NikonWeb.com

As discussed in another thread, Kodak's DCS file format module doesn't work with Photoshop CS3, and Kodak Photo Desk cannot read files from the old DCS cameras. Unfortunately, Kodak can no longer help:

"Please be aware that Kodak has discontinued all support for the older models like the DCS 4xx cameras. Having said that, we would suggest looking for stand-alone graphic file converter software."

There are a few programs that can read the old DCS files, but they're often expensive and/or difficult to use (you need to download and install special support files, etc.)

So.. I spent a few hours and wrote the following piece of software (sorry, Windows only). Nothing fancy, but it works:



DOWNLOAD: NikonWeb.com DCS File Converter (2.1 MB)


Readme.txt:

NikonWeb.com DCS File Converter
ver 0.2 - October 2008

Free software to convert proprietary Kodak DCS TIFF and DCR files to ordinary TIFF, PSD or JPEG files.

The program is very simple to use:

1) Select the files you want to convert (select multiple files by pressing the CTRL key) or click on the Select All button to select all files in a folder.

2) Select the output format (TIFF, PSD or JPEG) in the Settings tab and specify a file name prefix

3) Click on the Convert Selected Files button.

The converted files will be saved in the same folder as the original files, but with the specified file name prefix and correct file extension (.jpg for JPEG files, and so on).

Supported camera models
------------------------

DCS 3xx, DCS 4xx, DCS 5xx, DCS 6xx, EOS Series, and NC2000 cameras

(Using the following Kodak support files: pdc_sdk.dll, ekfpixjpeg140.dll, profire.dll)

DCS 7xx, DCS Pro Back, 14N, and SCS 2000 cameras

(Using the following Kodak support files: DCSProBack.dll, DCSPro3SLR.dll, DCSPro4SLR.dll)

DISCLAIMER
-----------

This is unsupported, AS-IS software. Use at your own risk.

This software is written by Jarle Aasland, and uses Kodak's own DCS support files and PolyImagePro by Larry Reeve. You may freely distribute and share this program, but you cannot charge anything for doing so.

Many thanks...

New version with two additional features:

Apply auto levels
Apply auto contrast

Using these settings will, in some cases, dramatically improve image quality. In other cases they may do the opposite. You'll need to experiment to find the best combination (try none, one at the time, and both in combination).

Please notice that the program will never, under any circumstance, overwrite an existing file on your system. In other words, you'll need to specify a different file name prefix or delete/move previously converted files before testing a different auto levels/contrast setting.

Also, here's the new, permanent home page for the program:

http://www.nikonweb.com/DCS_convert/

User feedback appreciated.

Jarle