RAW question (Editing)
Mar 22, 2017 13:34:07 #
I could really use some clarification on RAW files. I've read here many times that RAW files cannot be edited. In fact, that they are not even viewable. So far so good. When I open Canon Digital Photo Professional, it displays an image of the RAW file I have selected. Is the program actually displaying the imbedded JPG? And when I perform edits on the RAW file image I am seeing, am I actually editing the embedded JPG? And if that is true, and you have performed edits on the embedded JPG, is there a way to generate a new unedited embedded JPG from the still presumably unchanged RAW file? Or, If it is not true, and the RAW file is storing the requested edits separately from itself, then is it possible to delete those edits after they have been saved? If it is not possible, then it seems that the fact that a RAW file cannot be edited is moot, and some sort of copy should always be made before performing edits. Thanks for helping!!
Mar 22, 2017 13:44:49 #
You have a lot of questions - I'll take a shot at them:
- You can edit a RAW file, but you can't change it. RAW editors either save the edits in what's called a sidecar file, or in a database.
- When you open a RAW file (and, here, I'm speaking from my experience with Lightroom), you initially see the embedded JPG. But, LR can generate a more detailed image of the content of the RAW file.
- Photo editors enable you to discard the edits, or to create a second version to edit. For example, in LR you can view the history of your edits, select a point where you want to make changes, and either re-edit the photo or create a virtual copy and subsequently edit it. In that case, you are not creating an unedited JPG, but a virtual copy. You could create an unedited JPG by exporting the unedited version to a JPG.
- You can edit a RAW file, but you can't change it. RAW editors either save the edits in what's called a sidecar file, or in a database.
- When you open a RAW file (and, here, I'm speaking from my experience with Lightroom), you initially see the embedded JPG. But, LR can generate a more detailed image of the content of the RAW file.
- Photo editors enable you to discard the edits, or to create a second version to edit. For example, in LR you can view the history of your edits, select a point where you want to make changes, and either re-edit the photo or create a virtual copy and subsequently edit it. In that case, you are not creating an unedited JPG, but a virtual copy. You could create an unedited JPG by exporting the unedited version to a JPG.
Mar 22, 2017 13:48:46 #
The Canon DPP software is displaying [b]an interpretation{/b] of the RAW file. As far as I know there is no "embedded JPG", hence there is nothing to make a copy of. The RAW file itself can be opened and edited 'from scratch' as many times as you wish, hence the term "non-destructive" edit. /Ralph
Mar 22, 2017 13:57:01 #
aerides wrote:
I could really use some clarification on RAW files... (show quote)
You are right in one thing, you're are seeing the imbedded jpeg on your monitor, all edits you may do are not done on the jpeg (as there is no jpeg open), but are recorded to a "sidecar" that is attached to the raw data in the form of an EXIF file (Exchangeable Image File Format).This is used for storing an image file's interchangeable information. So you actually just adding some new data to the data (raw) that is already there!
Mar 22, 2017 13:59:31 #
Mar 22, 2017 14:08:53 #
TheDman
Loc: USA
You aren't seeing the embedded jpg, you're seeing a bitmap representation of what the raw file would look like if you exported it at the currently selected settings in your raw converter.
Mar 22, 2017 14:28:41 #
TheDman wrote:
You aren't seeing the embedded jpg, you're seeing a bitmap representation of what the raw file would look like if you exported it at the currently selected settings in your raw converter.
That is correct!
Mar 22, 2017 14:46:58 #
DavidPine wrote:
Excellent answer.
Except that it may be incorrect...
Mar 22, 2017 14:48:11 #
rjaywallace wrote:
The Canon DPP software is displaying an interpretation of the RAW file. As far as I know there is no "embedded JPG", hence there is nothing to make a copy of. The RAW file itself can be opened and edited 'from scratch' as many times as you wish, hence the term "non-destructive" edit. /Ralph
A decent guess, but most likely wrong....
Mar 22, 2017 14:48:59 #
speters wrote:
You are right in one thing, you're are seeing the imbedded jpeg on your monitor, all edits you may do are not done on the jpeg (as there is no jpeg open), but are recorded to a "sidecar" that is attached to the raw data in the form of an EXIF file (Exchangeable Image File Format).This is used for storing an image file's interchangeable information. So you actually just adding some new data to the data (raw) that is already there!
Yet another incorrect response.
Mar 22, 2017 14:50:09 #
TheDman wrote:
You aren't seeing the embedded jpg, you're seeing a bitmap representation of what the raw file would look like if you exported it at the currently selected settings in your raw converter.
A good answer...
Mar 22, 2017 15:01:53 #
You are not seeing the embedded JPG. your seeing the interpretation of the RAW file. IFyou were seeing the JPG it would already be edited ( by the camera or computer) and there would be nothing for u to do to the pic.
Mar 22, 2017 15:10:29 #
Raw converters read the file in slightly different ways. If you use Canon dppp then it will read the Raw and display it how Canon want it. LR will display it as adobe want it, UFRaw will display it as they want it. The differences are subtle.
I would think that most people use only one Raw converter, which often leads to problems with new cameras, as the software takes a while to be distributed.
As has been said, any changes made to the displayed image are saved as a side car file. If you delete the side car file the edits only are deleted.
Have fun
I would think that most people use only one Raw converter, which often leads to problems with new cameras, as the software takes a while to be distributed.
As has been said, any changes made to the displayed image are saved as a side car file. If you delete the side car file the edits only are deleted.
Have fun
Mar 22, 2017 15:12:48 #
G Brown wrote:
Raw converters read the file in slightly different... (show quote)
Dat true for Adobe. Not necessarily other software...
Mar 22, 2017 16:02:19 #
Okay, everybody. Thank you very very much. I've gotten a lot out of your answers that I can work with.
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