Question about converting my RAW files to DNG

I've shot with Nikon, Olympus, and Panasonic so I'm familiar with all their proprietary RAW formats that each uses. I'd like to convert all my RAW files to DNG and then use that on import into LR going forward. I noticed that the DNG files from the Panasonic or Olympus images don't display a thumbnail in my finder folders (Mac OS X) so I tried some experiments.
I used the "convert to DNG" function in LR for some RAW files from each of the 3 cameras. Only the images taken with the Nikon D5300 show a thumbnail image in my finder folder. The Oly and Panny shots only display the DNG icon. Next I used the "export to DNG" function thinking that might make the thumbnail available but it was just the same. I would like to be able to see the images in my finder folders and also be able to open them to view in "preview" but only the Nikon converted DNGs will open in preview and not the Panny or Oly DNGs. Am I doing something wrong in the preferences? I've attached a screen shot of my preferences settings for DNG in LR and the thumbs that I'm seeing in my finder folders.
These are the settings I have set in preferences in LR
This is my Nikon NEF image converted to DNG and my Panasonic RAW image converted to DNG (same thing happens with Olympus ORF files)

I probably missed this detail in what you’ve posted, but do you see the thumbnails of the three cameras’ raw files in Finder if you don’t convert to DNG?
What has happened in the past is that the Apple raw interpreter doesn’t read thumbnails of DNGs it doesn’t like, where at least one thing it didn’t used to like was embedded lens corrections for mirrorless cameras. Are the Olympus and Panasonic mirrorless—meaning there is no optical viewfinder and everything is seen on an LCD screen or perhaps an electronic view finder? If so the reason these are different is that the camera is doing the lens distortion corrections automatically and this information is stored in the raw files and in the DNGs but Apple doesn’t know how to use these embedded lens corrections or doesn’t know how to read the newer DNG spec that does allow for this information to be embedded in the DNG, at least.
Apple could just extract the embedded jpg preview and ignore the other parts of the file it doesn’t understand, but it apparently doesn’t do this.
What I’m not sure about is if the Apple raw interpreter still has this problem or if you’re on an older system without the latest updates for camera raw decoding by Apple.

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After reinstalling CS6 the bridge photo downloader isn't able to read raw files and fails to convert the raw files to DNG. Previously downloaded raw files, now DNG, open up successfully in Camera Raw 7. How do I get the photo downloader to read and conver

After reinstalling CS6 the bridge photo downloader isn't able to read raw files and fails to convert the raw files to DNG. Previously downloaded raw files, now DNG, open up successfully in Camera Raw 7. How do I get the photo downloader to read and convert raw files. MacBook Pro with Snow Leopard. No such problem before this reinstallation.

You should install Camera Raw 4.6.
Visit this page and follow the instructions carefully:
PC: http://www.adobe.com/support/downloads/detail.jsp?ftpID=4040
Mac: http://www.adobe.com/support/downloads/detail.jsp?ftpID=4039
-Noel

Question on converting edited CR2 files to DNG

Sorry, I cannot find a separate DNG forum. If this question is in the wrong place, please direct me to the correct forum.
I have lots of CR2 RAW files on my computer, and I am considering converting them to DNG. Many of these RAW files have already been edited and so have a separate XMP sidecar file containing the edits in the same folder. If I convert (using the Adobe DNG converter) these edited RAW files to DNG, what is converted? The CR2 RAW file alone, so that the converted DNG file is the same as the original unedited CR2 file? If so, what happens to the orphaned XMP file? Ignored?
My concern is that I will lose all RAW edits if I convert to DNG because the conversion process ignores the edits contained in the separate XMP file.
Can someone explain this to me? Thanks.

So what you're saying is that the DNG conversion de-mosaics the image? I guess that's not surprising, since for compatibility with older Photoshop versions you'd have to deliver a more or less standardized format.
Kind of throws a big monkey wrench into claims that converting to DNG is functionally equivalent to opening raw images directly though... I was experimenting with a "fall leaves" image last night and no matter what I tried with the 2010 process I was still able to get more detail in bright red leaves with the 2003 process.
I suppose that says if you want maximum flexibility and control you'd better buy the Photoshop upgrades and stick to opening raw camera files directly. A variant on the "if you want to play you have to pay" adage.
-Noel
P.S., Does the DNG converter read the centralized database as well as XMP files? I personally prefer the database to the extra files.

Do I need to keep my xmp files after converting my raw files to dng?

I originally set up Lr to automatically build xmp files. Recently, I decided to go with dng files and have converted all my raw files to dng. Can I now delete all my xmp files and change my Lr setting so xmp files are no longer automatically produced?

WDKlein1000 wrote:
I think I've got this straight. My goal is to keep the xmp data with the image file (embedded into the file in the case of dng files) as well as in the Lr catalog. I still need to auto (or manually) save xmp files in order for Lr to save the xmp data internally to the dng file. Right?
Perfectly right.
WDKlein1000 wrote:
I've been converting to dng after I have done my initial Lr processing of the raw files and the sidecar files have already been produced. When I convert to dng, the side car files aren't automatically deleted.
I *think* if you say: do not delete previous raw, it keeps both xmp and original raw files. However, if you say: delete original raws upon conversion, it will delete both raw files and xmp sidecars. In other words, they are treated as a unit. So I suspect your raw files are not being deleted either, right? Note: if this is the case, then whenever you sync your folders, it's gonna wanna pull in all the original raws again. If it were me, rather than deleteing the xmp and leaving the sibling raws, I'd move both to a backup.
WDKlein1000 wrote:
I wonder if the sidecar files would ever be produced if I imported with the option to convert to dng and then wouldn't ever be editting the raw files?
They would not. If you know you are going to prefer DNG, it seems prudent to convert upon import.
WDKlein1000 wrote:
I know the sidecar files are relatively small, but I guess it wouldn't hurt to go back and delete them once the xmp data is embeded in the dng files. Right?
Right again - delete away...
UPDATE: I didn't see AR's previous post when I wrote this, sorry for redundancy.
Rob

Embed original RAW file in DNG?

Is there any way to set the DNG conversion in Lightroom to embed the orginal RAW file upon import (similar to how it works in the DNG converter program that is put out by Adobe)? It appears that the Lightroom DNG converter will only convert the RAW file to DNG without embedding the original...any suggestions or comments??? Thank you in advance.

Maybe I've misunderstood the question or else I'm missing something here.
I have Adobe's standalone DNG converter on my Desktop which I used to use previously, and yes, there is an option of embedding the original RAW file which I chose to use. At the end of the day this process produced on file - the dng - and buried within it was the original RAW.
I had reservations about LR's convert to dng process in the beginning but am now beginning to see the advantages of it. When I convert my RAW file to dng I now get 2 files in the original image folder - one being the ORIGINAL Raw image, the second the dng conversion. So now I have the best of two worlds, and although it takes up more HD than previous I'm beginning to like it this way. Some posts on this issue seem to imply that in the conversion to dng process the original Raw is somehow being lost and this quite simply isn't the case.

Panasonic GX1, raw-file to dng

This camera is supposedly supported in the latest release of Adobe DNG Converter.
I can't get it to work.
Most of the time the converter program hangs with 1 file left to convert.
If I only select a small number of files to convert it runs through all.
The problem is I can not view the converted dng-files.
Running Mac OS X Lion.
The files can not be viewed through preview or Aperture.
Has anybody been successful converting GX1-raw-files to DNG?

You understood correctly about how the DNG conversion works.
However, not all software reads all DNG.
For example, sometimes a software still internally checks whether it supports a given camera model and may refuse to process unrecognized models.
I will do some of my own testing later with these images and let you know what I find.
Eric

I'm having troubles converting my raw files from Nikon D5200 (NEF) to DNG. I tried using Lightroom 4, but it didn't identify the folder containing the files. So i downloaded the latest DNG converter but that too didn't identify the files kept in the folde

I'm having troubles converting my raw files from Nikon D5200 (NEF) to DNG. I tried using Lightroom 4, but it didn't identify the folder containing the files. So i downloaded the latest DNG converter but that too didn't identify the files kept in the folder location. So I downloaded DNG converter v7.3 for D5200. It identifies the folder and files; but it is giving me parsing error on trying to convert files. I'm running Windows Vista Home Edition SP1. Kindly advise. Thank you.

I probably missed this detail in what you’ve posted, but do you see the thumbnails of the three cameras’ raw files in Finder if you don’t convert to DNG?
What has happened in the past is that the Apple raw interpreter doesn’t read thumbnails of DNGs it doesn’t like, where at least one thing it didn’t used to like was embedded lens corrections for mirrorless cameras. Are the Olympus and Panasonic mirrorless—meaning there is no optical viewfinder and everything is seen on an LCD screen or perhaps an electronic view finder? If so the reason these are different is that the camera is doing the lens distortion corrections automatically and this information is stored in the raw files and in the DNGs but Apple doesn’t know how to use these embedded lens corrections or doesn’t know how to read the newer DNG spec that does allow for this information to be embedded in the DNG, at least.
Apple could just extract the embedded jpg preview and ignore the other parts of the file it doesn’t understand, but it apparently doesn’t do this.
What I’m not sure about is if the Apple raw interpreter still has this problem or if you’re on an older system without the latest updates for camera raw decoding by Apple.

Should I convert my Rebel XT RAW files to DNG before importing?

First, I'm glad the Automator script for renaming files is working now in Leopard. I always would import from my CF card to a directory and run an automator script to change the filenames to something somewhat useful. That broke in Leopard but it now works. But anyway, I was wondering if its worth the extra step to convert my RAW files to the Adobe Digital Negative format before importing into Aperture? Does any metadata get lost in the conversion?

I'm not aware of any metadata being lost.
According to http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=307385, by converting to DNG, you lose
The Auto Noise Compensation adjustment under Raw Fine Tuning is not available with DNG images. Auto Noise Compensation requires specific knowledge of the camera's sensor characteristics in combination with the ISO value of the image. DNG images do not provide the needed sensor information.
but you gain lossless compression of the files by converting to DNG. A recent test converted 500MB of Xti images to about 400MB. I would rather convert to DNG in order to keep all my files in one format so in 10 years so I don't have 8 different Canon camera raw formats I have to worry about - whether or not Aperture is around.
Aperture still uses the 2.0 raw converter and not the DNG converted. I haven't yet made a decision as to if losing the auto noise compensation is that big of a deal.

I have just purchased elements 12. It will not convert a raw file for me. i have downloaded DNG convertor 8.5 but it says that my Canon 70d is not compatible. I never had a problem with my last camera canon 7d and elments 8. Can someone help me please..

i have just purchased elements 12. It will not convert a raw file for me. i have downloaded DNG convertor 8.5 but it says that my Canon 70d is not compatible. I never had a problem with my last camera canon 7d and elments 8. Can someone help me please

Did you buy PSE in the mac app store? If not, just go to Help>Updates in the editor and update camera raw and you should be able to open the raw files in PSE 12 directly without the DNG converter.

DNG converter for RAW files

I have been using Dng converter to convert RAW files from an unsupported camera (Olympus sp350) for importing into iphoto. Unfortunately the latest version of iphoto (9.2) does not seem to be compatible with the latest Adobe dng converter (6.3.0.79). Any suggestions?

The first thing to point out is that the release candidate will not recognize the new small raw format. You'll have to shoot the full-sized raw images. The other thing to be aware of is that, in the DNG converter, when being prompted for the location of your raw images, it is asking for the FOLDER. Choose the folder, but don't open it. Then the DNG converter will convert the raw files contained within that folder.
If you want to shoot TIF, you would probably have better image data to work with than you would with JPEG images. But it still wouldn't be as flexible, and you wouldn't have as many options as you would shooting raw. Try the DNG converter with my suggestions and see if it works for you.

Batch convert Raw files to DNG via Library's convert to DNG issue

I have LR 4.4 running on a Win 7 64 bit PC...
I selected 4 RAW files (CR2) to convert to DNG via the Library modules 'convert to DNG' and then delete the CR2 file.
It converted only the last of the 4 files and left the other 3 untouched as CR2 files. Can LR not batch convert the RAW files in this manner??
Dave

I tried again to convert the remaining 3 CR2 files to DNG by selecting the 1st file and shift clicking on the 3rd file in the film strip and then via 'Library-Convert photo to DNG. I have Delete originals after conversion checked.
This time it converted the 1st file and left the other 2 unchanged. It seems to perform the operation on the 1st file selected...the first time when I tried this on the 4 original files I had clicked on the last file and then shift clicked on the first on in the series.
BTW...I have LR4.4, Win 7 64-bit, 16G ram, Pentium 7...
For what it's worth, I also noticed that when I "round-trip" a file to CS6 and then SAVE the file it should bring me back to LR with the new file placed next to the old one in LR. Mine does not. The new file is not shown and I have to synch and add photo's to have it show in LR. Another issue...
Thanks for checking on your end. I suspected LR should properly batch the conversion as it did for you and that I had an issue. With the Nik suite and Perfect Effects 4 installed I'm hoping not to have to do a complete uninstall/reinstall...what a pain (sigh).
Dave

Questions about converting files in order to import to iMovie '09?

I was able to import the videos from my camera (.mts files) into iMovie '09, but now when I click Import from Camera, iSight opens up instead. Since I can't find out why it won't open up my camera files now, I have decided on just converting the files. I just have a question about converting though. The videos I recorded from my camera are in HD. They're very good quality. If I convert the videos from .mts into .mp4, would that reduce the quality of the video?

When that happens to me I get stubborn and make iMovie see the camera by shutting down and reopening iMovie, because I don't want another level of transcoding. If that doesn't work and you have a card reader of even better, a sd slot on your iMac, just plug the card in. If it appears on the desktop iMovie should see it, and if it appears on your desktop then iMovie should read it.
I have a Canon HFS 100 that works best if I take the card out and plug it into the computer.
The times I converted to .mp4, I thought the quality did degrade, because it had to be converted to .mp4 and then imported as AIC. But I am not an expert on whether iMovie can deal with .mp4 directly.
Canons require that one have the camcorder plugged into a power outlet, another reason to use a card reader.
What kind of camcorder do you have? With some camcorders, if one takes both photos and video, the video won't be read.
When nothing works, occasionally deleting iMovie preferences works.
Hugh

Hi I have a question about shooting in Raw with my Canon EOS 6d. I'm in the process of learning photography and my goal was to start shooting in raw. I have Photoshop CS5. When I tried to edit my images in raw I received an error message stating, "The pho

Hi I have a question about shooting in Raw with my Canon EOS 6d.
I'm in the process of learning photography and my goal was to start shooting in raw.
I have Photoshop CS5. When I tried to edit my images in raw I received an error message stating, "The photoshop camera raw plug-in did not recognize the format. If these files are from a camera, you may need to update your camera raw plug in."
In researching the issue I read that to edit in raw you need a camera model requirement of at least 7.3 which only works with CS6. My version of CS5 is 6.0.0.205. Being new to all this I see that my options are to upgrade to CS6 or convert by using DNG converter and paying a monthly fee. Two things I know nothing about and don't know which is would be more beneficial.
I'd appreciate any advise on which route to go and how upgrade and what it may cost. THANKS in advance!
Heather

In researching the issue I read that to edit in raw you need a camera model requirement of at least 7.3 which only works with CS6.
That is correct. Your camera was first supported by Camera Raw 7.3. Camera Raw 7.3 will not work with CS5. You need CS6 or CC.
Being new to all this I see that my options are to upgrade to CS6 or convert by using DNG converter and paying a monthly fee. Two things I know nothing about and don't know which is would be more beneficial.
I'd appreciate any advise on which route to go and how upgrade and what it may cost.
It all depends on your preferred workflow and your budget.
Using the DNG converter is free. There is no monthly fee. You use the converter to convert all Raw files from the EOS 6D to DNGs then edit the DNGs in CS5. That's an extra step every time - every photo. Some people don't like the extra step. Others don't mind.
Camera raw, DNG | Adobe Photoshop CC
Or you can upgrade to CS6 (non-Cloud) and pay the upgrade fee
Creative Suite 6
Or join the Cloud and pay the monthly fee
Or join the Photoshop Photography Program (US9.99/month) and get PS CC+LR

Converting Canon .CR2 files to .dng

I have what appears to be the latest version of the Adobe DNG Converter (8.6.0.254); but when I direct it to a folder containing .CR2 files from my Canon PowerShot G7X camera, it tells me "No items match your search" and does no conversion. How can I convert this type of RAW file to .DNG?

I don't understand your question. Here is what I do in the Digital Negative Converter:
- Step 1 is "Select the images to convert"; I click on "Select folder" and navigate to the folder containing a .CR2 file
- in that window, I see "No items match your search." even though it contains a .CR2 file from my Canon camera. Whether I then click on Select or Cancel makes no difference, since the program does not recognize any files.
- If despite that, I click on Convert, I receive an error message "The source folder does not contain any supported camera raw files."
In other words, .CR2 raw files are not being recognized by the latest released production version of the converter.

Convert slide scan files to .dng?

We are scanning masses of old slide scans and bringing them into Lightroom as .tiffs. Recently I was told that if I convert those .tiff files to .dng that would enhance developing operations in the Develop module and almost simulate working with a RAW file.
Does anyone have any experience with this process? And any opinion about it?

The only advantage of DNG over a TIFF is its ability to retain the full RAW capture of a photographic sensor. A scanner works differently, some have a pseudo RAW format...Nikon scanners can do this scanning to the NEF format. But if you have scanned as a TIFF keep the original as a TIFF LR's functionality will be the same with a DNG made from a TIFF and the original TIFF. Whoever is telling you taht you can magically gain information by converting file types is misleading you and DNG compression (whilst the best for RAW formats, isn't any better than TIFF's so the file size remains the same as does the ability to write xmp metadata to the file (rather than as a sidecar file. In brief converting anything other than an original RAW file to the DNG format is just a waste of time.

Question about converting my RAW files to DNG

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