Qustion on DNG conversion on import into LR2.3

[hassiman]

Hi when I choose Convert Photo to DNG on import to run the conversion in place does it put the newly created DNG files into the same folder where the source RAW file are located using the same filename but with the .DNG suffix?:?:

 

[Denis Pagé]

This depends on your settings in the import dialog box. The first line is the one you already choose ar per your post. In the second, if you choose the folder they where from and in the third line "By original folder", then yes, they may be beside originals.

This is all up to you and I strongly recommend you read all lines in the import box EACH time you import. Many times user get caught by forgetting to empty or change the "Keywords" box further down the Import dialog box...

 

[hassiman]

RE DNG conversion on lR "import from disk"

Hi... I notice that when choosing FILE/ Import photos from disk" There are 4 choices under file handling

1. Add photos to catalog without moving.
2. Copy photos to new location and add to catalog.
3. Move photos to a new location and add to catalog.
4. Copy photos a Digital Negative (DNG) and add to catalog.

My RAW files are alread on an external hard drive and organized in labled folders so I wish to "Add photos to catalog without moving"... but I ALSO want to convert these RAW images to DNG files on import. What do I choose to apply the "add the photos to catalog without moving" AND at the same time convert those files from RAW to DNG files on import?

Under import preferences / Import DNG creation, Is it best to leave the Compressed (Lossless) option checked or unchecked?

What's best for preview creation? Minimal or 1:1. I will not be working on many images at once so speed is less valuble than disk space.

 

[Denis Pagé]

It is then clear that you have no other option beside #4: Copy photos as Digital Negative (DNG) and add to catalog.

This doesn't say it will move and it doesn't say where it will copy neither. So, as I just said in my previous message, you have to set the next three lines properly.

If you want your DNGs to be kept within the same folder as your originals, in the second line "Copy to:", you have to choose the very same folder from where your originals are coming from. A BIG DRAWBACK: You have to change or check this for each import! Then, in the "Organize:" line, as you do not want to choose "Into one folder". "By original folders" may be confusing as it will create subfolder(s). Now, as you still want to keep with originals, the next line "Put in subfolder:" should not be checked. It think this last one is self explanatory...

As you see, lossless compression is a preference. What is best depend on how much you are paranoïd in my opinion. One can be afraid by the word compression on one side but it says lossless on the other side. I myself prefer to save space and opted to adopt the lossless compression. If my memory serve me well, I think that the difference is in the shape of the gamma curve in the very dark levels where it is linear for a tiny part.

For previews, there is no best choice because it depends on your work flow. I myself generally start working on my images right after import so my choice is 1:1 BUT, in the preferences I have the setting to discard 1:1 previews after 3' days on my desktop. If I do field work on the laptop, I know I won't be working images on this machine but I may want to show images as soon as they are taken. In this case, my choice is Standard or Minimal.

 

[Denis Pagé]

As I was some how disturbed by your workflow, I am back...

You say that you want to save space so want to avoid big previews and at the same time you keep two copies of the biggies! Compare the size of the biggest previews with your originals... What about archiving your raws elsewhere just keeping the DNGs to work with? Do you have a well established backup procedure? How does it differenciate between raws and modified DNGs in case you write databack to XMP?

There is something else that make me think about possible future problems that can arise by working two originals in the same folders but the english words are not immediately coming to my mind on this. Thus, I invite other gurus to comment on this workflow...

But in the end, you are the boss!

 

[Andrew Hayton]

Just one question from me, why do you want the original raw files as well as the dng? Why not just use the original raw files?

 

[hassiman]

Re: Dng

I want the DNG as a hedge against the future obsolescence of the camera's proprietary RAW CR2 ( Canon) format. The DNG file supposedly will be maintained by Adobe... Also the DNG allows all LR changes to be stored in the DNG file. No Sidecar files to become disconnected.

 

[hassiman]

Re: Dng

Dear Dennis,

I will be setting aside the RAW files onto an archive drive after the files have been converted to DNG. I had though that LR2 erases preview files after a certian period of time.... the prview size is of no real concern as I do not work for speed. and I work on one image at a time.

 

[Denis Pagé]

The DNG file supposedly will be maintained by Adobe...

For as long as Adobe will be there. Will GM stay as a car maker?... But there is much more to it than Adobe support! Adobe made it an open format so it can live beyond Adobe lifespan.

 

[Denis Pagé]

I had though that LR2 erases preview files after a certian period of time...

This is for 1:1 previews. The other tiny ones stay until you explicitly ask.

 

[Denis Pagé]

Ah! Forgot to ask... Are you well sorted on your original problem now?
Just remember to take care of changing the path at each import tough!

 

[Andrew Hayton]

The other option could be to embed the raw file into the dng but that will make it a lot larger. My own thoughts on this is that my personal work I convert to DNG on import but commercial work is kept as raw files. How I see it, while Adobe or other companies process my raw files I can leave them as they are. In the future I can always convert to DNG.

 

[hassiman]

RE: DNG and import conversion

Dear Dennis,

I am still trying to figure out the best way to proceed.

I have all of my RAW CR2 file on my CalDigit VR eSATA drive organized in folders under one top level folder. I May just change the top level folder name and add that to the CalDigit and point the import there and try on folder and see how it shakes out.

As far as DNG... Most folks I know use DNG now and I am not contemplating erasing the original RAWS. They will get copied to a spare 5''GB external.

 

[Denis Pagé]

Experimenting a little is generally a good way for one to make a decision on the workflow. Go ahead and tell us what you find.

 

[hassiman]

LR First import... report

Well I gave it a shot.

I choose Import from a drive and pointed it at a folder of RAW files

I choose a folder of RAW files that had a few .JPG files mixed in. I choose to import with LR converting the files to DNG and had it apply Loss-less compression.

I applied a metadata Pre-set which gave ownership and copyright information only and I choose a few keywords to describe the general content such as date and location. ( I guess I can apply more specific description on an individual basis later.. correct?)

I also chose the backup on import option and targeted another external drive.

I am really at a loss with the file naming choices... I don't remember what I chose but any hints here from you vets would be great.

I the went through and unchecked any images I didn't want imported and started the process. It took a good 1/2 hour to convertabout 325 RAW files to DNGs and transfer them to my external CalDigit. When it was doneit informed me that it had imported a number of .JPG files but had not converted them to .DNG format. I guess I missed a few...

I then looked at the import bacup the was on another external drive and was surprised to find that it only had the original RAW CR2 files! I had thought it would have backed up the concerted DNG files or the LightRoom catalog data... but I guess not. If this is all this does then I will forgo it next time as I have these files backed up elsewhere..

Is the backup that encompasses the LightRoom Catalog data the one that prompts for backup each time LightRoom is started?

When I get home this evening I will examine what I hath wrought and see what I think. My main worry is the file naming convention... I will probably delete the .JPG files as I'd like them all to be in one group... or maybe I'll let them stay.

More later

 

[Victoria Bampton]

Ok, couple of things to bear in mind:

1. Backup on import will have the original file names, not your new names. It's literally a backup straight from the card (or other location).
2. Do you really want your raw files next to your DNG files? That sounds a tad confusing.

FWIW, I've put my DNG workflow up here: http://www.lightroomqueen.com/blog/2''9/'2/15/a-dng-workflow/ - it sounds like the kind of thing you're aiming for.

 

[hassiman]

RE:First import...

Dear Queen Victoria,

I was surprides that the backup on import was nothing other than my original files. I already have those safe... and I guess once I have used the DNGs a bit and have more confidence in my workflow I too will have the guts to delete my original RAW files.

As far as where the original RAW files will live.. They will be stashed safe on an old external drive and not with my newly imported .DNG catalog.

I looked at your workflow...and I am not sure what you mean when you say you rename the files... I am a bit up in the air about how I should create the naming taxonomy. I think I would like the LR image catalogs to have folders with their original names containing image files with the names they had but for a .DNG suffix.

 

[Victoria Bampton]

Backup on import is literally the untouched files off the card - as a backup against corruption being introduced by working on the files. I only use that as a temporary backup personally, until the files are safely in my normal backup system and confirmed as ok.

The renaming bit - that's only if you want to. By renaming at that stage, you ensure that both your backup and working files are named correctly. Some prefer to delete the dodgy pics before renaming and converting, hence it's in there. If you're happy with original names, you can skip that bit!