Convert NEF to smaller file size

[lbeck]

Lightroom Version Number

6.14

Operating System

1. Windows 10
2. Android

I tend to capture using NEF. Though most of my photos are scenery I have many that do not need the extra dynamic range editing capability afforded by the raw file format. I see that I can convert to DNG but that doesn't appear to produce a smaller file. Also, I can export and get a JPEG (smaller) file.

Is there a way to select a large number of files and collectively convert them to a smaller file size - preferably JPEG?

Thanks.

 

[Johan Elzenga]

Why would you want to do that? Storage is cheap and converting an image from raw to jpeg (if it were possible) would make you lose a lot of quality.

 

[Paul_DS256]

... collectively convert them to a smaller file size - preferably JPEG

Again to what Johan stated, why do you want to convert to a smaller file size? Especially if you convert to JPG, you lose any future editing capabilities. I find I revisit old pictures as my LR skills improve and/or I purchase new companion external editors.

 

[Hal P Anderson]

You could convert to compressed DNG. That lets you keep the flexibility of raw with a file roughly the size of a JPEG.

 

[clee01l]

The most important image is a lossless original SOOC. You really don't want to make that "smaller" is a way that you lose RAW data. Check your Nikon in Camera settings. You can create a 12 or 14 bit NEF. This can also be Lossless compressed (preferred), (Lossy) Compressed or Uncompressed (the largest file size). To get the most out of your camera with the smallest file size, choose 14 bit lossless compression

 

[lbeck]

Thanks to all for your comments and advice. I agree that storage is inexpensive but some of my catalogs are hundreds of gigabytes. One of my catalogs contains only tech images for archival purposes: wiring diagrams, computer innards, repair projects, etc. I'll try to remember to change my camera settings to JPEG prior to photographing those. I generally keep my camera on NEF because as you say I always can go smaller but can't go JPEG -> NEF.

I'll continue to keep my existing archival information NEF even though color balance and other adjustments will never be made.

 

[clee01l]

I generally keep my camera on NEF because as you say I always can go smaller but can't go JPEG -> NEF.

Which of the in Camera settings from the list that I gave do you use?

 

[prbimages]

Is there a way to select a large number of files and collectively convert them to a smaller file size - preferably JPEG?

Select the files, then "Export" them. In the Export dialog box, choose your location (probably "Same folder as original photo"?) and tick the box "Add to This Catalog". Under "File Settings" choose JPG and set the Quality slider to your preference (lower quality = smaller files). Leave "Image Sizing" unticked if you want full size images, or reduce the size if you want to save even more space.

Your selected files will then be exported to JPG files and added back into your catalog. Once this is completed, you can then delete the original files.