How to open Sony a99 RAW files

If you are using Photoshop CS6, a patch has been released that enables it to open the a99 RAW files, you can simply open the program and use the auto update function and you're set. If you are using Lightroom 4.2 an update has also been released for both the Windows and Mac versions, sadly the Windows version is only available for 7 or Vista and not XP.

For the rest of us processing the Sony a99 RAW files requires more effort, because Adobe will not provide Camera Raw support for older versions of their software (obviously trying to get people to pay to upgrade to the latest versions), instead we will need to use additional programs open or convert the files first. I think the best program available right now is the DNG Converter 7.2, which is made freely available to download by Adobe (how nice of them), you can download it by following the links below

Windows version (the program will also run on Windows XP)

 

Mac version

This program will convert the RAW files into DNG files, which can then be open by pretty much any programs. The only hassle is that converting does take sometime, but since it will convert a whole folder at once you can leave it to do it's thing while you go grab a cup of coffee or something. Another downside is you will need extra storage space for both the original RAW files and the converted DNG files.

Bangkok New Year's Eve Fairground Rides 2011 Minolta 35mm f1.4 G

Following the previous post about the photos I took on New Year's Eve of 2010 I realized that I also had photos I took on New Year's Eve of 2011.

Armed with a 30 year old Minolta 35mm f1.4 G lens attached to the Sony a900, I once again find myself in central Bangkok, and once again the atmosphere was just as vibrant and colorful as ever, maybe even more colorful than the previous year considering I spent the night walking around a fairground.

There was an empty plot of land right in the heart of Bangkok that has been cleared and was in the process of being develop into yet another department store. Before the construction work starts however, someone had the brilliant idea of plonking down a fairground for people to enjoy during the Christmas and New Year.

I got dizzy just photographing the thing...can't imagine what those people on are feeling

One thing that I didn't have with me this time is a tripod :(, which is a real shame with all the rides with spinning colored lights presenting some great opportunities for long exposure shots. I tired my best to do them handheld, but there are still some blurring in the images.

I never win anything at these fairground games

The New Year excitement seems to be lost on this particular guard

Sony RX100 Image Samples Part 2

The first post "Sony RX100 Image Samples" was becoming a bit slow to load, so I have created a second post to upload more photos from the camera here

falling leaves Sony RX100 iso 160 f6.3 100mm

falling leaves 2 Sony RX100 iso 125 f6.3 92mm

Centara hotel Bangkok Sony RX100 iso 125 f4.9 100mm

floating flowers Sony RX100 iso 160 f5 28mm

raining flowers 2 Sony RX100 iso 125 f5 43mm

riding solo Sony RX100 iso 125 f5 28mm

shooting fountain Sony RX100 iso 125 f4.9 100mm

25 degrees burger Sony RX100 iso 1250 f2.2 28mm

25 degrees onion ring Sony RX100 iso 800 f2.2 28mm

toy car front Sony RX100 iso 1600 f4.5 28mm

toy car side Sony RX100 iso 1600 f2.2 56mm

table football Sony RX100 iso 1600 f4.5 28mm

6 monkies Sony RX100 iso 125 f4 28mm