Lightroom and how it treats DNG

[Dabow]

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My standard process is to import images into Lightroom as DNG's i.e. let LR do a conversion of the original RAW file. It's always worked for me and the files turn out a little smaller after the conversion - for example a 28mb CR2 file comes out at around a 21mb file after conversion to DNG. However, I have some follow on questions which I'm hoping some of the more tech folks here can clarify for me:

 

The LR preferences for DNG conversion in LR3 seem to be somewhat limited. Just extension option, compatibility and size of JPEG preview. There's nothing relating to compressed or non-compressed DNG and there's nothing for image conversion method. So, when LR copies the RAW file across into DNG is it compressing the file (hence the smaller file size) and therefore is there any quality loss as a result? Also, is it demosaicing the file or leaving it in it's original mosaic format?

 

Finally, I'm considering taking a look at Capture One for RAW conversion, as I believe it may handle M9 RAW files better. I still want to use LR for DAM and further edits down the line after the conversion, so is it possible to export RAW files as DNG from CP1 with the RAW conversion from CP1 embedded in the DNG file, which LR will then pick up on for me to continue my workflow?

 

Thanks in advance for any help on this?

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[sandymc]

There is no quality loss due to LR's compression, and the DNG files are written in the original (Bayer Mosaiced) form

 

Sandy

[01af]

There's nothing relating to compressed or non-compressed DNG and there's nothing for image conversion method.

These settings are hidden behind the compatibility options.

 

 

So, when LR copies the raw file across into DNG is it compressing the file (hence the smaller file size) ...?

Yes.

 

 

... and therefore is there any quality loss as a result?

No.

 

 

Also, is it demosaicing the file or leaving it in it's original mosaic format?

Unless you selected the demosaicing option (not recommended), it will store the data in the original mosaiced form. When demosaiced, file size would grow considerably.

 

 

Finally, I'm considering taking a look at Capture One for raw conversion, as I believe it may handle M9 raw files better. I still want to use LR for DAM and further edits down the line after the conversion, so is it possible to export raw files as DNG from CP1 with the raw conversion from CP1 embedded in the DNG file ...?

Yes.

 

 

... which LR will then pick up on for me to continue my workflow?

No.

[Dabow]

Thanks for the info guys! Just a quick follow on question: Where is the demosaicing option? Hidden behind the compatibility settings? I don't recall seeing it anywhere. Just want to make sure it isn't set to 'on'... although I guess the fact that my DNG file sizes are smaller than my original RAW files suggests that it's not set. be handy to know where the option is though.

 

Just a pity the changes from CP1 can't be carried across to LR within the DNG. I suppose the only option is to save the changes in an exported TIF from CP1 then import that into LR. Not ideal.

[Jeff S]

. I suppose the only option is to save the changes in an exported TIF from CP1 then import that into LR. Not ideal.

 

This is the process used in this 2 year old article.

 

Jeff

[Dabow]

Thanks Jeff