Item #3: Pref>import>compression or embed

[vegasdesertfox]

Howdy,
I'm being as methodical as I can, allowing one question per thread...that way I won't get lost. I have selected to import 2 formats from the git go: raw + jpeg fine. Within the same dialogue box the choice remains to have raw converted to DNG or linear. I've selected DNG(linear is a question mark) but not my question here. My question is should I choose compression or embed? I'm gonna go hunt flowers, some have begun, on the desert. I'm gonna shoot two formats with one release of the shutter. I only correct exposure if the histogram demands it, that I understand. It's pp that I always seem to stumble on and then when I'm flat in the mud, I've always gone back to jest jpegs and I'm tired of stumbling. I retired from the professional industrial photo market in 2''7, because I could and I stuck with film the entire way. Digital forced my retirement, because I refused to switch. Processing sheet film has become too expensive, so I'm forcing myself to learn digital and have had some fun with jpeg because it's "garbage in garbage out" for lack of political correctiveness. But with raw I have to learn to dot the i and cross all the tees. So any helpful hints will help item #3 and then I'll move to item 4. I have taken the time and printed every word in the LR 1.4 help files and I would read them even in church, if I ever had a need for that but don't. I read them all the time. Thanks for helping me with item 3.

 

[Brad Snyder]

Vegas,
That's not an either/or question. Compression and embed are two separate options.

I believe you should choose 'Preserve Raw Image' in the Conversion Method box just above your reference options. This will be a complete 'snapshot' of the actual camera sensor data, prior to any 'de-mosaicing' (color-rendering) processing in Lr.

The compressed option, is just what it says, a loss-less compression algorithm, applied to the data in the above paragraph. By recognizing repeating patterns in data files, it's possible to achieve significant file size reduction with zero data loss. The only concern here is possible use of incompatible non-Adobe software at some point in the future. This is addressed in the next paragraph.

The Embed option also does just what it says. It takes a copy of the entire original raw file, and jams it in with the rest of the DNG data. This effectively more than doubles the size of the DNG file. This is a 'belt and suspenders' type of data safety/compatibility feature. If you're backing up the original raws via some other method, it's clearly not necessary. Adobe provides the free DNG converter s/w tool, which will both convert raws to DNG, and extract raws from DNGs. So, in the event of some future cross-application compatibility issues, you can always punt and retrieve your raw data from the DNG, whether you've embedded the original raw or not. I believe the only requirement for this is not to choose the linear conversion method in the first step.

Practical advice? Personally, I choose Preserve Raw, Compressed, Do not Embed. And backup the originals with a separate method.

Lot of details there, feel free to ask back ....

 

[vegasdesertfox]

Item 3a: Backing up raw?

Thanks again Brad, my spouse had Carbonite online backup on her machine so she insisted that I put it on mine. So for the time being it's there backing up. However, I don't know if Carbonite is correct method of backing up images? I do not know their ins and outs. Besides I have always backed up my little jpegs with cds, but for raw would dvd(gold) be ok for starters. What in your opinion is a good option for a backup HD? What would be a good backup plan for your backup. Back when I was working all my cameras had backups and even the strobes had backups too. The question is how can one best CYA raw files? Once again your attention is appreciated, respected and believed thanks!

 

[Brad Snyder]

Vegas, there're quite a few threads scattered here on the subject. Basically, the answer is 'All of the above'.

I think the true answer is how important the individual files are to you.

Generally, most pros are paranoid to the extent of neuroses, witness, multiple cameras and flashes and what-not (me too). They're backing up right out of camera, they're backing up again after Lr raw import/renaming/organizing. They're backing up the backups, on-line, on glass (CD DVD), on multiple hard-drives, with off-site rotation, and on various networked storage solutions.

Fundamentally, you'll want a simultaneous backup of the raw files at ingestion, so that you have multiple copies prior to erasing the camera media. This will be inconvenient to a disaster recovery, because you'll likely rename and reorganize when importing in to Lr. That needs a separate backup. As you work in Lr, you'll need to backup the Lr catalog database file *.lrcat, as well as the orignal image files(perhaps addressed in the last sentence). For seamless workflow, you'll need to back up Lr's preferences, presets, and templates, which are in yet another location. And then consider how's the safety/longevity of the backup media?

As I said, there's a bunch of discussion here, I'd say work your way back thru the General Discussion and Equipment forums, picking out the pertinent pieces.

 

[vegasdesertfox]

Item 3a-revised!

Thanks again Brad,
You are a diligent master! I don't want to swell your head up so big you can't get in the door to own home(haha)! I too believe now more than ever that there is nothing wrong with a good backup plan and that needs backing up too. We learn by mistakes. Thanks for sharing, my next question will be forth coming as soon as I get on with finally taking some practice demos in my small studio, where I can have control on at least the lighting, today and some flowers on Sunday. I am also purchasing more reading material, I will be in touch, thank you.