RAW File in LR Looks Like JPG
Apr 21, 2018 12:30:55 #
I sometimes shoot both RAW + JPEG. When I import to LR my RAW files look almost exactly the same as the corresponding JPEG file. But, if I open the RAW file directly on my PC (Picassa) it has a very much different look - dim, washed out color. I have attached screenshots of the comparison files.
Top one is NEF file in Picassa, middle one is same file (NEF) as imported to LR, bottom one is corresponding JPEG. Is LR doing some adjustments on import?
Top one is NEF file in Picassa, middle one is same file (NEF) as imported to LR, bottom one is corresponding JPEG. Is LR doing some adjustments on import?
Apr 21, 2018 12:42:00 #
RAW photo files are just RAW data. It has to be interpreted at some point into something the eye can see as an image. The camera does it, Ligroom does it and everything else that makes it viewable does it.
Most programs, including Lightroom, use a processing profile to make it look nice. Lightroom Classic 7.3 provides more profiles than ever, including ones made to try to match camera JPEG settings.
Obviously your Picassa is choosing to do no or minimum profile possessing.
So why shoot RAW? It is NOT because it automagically provides a better picture. You shoot RAW when you want the potential of more control and more range of interpreting the RAW data into something you like in your mind's eye.
Most programs, including Lightroom, use a processing profile to make it look nice. Lightroom Classic 7.3 provides more profiles than ever, including ones made to try to match camera JPEG settings.
Obviously your Picassa is choosing to do no or minimum profile possessing.
So why shoot RAW? It is NOT because it automagically provides a better picture. You shoot RAW when you want the potential of more control and more range of interpreting the RAW data into something you like in your mind's eye.
Apr 21, 2018 12:52:55 #
Google's Picasa support ended in 2016; my newer camera's raw files also looked terrible compared to previous camera when viewed in that software.
Picasa (not Picassa) has no special settings or parameters for raw files and no tools specifically for editing raw. In fact, for older cameras that still "work" there, the files are automatically converted from 12- or 16-bit to 8 bit. A file viewed in Picasa shouldn't be compared with Lightroom, Photoshop or most any other. And yes, per bsprague's mention, for optimum results please do cook that raw file; it's not meant to be served like sashimi
Picasa (not Picassa) has no special settings or parameters for raw files and no tools specifically for editing raw. In fact, for older cameras that still "work" there, the files are automatically converted from 12- or 16-bit to 8 bit. A file viewed in Picasa shouldn't be compared with Lightroom, Photoshop or most any other. And yes, per bsprague's mention, for optimum results please do cook that raw file; it's not meant to be served like sashimi
Apr 21, 2018 13:29:43 #
Linda From Maine wrote:
Google's Picasa support ended in 2016; my newer camera's raw files also looked terrible compared to previous camera when viewed in that software.
Time for the OP to move on?
Apr 21, 2018 14:23:26 #
was_a_guru wrote:
I sometimes shoot both RAW + JPEG. When I import to LR my RAW files look almost exactly the same as the corresponding JPEG file. But, if I open the RAW file directly on my PC (Picassa) it has a very much different look - dim, washed out color. I have attached screenshots of the comparison files.
Top one is NEF file in Picassa, middle one is same file (NEF) as imported to LR, bottom one is corresponding JPEG. Is LR doing some adjustments on import?
Top one is NEF file in Picassa, middle one is same file (NEF) as imported to LR, bottom one is corresponding JPEG. Is LR doing some adjustments on import?
Picasa is a no-frills, no functionality raw converter. Basically useless if you care about your images. You have real software (Lightroom). Use it and forget about Picasa. That horse was beaten to death in 2016.
Your goal should be to use LR to make your images look better than jpeg. Then use Photoshop to make them really pop.
Apr 21, 2018 16:16:57 #
Apr 21, 2018 16:36:15 #
was_a_guru wrote:
I sometimes shoot both RAW + JPEG. When I import to LR my RAW files look almost exactly the same as the corresponding JPEG file. But, if I open the RAW file directly on my PC (Picassa) it has a very much different look - dim, washed out color. I have attached screenshots of the comparison files.
Top one is NEF file in Picassa, middle one is same file (NEF) as imported to LR, bottom one is corresponding JPEG. Is LR doing some adjustments on import?
Top one is NEF file in Picassa, middle one is same file (NEF) as imported to LR, bottom one is corresponding JPEG. Is LR doing some adjustments on import?
It is possible that it is because of the way your preferences are set, just a guess on my part. See the info attached.
Apr 21, 2018 16:40:18 #
Gene51 wrote:
Picasa is a no-frills, no functionality raw converter. Basically useless if you care about your images. You have real software (Lightroom). Use it and forget about Picasa. That horse was beaten to death in 2016.
Your goal should be to use LR to make your images look better than jpeg. Then use Photoshop to make them really pop.
Your goal should be to use LR to make your images look better than jpeg. Then use Photoshop to make them really pop.
I do use LR. I was just curious why my RAW files are somewhat "precooked" by LR.
Apr 21, 2018 17:14:29 #
was_a_guru wrote:
I do use LR. I was just curious why my RAW files are somewhat "precooked" by LR.
They aren't "precooked." I would guess you are seeing the JPG.
Apr 21, 2018 18:33:34 #
I do have that option checked, and the extension is just .NEF (i.e. 20180120_Storyland Day 1_01.NEF). But this also is the case when I shoot only in RAW and import. And I have available all the development options/settings for RAW files as opposed to the limited ones for JPGs.
Apr 21, 2018 20:25:04 #
via the lens wrote:
They aren't "precooked." I would guess you are seeing the JPG.
The English language is failing here! Lightroom does present a "precooked" preview. It is part of why, after each new camera comes out, that you have to wait for it to be included in the ACR (Adobe Camera Raw) system. The RAW data is "cooked", "processed", "rendered", "previewed" or something to make it come close to what you would have seen on the back of the camera when you took the shot. For years, the default Profile used was "Adobe Standard". Recently the default Profile changed to "Adobe Color". At the same time, a bunch of optional Profiles were added.
You don't have to do anything to your established workflow because of the changes. Rather than blather on or try to show screen shots, watch a 16 minute YouTube about the Lightroom Classic 7.3 that explains the change to Profiles.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ji4eXfy78tM&t=5s
Apr 22, 2018 08:07:17 #
was_a_guru wrote:
I sometimes shoot both RAW + JPEG. When I import to LR my RAW files look almost exactly the same as the corresponding JPEG file. But, if I open the RAW file directly on my PC (Picassa) it has a very much different look - dim, washed out color. I have attached screenshots of the comparison files.
Top one is NEF file in Picassa, middle one is same file (NEF) as imported to LR, bottom one is corresponding JPEG. Is LR doing some adjustments on import?
Top one is NEF file in Picassa, middle one is same file (NEF) as imported to LR, bottom one is corresponding JPEG. Is LR doing some adjustments on import?
Bottom one is best.
Apr 22, 2018 08:25:17 #
Your RAW image, with no processing, is not going to look like either of the final two Linus images being presented in this post. I'd suggest you return to LR and open each image in Loupe mode (use your 'E' key) and then display the file information with your 'I' key. You can cycle the information by repeatedly pressing 'I'. One of the values displayed is the file name. Note the file name of the image display and confirm if these are the JPEG or the NEF (Raw).
Apr 22, 2018 08:42:20 #
Get i of Picasa . Sometimes in LR you cant visually tell the difference between a raw and jpeg
Apr 22, 2018 11:48:44 #
bsprague wrote:
The English language is failing here! Lightroom d... (show quote)
I will watch the video. I wasn't intending to "blather on" about this. I was just curious as to why a RAW file which is supposed to be unprocessed and giving one the leeway for maximum adjustment, is opened in LR & Photoshop somewhat processed. Not a big deal for me. It is what it is.
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