Google+ improves RAW-to-JPEG conversion, supports more than 70 cameras

By Les Shu Published September 26, 2013

Since acquiring Nik and Snapseed, Google has been moving forward with online photo editing in full steam and continuing to add features and enhancements to Google+. The latest is improved RAW-to-JPEG conversion.

Because Google+ lets you store full-size photos in the cloud, users have been uploading uncompressed RAW images. Once a RAW image is uploaded, Google automatically converts it to JPEG for fast viewing and editing, while keeping the original RAW file is left intact. That converted JPEG image now looks better thanks to the improvements, Google said. The feature supports more than 70 cameras from Canon, Nikon, Olympus, Panasonic, and Sony, with more added in the future. Check out the before and after photos.

google-plus_pigment_before-after — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Google’s photo-editing features are still fairly basic, but over time, as stronger tools are added, it could become a serious challenger to Photoshop and Lightroom for customers who don’t mind working in the cloud. Adobe is clearly aware and has been making moves on its end too, moving elements of the professional Creative Suite to the cloud and improving its Photoshop and Premiere Elements consumer desktop software with cloud functionality.

(Images via Google)

Former Senior Editor, Photography

I am formerly a senior editor at Digital Trends. I bring with me more than a decade of tech and lifestyle journalism…

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