Help! I'm confused!

[Colin1974]

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I've been using Lightroom 5 for a few weeks. Here's the problem:

I've imported DNG files, edited them, then exported them as JPEG's. I've noticed that the new (edited) files have a fraction of the KB's of unedited JPEG's. Using export, I set the pixels at 300 Per Inch and set the sharpening to low.

Is this normal, as I thought DNG files were "lossless?"

I'm completely new to Lightroom and very rarely edit photos. 

I'd really appreciate any tips or corrections on what I'm doing wrong. 

All the best, Colin

 

[wda]

Colin, there are several factors which can influence output file size. Apart of subject content and tonal range, quality setting and output size are the most likely variables you should recheck and consider.

[pico]

DPI has no influence on JPEG size. The major determination of file size are the number of pixels, and degree of compression.

 

Another puzzler for folks with different disc drive sizes is from disc cluster size so files take bit more space on a larger drive.

[Colin1974]

Thanks for the replies.

The size settings are: 1000 pixels width; 1000 pixels height; 300 pixels per inch. Colour Space: sRGB; No size limit. Quality: 100. Export to: hard drive C.

What is the best size setting for printing?

 

Thanks, Colin.

[mija1789]

Assuming an X Vario, exporting the JPEGs with the settings you specify implies the following:

- both the unedited and edited JPEG are 3264 x 4928 pixels for X Vario

- LR will reduce the longest side of the exported (edited) JPEG to 1000 pixels (i.e. a factor of roughly 1/5)

- LR will apply the same factor to the other side

- the exported JPEG becomes then 662 x 1000 pixels

Much smaller than the original one ! No wonder you loose KB compared to the unedited JPEG 

 

The 1000 pixels limit is only useful for forums, like this one, that impose a size limit for the viewer's comfort (1280 for this forum).

 

So, if you export the JPEG to display in a forum, your settings are correct.

If you export the JPEG for email or storage, do not check "Resize to Fit" in the Export dialog. Simply select a value for "Limit File Size" (say 95%)

If you want to print with specific dimensions, this is better done with the LR Print module. You simply select a DNG in the Library module, switch to the Print module, select a template and eventually adapt the cell size to your frame (no need to play with JPEG).

[gyoung]

There's no reason to save as a jpeg unless you need it for something specific such as web display or google+ album etc.

Print from the original full size dng (or any other raw format), edited if you need to, simply by going to the print module and setting it up for the print size etc you want. Let Lightroom handle any size mismatch between the resolution you have and that required by your printer for the print size.

The only caveat to that might be if you haven't got enough pixels for the print size, when some will say that interpolation to increase file resolution is better done by a third party programme.

Personally I have never found a problem with printing up to A2 from 12 or 16mp files, letting Lightroom do the sorting out.

 

Gerry

[Colin1974]

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Guys, thanks for all your advice. I'm still getting to grips with this, as you can see. I'm having fun finding my way around the software but it really is a new thing for me. I'll know who to come to for further advice.

Cheers!

 

Colin.

[Colin1974]

Yes! I'm now getting the hang of this! It'll be useful, as I'm doing a photography project for a mental health charity and I'm saving both web and print versions of each image.

Best £65 I've spent in a long time!

 

Thanks, Colin