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NEF vs DNG
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<blockquote data-quote="T-Man" data-source="post: 467445" data-attributes="member: 22038"><p><strong>Re: RAW or DNG</strong></p><p></p><p>This is a topic that confuses the everloving crap out of me!</p><p></p><p>First, every author who has commented on this topic that I've read insists that converting from NEF to DNG involves no quality/image data loss whatsoever, yet is somehow 20% smaller file size. I don't understand how that can be the case, unless the original NEF RAW format somehow contains a bunch of superfluous data unrelated to image pixels. How is it possible to reduce the file size without data loss? The advocates for DNG conversion also insist that a DNG file will also be more future-proof in the event you need to create another edit from a RAW file decades into the future. Since DNG is an open source RAW file, the argument goes, it will not be affected by potential changes in proprietary RAW formats that may render previous versions of the native RAW files inaccessible for edit in the future. </p><p></p><p>I can understand the contest requirement and import time reasons for not converting to DNG, but if the arguments for doing it are all true and if file size is a concern, is there any other disadvantage to conversion? On the import time issue, my import time doesn't seem to be that excessive, but I have the "Embed Fast Load Data" checkbox selected in the "File Handling" menu. I don't know that I completely understand that option or if there are any disadvantages to having it selected. I also don't remember ever voluntarily selecting that option or if it was selected as default, but I have it selected. On the processing speed issue, here's an article that argues converting to DNG actually makes LR work faster: <a href="http://digital-photography-school.com/make-lightroom-faster-by-using-dng/" target="_blank">Make Lightroom Faster by Using DNG - Digital Photography School</a> Is this not the case?</p><p></p><p>Right now, I am doing the conversion to DNG when importing into Lightroom and always have since I started using LR... and I don't know how to turn that function off. I looked through all the menu options, and I see the "convert to DNG" selections under the "Lightroom>Preferences>File Handling" and "Library" menus, but I see no way to deselect the DNG conversion option and import the NEF files. I see the "Embed Original Raw File" checkbox, but I want one or the other, not both. If I do decide to retain NEF file formats on import, how do I do it?</p><p></p><p>Finally, in the "Lightroom>Preferences>File Handling" menu, under the "File Extension" drop down menu, I get a choice between selecting "dng" or "DNG" file extensions. What is the difference between all undercase and all caps and why would I select one vs another?</p><p></p><p>Using and mastering post-processing software, deciphering the meaning of all the menu options, and understanding the pros and cons of the myriad of choices I have to make to get the most out of my photos is THE one aspect of digital photography that frustrates me more than all other aspects of photography combined! </p><p></p><p>Thanks in advance for all input on these questions.</p><p></p><p>HELP!</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="T-Man, post: 467445, member: 22038"] [b]Re: RAW or DNG[/b] This is a topic that confuses the everloving crap out of me! First, every author who has commented on this topic that I've read insists that converting from NEF to DNG involves no quality/image data loss whatsoever, yet is somehow 20% smaller file size. I don't understand how that can be the case, unless the original NEF RAW format somehow contains a bunch of superfluous data unrelated to image pixels. How is it possible to reduce the file size without data loss? The advocates for DNG conversion also insist that a DNG file will also be more future-proof in the event you need to create another edit from a RAW file decades into the future. Since DNG is an open source RAW file, the argument goes, it will not be affected by potential changes in proprietary RAW formats that may render previous versions of the native RAW files inaccessible for edit in the future. I can understand the contest requirement and import time reasons for not converting to DNG, but if the arguments for doing it are all true and if file size is a concern, is there any other disadvantage to conversion? On the import time issue, my import time doesn't seem to be that excessive, but I have the "Embed Fast Load Data" checkbox selected in the "File Handling" menu. I don't know that I completely understand that option or if there are any disadvantages to having it selected. I also don't remember ever voluntarily selecting that option or if it was selected as default, but I have it selected. On the processing speed issue, here's an article that argues converting to DNG actually makes LR work faster: [URL="http://digital-photography-school.com/make-lightroom-faster-by-using-dng/"]Make Lightroom Faster by Using DNG - Digital Photography School[/URL] Is this not the case? Right now, I am doing the conversion to DNG when importing into Lightroom and always have since I started using LR... and I don't know how to turn that function off. I looked through all the menu options, and I see the "convert to DNG" selections under the "Lightroom>Preferences>File Handling" and "Library" menus, but I see no way to deselect the DNG conversion option and import the NEF files. I see the "Embed Original Raw File" checkbox, but I want one or the other, not both. If I do decide to retain NEF file formats on import, how do I do it? Finally, in the "Lightroom>Preferences>File Handling" menu, under the "File Extension" drop down menu, I get a choice between selecting "dng" or "DNG" file extensions. What is the difference between all undercase and all caps and why would I select one vs another? Using and mastering post-processing software, deciphering the meaning of all the menu options, and understanding the pros and cons of the myriad of choices I have to make to get the most out of my photos is THE one aspect of digital photography that frustrates me more than all other aspects of photography combined! Thanks in advance for all input on these questions. HELP! [/QUOTE]
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