Word Of Caution Regarding Lightroom!
Nov 12, 2017 08:41:27 #
Nov 12, 2017 09:02:08 #
I just checked, after the latest upgrade to LR (classic) it did the same to me. Although I am switching to on1 but wanted to continue using LR while I'm in training I no longer see a reason to wait. Happy snapping!
Nov 12, 2017 09:06:32 #
👍🏻
Repeating and adding to what others have written......
They may not even be JPEGs. They may be only low grade previews. Words "uploading" and "downloading" can be confusing. Lightroom does not use those. "Importing" is the Lightroom word for getting your pictures into your computer.
The usual process is to insert your card in your computer, open the Import screen, pick the pictures you want, pick one of the choices at the top center and finish on the right panel with various naming and storage options.
If you select "Add" it will put references and previews in your catalog but your image files remain at the source, in this case the card. You have to pick "Copy" witch puts the files on your computer AND makes previews for the the catalog.
You may be able to retrieve your files. Formating the card does not really delete the data. It only removes the table that locates the data. If you used the card again, you may have "over written" some of the files. If not, they may all still be there.
To get them back you can google for "SD card file recovery" and find the tools and techniques to do that.[/quote]
Repeating and adding to what others have written......
They may not even be JPEGs. They may be only low grade previews. Words "uploading" and "downloading" can be confusing. Lightroom does not use those. "Importing" is the Lightroom word for getting your pictures into your computer.
The usual process is to insert your card in your computer, open the Import screen, pick the pictures you want, pick one of the choices at the top center and finish on the right panel with various naming and storage options.
If you select "Add" it will put references and previews in your catalog but your image files remain at the source, in this case the card. You have to pick "Copy" witch puts the files on your computer AND makes previews for the the catalog.
You may be able to retrieve your files. Formating the card does not really delete the data. It only removes the table that locates the data. If you used the card again, you may have "over written" some of the files. If not, they may all still be there.
To get them back you can google for "SD card file recovery" and find the tools and techniques to do that.[/quote]
Nov 12, 2017 09:11:50 #
Nov 12, 2017 09:35:43 #
gvarner
Loc: Central Oregon Coast
Rongnongno wrote:
The warning is about not setting LR correctly, not LR failing.
As to retrieving the files, IF you have not used the memory card you are in luck (use Recuva ~ google). If not, well, you can still try to use Recuva but there is a slim chance to find anything intact.
As to retrieving the files, IF you have not used the memory card you are in luck (use Recuva ~ google). If not, well, you can still try to use Recuva but there is a slim chance to find anything intact.
I downloaded Recuva because it's free and got a piece of pernicious crap called WebDirector that took over my browser, locked itself full screen on my monitor with no easy way to minimize it. Had to plunk around to find out how to shut the damn thing off, not an easy solve, then uninstalled it all. Beware of "free".
Nov 12, 2017 09:41:32 #
mwsilvers wrote:
What version of Lightroom are you using? What plat... (show quote)
If you set it up correctly, LR can organize your files in folders by date when it copies them to your hard drive. It copies raw, or JPEGs, or raw and JPEGs according to how you set it.
Nov 12, 2017 09:42:46 #
Feiertag wrote:
I was simply warning people, not to make the same mistake I made. No more or less.
Thanks for the warning. I always import my files (RAW) to a new folder which I let LR create on my external drive. I did not know that they could be converted tp JPG, but I suppose it’s an option that could be inadvertently selected. Just ignore the discussions re: RAW vs JPG. Not everyone here is interested in helpful tips. Some are GOP members...... [PS - I am a proud Canadian watching the circus from the bleachers]
Nov 12, 2017 10:11:52 #
Fotomacher wrote:
Thanks for the warning. I always import my files (RAW) to a new folder which I let LR create on my external drive. I did not know that they could be converted tp JPG, but I suppose it’s an option that could be inadvertently selected. Just ignore the discussions re: RAW vs JPG. Not everyone here is interested in helpful tips. Some are GOP members...... [PS - I am a proud Canadian watching the circus from the bleachers]
No, they can not be converted to JPG - They can be converted from raw to DNG on import, they can be copied as is, or added in place- thats it.
If you reread the thread, you will see that the OP stated later that the error was in camera - shooting JPG instead of raw - depending on the camera, easy to make that mistake.
You can EXPORT the raw files to JPG, or other formats if you like.
Nov 12, 2017 10:21:10 #
gvarner wrote:
I downloaded Recuva because it's free and got a piece of pernicious crap called WebDirector that took over my browser, locked itself full screen on my monitor with no easy way to minimize it. Had to plunk around to find out how to shut the damn thing off, not an easy solve, then uninstalled it all. Beware of "free".
You must download software from reputable sites, not crappy internet sucker traps.
I never had a single problem downloading from anywhere.
Nov 12, 2017 10:26:51 #
Rongnongno wrote:
You must download software from reputable sites, not crappy internet sucker traps.
I never had a single problem downloading from anywhere.
I never had a single problem downloading from anywhere.
Nov 12, 2017 10:30:06 #
Well, first of all, ALWAYS copy your files to more than one location if they are important! I always copy my SD/CF card to an external backup drive first just in case. This is my "Negatives" drive just like if I'd had them developed and kept all the negatives. I also never format my cards until I'm sure all of the files are backed up. Then I import them to Lightroom. Then I ALWAYS check to make sure those files (jpg and Raw) are on my computer drive before I even think of formatting the card(s). If you always follow this rule, you won't run into that problem ever again. I also learned this the hard way!
Nov 12, 2017 11:28:26 #
If that is indeed what lightroom did, then thanks for the post. Have you searched your files to make sure that the RAW files were discarded? It seems inconceivable to me that LR would be that cavalier with RAW files as to change them to jpg files and discard the RAW files.
--Bob
--Bob
Feiertag wrote:
I made a big mistake using LR a few months ago. I... (show quote)
Nov 12, 2017 11:40:52 #
Tronjo
Loc: Canada, BC
There are number of data recovery applications that you can use to get your RAW files back. One I can think of is Data Recovery Wizard, Google it. Usually when you fast format the card the files are not overwritten and the information is still there but you don't have access to it. The important thing is after deletion / formatting not write to write on the media on which you will try restoration. You will need a card reader, so you PC can see the card as a separate drive.
Nov 12, 2017 11:46:21 #
rmalarz wrote:
If that is indeed what lightroom did, then thanks for the post. Have you searched your files to make sure that the RAW files were discarded? It seems inconceivable to me that LR would be that cavalier with RAW files as to change them to jpg files and discard the RAW files.
--Bob
--Bob
Think it was a result of camera mode. I think if i go for P mode or the green mode too maybe my camera chooses to save in jpeg instead of raw.
other cameras may do similar.
Nov 12, 2017 11:51:55 #
I see some serious mistakes in your workflow. The idea is to be absolutely certain that you still have your original, untouched files. By making sure that you do, you will ALWAYS have a way to get back to where you started.
To begin with, NEVER, repeat, NEVER import your files into ANY software package direct from your camera's memory card. Begin by creating a folder, or system of folders, on a secure hard drive. Copy all files from your memory card into this folder or folder system. THEN, and only then, import the images into LR or whatever software package suits your needs. In the case of LR, you are given four import routes, those being "Copy as DNG," "Copy," "Move," and "Add." I seldom use the last two. Best to select one of the first two choices. You'll wind up with a COPY of each image, saved into a folder within the LR Library folder. Choice one gets you a saved DNG copy. (My choice). Choice two gets you a saved copy in whatever format you selected in your camera's shooting menu. Either way, you now have TWO copies of each image. LR will use the second copy, the one you created upon import, while leaving your original tucked into the folder you should've created before import. The "Move" option is handy when you want to move an image or images from one catalog to another.
Now, in my case, I have a dedicated 2TB hard drive, onto which I save all my images and related files. I copy the originals into a new folder, identified by date of shooting, and once the copy is tested and safe, then, and ONLY then, do I reformat my SD card. Beyond this, I have a 4TB hard drive on to which I copy all my LR stuff, plus the original image files, and many other things, such as software installers, books, magazines, movies, etc. I have yet another 4TB hard drive, which is a clone of that aforementioned 4TB archival drive. This second archival drive is kept in a separate place, not connected to my computer unless I want to update it. Every few weeks, I attach Archive2 and then copy new items to it and to Archive1. Then, there is Time Machine. I use a dual 4TB hard drive set-up. Time Machine saves an hourly backup to Drive 1 the first hour and to Drive 2 the second hour, and back and forth in that manner. Time Machine backs up my image hard drive, but not the archival drives.
If you're keeping track - every original image I capture is saved to my primary image drive and automatically to two Time Machine drives, and manually to two separate Archival drives - five copies. Same for each image imported - copied - into my LR library.
Culls? Yes, I do throw way some images - meaning I delete the COPIES from my LR catalogs. I do NOT - EVER - delete ANY files from the folders containing my originals. You see, there have been those times when I've retrieved an original I'd deleted from a LR catalog, and by means of cropping, masking, special effects or whatever, found such images useful in some way.
Overkill? Perhaps. But it comes from experience. I once saved my image backups to CD or DVD, and used the same process for other things - installers, correspondence, and so on. But CDs and DVDs have become obsolete. It's hard to find a new computer with a built-in optical drive. Plus, I discovered that CDs and DVDs WILL go bad, become corrupt, etc. and after a time, you can fill multiple shelves with archived optical disks. So I bought some large capacity HD's and ditched the opticals. And yes, HD's do also fail. Over the past 15+ years, I've had three or four HD's fail. Fortunately, I've a utility or two on my computer that keeps an eye on my HD's and when one is failing, I am alerted, BEFORE it fails.
The instance of bad HD's is MUCH rarer than are corrupted opticals. But "rare" does not translate to "never", which is why I utilize a very redundant archival system.
To begin with, NEVER, repeat, NEVER import your files into ANY software package direct from your camera's memory card. Begin by creating a folder, or system of folders, on a secure hard drive. Copy all files from your memory card into this folder or folder system. THEN, and only then, import the images into LR or whatever software package suits your needs. In the case of LR, you are given four import routes, those being "Copy as DNG," "Copy," "Move," and "Add." I seldom use the last two. Best to select one of the first two choices. You'll wind up with a COPY of each image, saved into a folder within the LR Library folder. Choice one gets you a saved DNG copy. (My choice). Choice two gets you a saved copy in whatever format you selected in your camera's shooting menu. Either way, you now have TWO copies of each image. LR will use the second copy, the one you created upon import, while leaving your original tucked into the folder you should've created before import. The "Move" option is handy when you want to move an image or images from one catalog to another.
Now, in my case, I have a dedicated 2TB hard drive, onto which I save all my images and related files. I copy the originals into a new folder, identified by date of shooting, and once the copy is tested and safe, then, and ONLY then, do I reformat my SD card. Beyond this, I have a 4TB hard drive on to which I copy all my LR stuff, plus the original image files, and many other things, such as software installers, books, magazines, movies, etc. I have yet another 4TB hard drive, which is a clone of that aforementioned 4TB archival drive. This second archival drive is kept in a separate place, not connected to my computer unless I want to update it. Every few weeks, I attach Archive2 and then copy new items to it and to Archive1. Then, there is Time Machine. I use a dual 4TB hard drive set-up. Time Machine saves an hourly backup to Drive 1 the first hour and to Drive 2 the second hour, and back and forth in that manner. Time Machine backs up my image hard drive, but not the archival drives.
If you're keeping track - every original image I capture is saved to my primary image drive and automatically to two Time Machine drives, and manually to two separate Archival drives - five copies. Same for each image imported - copied - into my LR library.
Culls? Yes, I do throw way some images - meaning I delete the COPIES from my LR catalogs. I do NOT - EVER - delete ANY files from the folders containing my originals. You see, there have been those times when I've retrieved an original I'd deleted from a LR catalog, and by means of cropping, masking, special effects or whatever, found such images useful in some way.
Overkill? Perhaps. But it comes from experience. I once saved my image backups to CD or DVD, and used the same process for other things - installers, correspondence, and so on. But CDs and DVDs have become obsolete. It's hard to find a new computer with a built-in optical drive. Plus, I discovered that CDs and DVDs WILL go bad, become corrupt, etc. and after a time, you can fill multiple shelves with archived optical disks. So I bought some large capacity HD's and ditched the opticals. And yes, HD's do also fail. Over the past 15+ years, I've had three or four HD's fail. Fortunately, I've a utility or two on my computer that keeps an eye on my HD's and when one is failing, I am alerted, BEFORE it fails.
The instance of bad HD's is MUCH rarer than are corrupted opticals. But "rare" does not translate to "never", which is why I utilize a very redundant archival system.
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