some time to come. The F810 allows for a great deal of creative control and very good quality for the cost. It will take me a while to shoot up to it's abilities and get in my way.

Jack