It should be noted that Google Picassa is quite upfront about its method to convert RAW files here. The problem is, whenever it encounters a RAW file, it automatically converts it to JPG using its own optimal settings. Unfortunately, your camera will almost always do a better job converting to JPG then the automatic JPG converter in Picassa. I’ve noticed this as well, and my recommendation is to tell Picassa to ignore RAW files completely.
Use something like Adobe Camera Raw (found in Photoshop Elements) or a software that’s similar to convert to JPG on your computer, then export. It’s a pain in the ass for sure, but you shot RAW for a reason. If you wanted an automatic JPG converter, your camera is far, far better at it then the auto-Picassa converter.
If you *really* want to see your shots in Picassa the way they should, shoot RAW+JPEG (basic). It won’t really add much space to your already fat RAW files, and you can tell the difference quickly by comparing the JPG your camera created and Picassa’s attempt to know how well the automatic converter succeeded.
