redrocktom Loc: Sedona

I'm not clear on when the actual raw conversion takes place. If I'm using LR, does the conversion happen when I import, or when I open an image for editing, or when I export or pass the image to a plugin as a jpeg, tiff, psd, etc ? And if I choose to use another raw converter such as Dxo or Capture 1 as a front end to LR, how would that work?

Rongnongno Loc: FL

Good luck getting a straight answer!!!

Allen Hirsch Loc: Oakland, CA

In LR, the conversion from RAW doesn't happen until you export - and you can specify the file type you export.

Rongnongno Loc: FL

Ah but ACR allows to edit the image before conversion... What setting does it uses as 'defaults' as it does use some... :shock:

This is where the fuzziness and trouble starts, especially that Adobe is less than 'open' about the process... :evil:

Say you open a raw 14, edit in 8 bits... I this case what are you editing on? 8 bit or 14? If on 8 bit as they claim, a raw conversion has already taken place!!! :hunf:

DirtFarmer Loc: Escaped from the NYC area, back to MA

One could argue that conversion starts at import. Otherwise your raw conversion program wouldn't be able to display the current state of your edits.

OTOH, a permanent conversion doesn't exist until export.

Be prepared for 43,672 different opinions on this subject.

Allen Hirsch Loc: Oakland, CA

The original file hasn't been permanently altered until export.

redrocktom Loc: Sedona

So what are you seeing during editing, a jpeg file?

Allen Hirsch Loc: Oakland, CA

Why does it matter?

It's still a RAW files as far as I'm concerned until I export it and choose the file type I want it be converted to.

Rongnongno Loc: FL

Man, you are stingy on that evaluation!

JimH123 Loc: Morgan Hill, CA

You are seeing the RAW plus any adjustments made by Lightroom automatically or any adjustments you have done. The RAW is never altered. When you adjust, Lightroom keeps track of the settings you have chosen and only remembers those changes. When you exit Lightroom, you are often asked if you want to back up those changes.

When you export, those changes are used in the creation of a JPEG or TIFF or whatever you ask for. The original image is still an intact RAW and there is still a record of what changes you have made to that RAW.

Be aware also, that Lightroom does tweak a few things such as sharpness, ever so slightly, as it is imported. Again, the RAW doesn't have this change. It is only remembered as a change that was made to the original RAW.

redrocktom Loc: Sedona

Then is it possible to use a raw converter such as DXO or Capture 1 as a front end to LR. That's really the just of my question.

JimH123 Loc: Morgan Hill, CA

You can use DxO first (I don't have Capture) and process. This will produce a TIFF file which can then be imported into Lightroom. Lightroom now keeps track of changes to a TIFF file.

I haven't really noticed much difference on whether I use DxO first, and then Lightroom. Or Lightroom first, and then call DxO, provided I don't do anything with Lightroom first. DxO Prime noise removal insists on being first. If you make Lightroom changes first, you can't do Prime.

redrocktom Loc: Sedona

Thanks Jim, exactly what I wanted to know. Do you use DxO for raw conversion also, or just noise reduction? I know DxO is highly rated for noise reduction, sharpening, lens correction, and several other attributes. And that it seems to handle raw conversion better for specific cameras. That's why I may want to use it as a front end for LR, which I like as an organizer and global editor.

JimH123 Loc: Morgan Hill, CA

I don't know if DxO's RAW conversion is any better. I don't seem to see any difference. But its Prime Noise Removal is certainly better.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

Red, it happens when you export. When using LR, DXO and ACR, the results of your editing are not applied to the image, it is stored in a "sidecar" file, with the same filename as the raw file, and an extension of .xmp for the Adobe programs, and .dop for DXO. Additionally, you can choose to not use sidecars in LR. In this case the edits are saved in the catalog's preview file.

DXO is easy. You import your files to you LR catalog. If you are using DXO 10, you use the Library Module, and select the Library command. At the bottom of thie dialog box, you will see a selection "Plugin Extras" - click on that and you will see Transfer to DXO. Choosing that will open DXO 10 with your file loaded and ready to edit. When you are done adjusting your image, you can select Export to Lightroom in DXO and it will create a DNG file and export it to the LR catalog, with all of your DXO adjustments, and it will be on the filmstrip right next to your original raw file.

I am not sure what the process would be in Capture One, but I think in principle it would be similar, but you would have to manually open the files in C1.