globetrekker Loc: Bend, OR

Yesterday I noticed that a subset of the photos I shot in RAW and imported into Lightroom Classic were converted to JPEG files. Just some of the photos, not all of them. I used LRC to import. I right-clicked on the folder I wanted to import to in the library module, and went from there. The usual import process (although the right click on the folder is a new trick for me). I hate the fact that I shoot in RAW and then I don't get the benefits of that for some photos. I noticed that the Denoise function in LRC doesn't work on JPEGs. Why does this happen, and more importantly how can I prevent it? Thanks for any thoughts.

lreisner Loc: Union,NJ

Double check the dialog boxes before importing. You may have checked import as JPEG by accident. Go into both settings and preferences and make sure it is set up the way you want the program to perform.

globetrekker Loc: Bend, OR

Thanks. Can’t be those things because the majority of the photos were imported as RAW files. If it was a setting, they would all be JPEGs.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

LR Classic does nothing that was not directed by the human pressing the buttons.

Your RAW files are in the folder used as import. Begin there and verify for yourself.

Your RAW files are on the source camera card used by the camera. Begin there and verify for yourself.

Now that you've confirmed you did in fact capture those images in a RAW format, return to your LR Import Dialog and review the settings you the human have specified as your import settings.

Make other corrections to your workflow and / or camera settings, as needed. Adjust those settings, if needed, based on the findings of your review of the folders and cards involved in this human-cased issue.

lreisner Loc: Union,NJ

globetrekker Loc: Bend, OR

This flawed human reports:

I don't see anything in the import dialog box that addresses the file quality issue. But I don't have a card with images to connect to the PC right now. (As part of my workflow, when I finish culling and processing photos from a given shoot, I delete all the photos I'm not keeping. I do this on the PC, not the camera, which was a recommendation I read on UHH several years ago.) Maybe I'd see different options if I did connect a card with images? But I have never seen an option relating to file format in the import dialog box.

I verified that my 60D is set to RAW in the quality setting. The JPEG setting on the same screen is set to the first option, which looks like a long dash. I assume that just means I'm not shooting JPEG, right?

I can't really investigate the folder I imported into because I have already culled and processed the keepers, and deleted the rest from yesterday's shoot. I guess I could shoot some test images and then import as a test. But I'll just wait until my next regular shoot.

Unrelated side note. I have stopped using the "Copy as DNG" option when I import, on CHG-CANON's recommendation. Yet every time I open the import dialog box, that option is selected. I would have thought that LRC would remember the settings I used for my previous import. Shouldn't it? Or will I have to change this setting every time I import?

Thanks for any thoughts, as usual.

jcboy3

I copy files from my memory cards to my hard disk, and then I import them into Lightroom having Lightroom leave the files where I put them. After the system is backed up, I can delete the files from the memory cards. This means I am guaranteed to have the original files. I always recommend this process rather than let Ligthroom manage the process of getting files off cards.

I have had some cases where I forgot to reset my camera after switching to shooting JPG. It is always clear in my workflow because those JPG files are sitting on my hard disk where I put them when I copied them from the memory card.

You might consider this in the future.

Judy795

I have some photos imported to LR and I realized that as I was changing settings on the camera, I mistakenly switched the camera over to JPEG. I think the QUAL button on the top left of a Nikon is the one that does this. Made me very annoyed to see this but I know it was my carelessness.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Alas, if you've destroyed the files / sources needed for an analysis -- as well as the video tape of your actions -- there's not much we can do.

LR Classic should remember your last import action. If that's not the case, I'd open a technical support chat with Adobe and demonstrate your issue. Let them resolve.

Everything else about "disappearing files" or changed format, that requires a test case that purposefully demonstrates that event.

bsprague Loc: Lacey, WA, USA

I've been using Lightroom since version 4 which I think is about 15 years. The only way you can get a JPEG from a RAW is with the Export tool.

globetrekker Loc: Bend, OR

Not sure what's wrong with letting Lightroom delete files from the card?

I don't want to accumulate photos that I've already determined I don't want. So my process is to cull, develop, make final sections, and delete the rest.

globetrekker Loc: Bend, OR

Even if I somehow accidentally changed the quality setting on my camera without realizing it, which is highly unlikely, surely I would remember changing the setting back to RAW. I am not totally convinced there is not something else going on here. But for the moment I will assume user error and see what happens with my next shoot.

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

As a general rule it is best to import all your files into Lightroom and then back them up before deleting them from your original source. It is the safest way to ensure you don't lose anything.

SuperflyTNT Loc: Manassas VA

I dunno where you got that suggestion. While there shouldn’t be an issue using either the PC or camera to delete photos, the common advice is to format your card in camera.
As for your JPEG’s, is it possible you’re occasionally using a mode or feature on your camera that only saves to JPEG?

mikeroetex Loc: Lafayette, LA

1) If you have not emptied the trash on your PC, the photos in question should still be on your PC.
2) Paul is correct. I have never seen software have a mind of its own. Software is stupid and only follows your directions. That applies to LRC and software on your camera. Retracing your workflow steps will often find your misstep.