Sony Image Data Suite Support > Workflow

	Workflow   STEP1. Preparation STEP2. Taking pictures STEP3. Importing into the computer STEP4. Selecting images STEP5. Processing RAW data STEP1. Preparation In this page, you will find the basic workflow from taking pictures with RAW format to saving in other image format such as JPEG, using α camera and the supplied software. First, install software from the supplied CD-ROM on your computer. STEP2. Taking pictures If you plan to perform RAW processing after taking pictures, you do not have to be particular about an exact adjustment of the camera. At this stage, you'd better concentrate more on framing, focusing, and releasing the shutter at the best moment than minute settings. You can select your favorite shots later, so take as many pictures as possible. [AUTO] or [P] mode is recommended if you are a beginner. If you want to adjust shutter speed or aperture, use [A], or [S]. Select [RAW] or [RAW & JPEG] for image quality. About effects of shutter speed and aperture Note If the picture is too bright or too dark, adjustments in RAW processing are not available. Confirm the appropriate exposure (brightness) while you take pictures. STEP3. Importing into the computer Connect the camera directly to the computer using USB cable. You can also copy images recorded in the card to the computer using devices such as USB card reader. Windows If the supplied software has already been installed, the image-importing software automatically starts. Macintosh Images inside the iPhoto library cannot be viewed with Image Data Lightbox SR nor Image Data Converter SR. Do not use iPhoto for importing RAW files; copy them manually into the folder where you want to store the files. Importing into the computer STEP4. Selecting images Select the images to be processed. Image Data Lightbox SR allows you to select images efficiently. You don't have to process useless images with poor composition or bad timing. However, if composition and timing are perfect while brightness and color are undesired, there is room to make the images better by adjustment at processing. Follow the procedure below for selecting images. 1. Creating collections Collection is a group of pictures. It is easy to handle pictures if you make collections according to each event such as "Travel" or "Party." Go to "Operations" 2. Rating images After you add pictures to collections, rate them one by one. You don't have to see details at this point. Go to "Operations" 3. Selecting images Select the final images to use. Selected images can be copied, processed, or adjusted with Image Data Converter SR according to the final purpose. Go to "Operations" STEP5. Processing RAW data Process the selected RAW data. If you want to process many images at once, use Image Data Lightbox SR. If you want to adjust images carefully at processing, use Image Data Converter SR. Processed images can be saved as common file format such as JPEG. Then they can be used for various purposes such as e-mail attachments, release on the internet, or prints. Follow the procedure below for processing RAW data. 1. Opening image files RAW format whose extension is ".ARW," JPEG format and TIFF format files can be opened with Image Data Converter SR. Go to "Operations" 2. Adjustment Brightness and color adjustments for RAW data are primary functions. Other parameters should be regarded as supplementary. Go to "Operations" 3. Output In order to be opened with other software, adjusted images must be saved as other format such as JPEG or TIFF. Converting to other format and saving them is called "Output" in Image Data Converter SR. Output images can be printed or even can be edited with other software. Go to "Operations"