The first image is based on the camera settings, as represented in the embedded JPEG file in the RAW. That is what is viewed until the preview file is created in RSP. The defaults for RSP are "flat" so that you can make of them what you want. Just create a custom appearance, and you can apply it to all of the files (after the previews are made) and they will be as you like. The embedded JPEG that you are viewing first is meant to be "Technicolor" (high saturation and contrast and vivid colors, to appeal to the masses who also turn their bass and treble up on their car stereos and iPods. RawShooter lets you create any type of image look that you want, but by default, it is unprocessed, leaving the detail intact.