ebcobol

I am new to processing nef photos. I am using elements 15 raw import to produce photos that I believe are far better then the jpegs. However I find that the results are dng files. Most contests require jpeg, jpg files. When I attempt to copy the dng to jpeg I get the original version which makes sense since the raw files are jpegs except without the conversion? I also have lightroom but I haven't tried raw processing since I believe I will get the same problem? I

Rongnongno Loc: FL

It is your understanding that is at fault.

A NEF is NOT a JPG. A JPG is the export result of post processing - FROM an edited raw file. DNG export/save is just an option.

Bultaco Loc: Aiken, SC

I'm not sure I understand. Are you shooting RAW or converting jpegs to RAW in PSE.

BudsOwl Loc: Upstate NY and New England

You cannot just copy from DNG or raw to jpeg. You have to do a save as jpeg. I don't use Elements, but I do use Lightroom, so here is what you do in LR after you processed your photos - you then export them as jpegs where in the export module you select where they go, whether or not you want to rename them, the max file size you want, and the longest dimension if you want them specifically sized. For example, if I have cropped a photo in 2x3 format and I want a 4x6 size I then just select 6 inches in the appropriate box. In Elements I assume that you have to do a save as jpeg.
Bud

lamiaceae Loc: San Luis Obispo County, CA

Part of what you wrote does not really make sense. But I do understand part of your issue(s). You want NEF raw files to be copied to your HDD for PSE15 processing, right? Are you using ARC Version 9.5, 9.6, 9.7? All should have shipped with PSE15. In the Raw importer or ARC, uncheck the "Convert to DNG" box before bringing your files to your computer, then you should get the NEF files from your camera. DNG are an Adobe generic type of Raw file. Some camera manufacturers have that available in addition to their own format, such as Pentax (PEF) and Leica. It is OK to use and keep either NEF or DNG Raw files. But until you get this business of copying over Raw files as you actually want, don't start to try using Lightroom or you will get all confused and make a mess of the database (Library) by trying to work with two types of RAW files.

When working in PSE15 or full Ps CC you should have and be able to keep your original camera Raw files as NEF or DNG files. When working with files in either PSE15 or Ps CC you should work with PSD files or PSB (big or huge files ~ 1 GB), or TIF (TIFF) files, especially any with layers. TIF/TIFF files are also good for archiving your finished work as they are a common industry standard and will not go obsolete in the future so likely. You should only convert or save to JPG (JPEG) files for final output for Web publishing or printing or sharing via email. JPG / JPEG files are compressed and lossy, and if you continue to process them they get noisier and noisier with more distortions.

Yes, many people shoot in camera JPGs and that is fine if they make very few changes to them in PP, otherwise garbage in garbage out. Don't get me wrong on occasion I've worked quite successfully with JPGs. But then, I'll convert to a PSD or TIF before working with them. But I nearly always intend to shoot Raw.

A point or two on general image file properties. Work with PSD, PSB, TIF, etc., files as 16-bit for good quality. Use sRGB or adobeRGB color space, 300ppi (perhaps up to 600ppi) is standard. JPG by definition are 8-bit files at all times. The more bits, the more data, color, tones, resolution, etc. Cameras are usually 14-bit or 12-bit, some old ones, P&S or SmartPhones are only 10-bit. Files are "upscaled" upon import or copying to your computer with Adobe or Windows Importer or other such app. Your Nikon camera with pretty good program for copying, importing, and PPing too.

Lightroom works totally differently. It never changes your files, but stores your edit data in a database. New files are only created upon Export. You'll need further instruction in Lightroom if never used. I don't use it but I know a bit about it. And you should get a lot more useful info from other UHH'ers.

ebcobol

Thanks to everyone. I appreciate the help. However, to make it clear, I am importing a nef file into elements 15. The rpoblem comes when saving my editing. I do not have a choice but to save as a dng file. It may be I don't know how to overide this choice in elements but my manual is unclear. On re-reading the manual which has a file naming area with the example 72A0238.dng I will substitute 72A0238.jpeg and ignore the file extension box that contains .dng or .DNG and try to save it that way. Thanks again.

erinjay64

Get a more advanced camera...a Nikon D7200, or D810, or their Canon / etc equivalents...having two memory card slots. Put a card in each slot. Set the camera to record RAW to one card slot, and JPEG to the other. Modify the RAW images from card one to your heart's content, and use the JPEG duplicate images on card two to post online, email to friends, and so on.

robertjerl Loc: Corona, California

A. when importing your photos from the camera memory card "Import into LR", you can import them as RAW (NEF in
your case) and leave them or convert to DNG.
B. make basic edits in LR, adjust exposure etc.
C. "Edit in" PSE 15 for anything you need/want to do there and then save back to LR
D. You can then "Export" from LR in many formats, you set up export the way you want it. Format (jpeg), size etc, file name,
watermark/signature if you want and where you want it exported.* Do not convert to jpeg until you export after you are done processing.

* I usually send to Desktop as when I post it is easier to find. After that I either delete or move to a folder with the name of where I sent it. Say UHH folder, sub folder Birds or what ever is appropriate.

jlsphoto Loc: Chcago SubBurbs

I am not familiar with PSE. If what you are saying is when you save a Nikon raw file after you have edited in PSE it's save with as a .DNG correct? If this is the case that's fine. A DNG file contains all the same raw date ther your raw nef file has. If you compare the size of the nef file to the dng file it should be the same size. All the information is there. You can work with a dng file the same as a nef file. When you want to sent the photo to a lab or for web use then output it to jpeg.

I shoot canon raw cr2 files. This is my process for editing the photos. I convert the files to full size DNG files using Adobe Converter (a free download). I also covert them to a small dng. using adobe converter. I work with the smaller files in light room to edit them. It works much faster with the smaller files. I then trick light room into moving the edit info to the larger full size dng files. I convert those to jpegs on output from Light Room. This sounds really complicated but it is not. I would be happy to explain it to anyone if interested. Shoot me a message.

Bottom line is your Dng files will work the same as the nef files. Any questions shoot me a message

Jeff

lamiaceae Loc: San Luis Obispo County, CA

Oh, don't go into "tricking" with beginner, please.

Though, if I used Lr I'd find that interesting.

LiamRowan Loc: Michigan

Some software (GIMP, e.g.) requires you to EXPORT to jpeg. If you select SAVE, it will save as a GIMP format only. In your case, you have a raw file, and you cannot save changes to raw, and so I suspect the software is defaluting to dng, which is considered a type of negative, similar to raw, but changes can be made.

Look for export in your file menu to see if this guess is accurate.

G Brown Loc: Sunny Bognor Regis West Sussex UK

when you save a worked on Raw file - it creates a small sidecar file that contains the changes that you made. When you open that file in the main pse editor it reads the 'altered jpg' that is embedded in the sidecar file and you can make further adjustments. THEN as you 'save as' it will ask you what you want to save it as (rename and choose which .format < .jpg> and size etc)

You cannot save an altered Raw file without saving the sidecar file as well which is why you only have the option of .dng. if you delete the sidecar file you only delete the changes that you made.

does that make sense?

dcampbell52 Loc: Clearwater Fl

Raw files (after processing) need to be EXPORTED to .jpg in order to include the raw file adjustments.. Raw is like an old film negative, it is the bare representation of the image and needs to be processed (like negatives in a darkroom on an enlarger) and then the results are exported to jpg, pdf or whatever format you need. If you attempt to convert the raw file to anything (without exporting) it will just give you an unprocessed version of the original but in jpg or whatever form you converted without exporting.

cthahn

Why play around with DNG. Use LR. You original RAW file is always instantly available. When exporting it automatically converts to JPG. Easy, simple. Using Elements and LR is of no value.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

If you are in the main editing section of PS Elements, you want to do "save as." Here's how:

https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop-elements/using/saving-exporting-images.html

If you are still in the raw editor section (ACR), click OPEN. That will take you to the main section for more editing and/or "save as" option.