Guillermo

Hi, I am taking night photos about 4min long exposures. When the shutter closes, I get a 'processing' notice on the screen that takes another 4min until I can see the results. I have twice interrupted that process because I get anxious and it didn't seem to have hurt the file. Can anyone explain why does the system take so long to process? Can I make it take less time? Am I risking damaging the camera by interrupting the 'thinking time'? Thanks! G-