Going from DNG to JPG

[mikemyers]

In most of the reviews of the M8, there were comments about how the jpg capabilities of the camera were not as good as if you use DNG. So, to get the best image, apparently it's better to shoot in DNG, and let the computer convert the image to JPG.

Is Camera One 4 the best way to do this, or is there something simpler? I know Camera One has a ton of tools and capabilities, but suppose I simply want to take the photos in the camera, and let my computer convert them into JPG format as quickly and efficiently as possible. Photoshop can do it, but one image at a time.

What would you guys recommend?

(I really don't want to do all kinds of editing at this point, but rather to simply convert a large number of DNG images into JPG, so I can continue on as if I had shot them in JPG in the first place.)

(I don't think I would use this all the time, but when I've got only an hour or so to post a gallery of maybe 50 images on the web, there isn't time to work on each image individually, nor is there any need for me to do so. With my D3 it's easy - just shoot in jpg mode and be done with it. )

 

[venchka]

Does the camera produce RAW files? If so, use those.

Why convert any higher order file to JPEG? The only use I can see for a JPEG is web posting or sending via email. I work with TIFF files form a scanner. I only make JPEGs for web viewing.

 

[f16sunshine]

You can save JPG and DNG files to the card at the same time. If you are satisified with the JPG simply use it. If no the DNG is there for you to convert with the specs that bring your pre-vision closer. I always shoot DNG only. The time processing is "darkroom" time for me and helps me get the most out of the image. That said I do not do reportage or sports so there is no timeline to keep up with. With the RD1 in low light I actually shoot in B+W in camera JPG mode. The Raw files do not convert as nice as the camera can do IMHO. (sorry a bit OT).

 

[JohnTF]

Does Photoshop open up your raw files, even as a group?,


The raw files from the M8 (jump in here and save me if I screw this up please) are 16 bit, and so if you open the file and try to save it as a jpeg, it is no go. First use mode and convert to 8 bit, then save as a jpeg, if that is your wish.

Bit of an effort.

If you are shooting raw+jpeg, you can just open the jpegs and use them for whatever you need jpegs for. Are you saying you want your files shot only in raw and batch converted to jpeg?


One of these days, I am going to finish the reading on this stuff I have planned and maybe understand it. ;-) Might be time for Photoshop for dummies to be on that list?

I am not sure if I work hard on a raw file in PS, save it to flash memory and deliver it to a printer if most printers will work with all that is there.

I have been told that some just chop the files down/ convert them to something faster to work with before they print them, which would kind of undo what I was trying to get.

I used Capture One to convert the files to Tiff, and I found it slow and difficult to use, then I read others found it the best thing since sliced bread, so am beginning to think it is an operator thing. ;-) It did do the files by batches, but it was pretty much a start it and take in a movie while it work thing for me.

Regards, John

 

[mikemyers]

I guess I ought to say more about what I'm doing, and why.

When I go to some of the events I cover, I spend the first day or so taking "candid" photos of many of the people at the event. That evening, I post these on a website. Sometimes I'll use the "automate" feature in Photoshop to create a slide show of up to fifty of them.

For use on the internet, the images have to be in 'jpg' format, not 'dng' so one way or another I need to get them converted.


I don't want to shoot "jpg+dng". I can easily shoot "jpg" and just use them as-is, but all these reviews I read suggested that it's better to shoot in 'dng' format and let the computer software convert them to "jpg" rather than using the built-in software on the M8 to do that.

I've also got a time limitation, as I'll finish up at the event at maybe 5pm, go out for dinner, and end up back at the hotel by maybe 7 or 8pm. At that point I want to quickly get the images posted on the website, so I can do the other things I need to do, and get to sleep at a reasonable hour.

There's no way I'm going to spend several hours converting the images to 'jpg' one at a time. If it came to that, I'd just shoot them in 'jpg' to begin with, regardless of any loss in quality.

All I'm asking about how to do, is what the articles seemed to be suggesting - that instead of letting the M8 create 'jpg' images, I should shoot in 'dng' and let my computer do a better job of this. The side benefit is those images that I might do something different with later on, will still be in my computer in 'dng' format.



Maybe it's not even possible to do what I'm asking for - maybe there's no software available that does it... Should that turn out to be the case, I guess I'm back to shooting in 'jpg' with the M8, regardless of the camera's poor performance in creating this kind of image.

 

[kbg32]

Does the camera produce RAW files? If so, use those.

Why convert any higher order file to JPEG? The only use I can see for a JPEG is web posting or sending via email. I work with TIFF files form a scanner. I only make JPEGs for web viewing.

DNG are RAW files.

I usually shoot DNG and a small jpeg as reference. When I process my DNG files, I save the finished file as a TIFF or a PSD (really doesn't matter). Afterwards, if I want to upload the image to the web, I change the file size and resolution of the TIFF or PSD to 72 dpi, and 8" on its longest side and save it as a jpeg, replacing the camera generated one.

In CS4, or usually any version of Photoshop, you can batch process your DNG files and save them anyway that you like - jpeg, TIFF, etc., at any resolution you require.

 

[Zero Nakajima]

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=dng+batch+converter

 

[kbg32]

Thank you Zero.

 

[Mcary]

In most of the reviews of the M8, there were comments about how the jpg capabilities of the camera were not as good as if you use DNG. So, to get the best image, apparently it's better to shoot in DNG, and let the computer convert the image to JPG.

Photoshop can do it, but one image at a time.

Actually every version of Photoshop since CS-2 allows you to convert multiple RAW/DNG files to JPEG or TIFF or PSD at the same time directly from Bridge. Not only does it convert and resize the files it also allows you to run your favorite action during the process.

 

[semordnilap]

You could also use lightroom... load the dng files into lightroom, apply any corrections you want in batch (white balance, etc.), then select whichever photos you want as jpegs and select 'export'. You'll be able to limit the size (great for the web!), apply final sharpening, pick an output folder, and name them in sequence. It'll be as quick as working with the jpegs. Capture One may have slightly better raw conversion, but you'll never notice on the web.

Interface wise at least, Lightroom is really the best photo-editing software I've ever seen. Photoshop always feels like suck a kludge to me (for basic editing) after using Lightroom.

 

[RWP]

Also Aperture

Also Aperture

You could also use lightroom...
Interface wise at least, Lightroom is really the best photo-editing software I've ever seen. Photoshop always feels like suck a kludge to me (for basic editing) after using Lightroom.

You can substitute Aperture in the above statement instead of Lightroom (if you are on a Mac), with exactly the same outcome. Select the output as "Jpeg for web medium or small size" and everything is done for you, including converting to sRGB. Roger

 

[Ronald M]

You need to learn how to batch process raw/DNG and use the image processor to convert them all to JPEG and resize and store in a new folder. Photoshop does this in a wink of the eye, well almost as it is automated. Image processor will do 50 conversions in 10 minutes tops and it does it without your help. You can be in the shower.

 

[mikemyers]

Thanks for all the advice. The web search led me to this simple explanation, which I hope to try out tomorrow:

Thomas Knoll on how to batch convert Raw files in Photoshop CS2 and Adobe Bridge
From the excellent forums on robgalbraith.com. A participant asked "Can you batch convert raw files in CS2?" and after some back and forth Thomas Knoll himself responded with the essential steps.
"If all you want to do is just convert a bunch of raw files and save them as TIFF, JPEG, or PSD (or DNG) file, it is very easy.
1. Select the raw files in Bridge that you want to convert, and pick "Open in Camera Raw" (Command/Control-R).
2. Adjust the raw conversion settings on the images you want convert, if you have not done so already.
3. Press the "Select All" button (or type Command/Control-A).
4. Press the "Save xxx Images..." button (xxx is the number of images selected") (or type Command/Control-S).
5. In the save dialog, specify the destination directory, the file naming rules, and the output format.
6. Exit the save dialog by pressing the "Save" button.
A background batch save queue is now running. The status is shown in a "hyperlink" above the buttons in the Camera Raw dialog. You can press on this hyperlink to see a detailed save status dialog.
You can exit the Camera Raw dialog and select the next batch of raw files. The background save queue will keep on running as long as Bridge is


I was originally looking for a standalone program, but the above seems to be a reasonable way of doing what I want, in minimal time.

 

[jaapv]

I guess I ought to say more about what I'm doing, and why.

When I go to some of the events I cover, I spend the first day or so taking "candid" photos of many of the people at the event. That evening, I post these on a website. Sometimes I'll use the "automate" feature in Photoshop to create a slide show of up to fifty of them.

For use on the internet, the images have to be in 'jpg' format, not 'dng' so one way or another I need to get them converted.


I don't want to shoot "jpg+dng". I can easily shoot "jpg" and just use them as-is, but all these reviews I read suggested that it's better to shoot in 'dng' format and let the computer software convert them to "jpg" rather than using the built-in software on the M8 to do that.

I've also got a time limitation, as I'll finish up at the event at maybe 5pm, go out for dinner, and end up back at the hotel by maybe 7 or 8pm. At that point I want to quickly get the images posted on the website, so I can do the other things I need to do, and get to sleep at a reasonable hour.

There's no way I'm going to spend several hours converting the images to 'jpg' one at a time. If it came to that, I'd just shoot them in 'jpg' to begin with, regardless of any loss in quality.

All I'm asking about how to do, is what the articles seemed to be suggesting - that instead of letting the M8 create 'jpg' images, I should shoot in 'dng' and let my computer do a better job of this. The side benefit is those images that I might do something different with later on, will still be in my computer in 'dng' format.



Maybe it's not even possible to do what I'm asking for - maybe there's no software available that does it... Should that turn out to be the case, I guess I'm back to shooting in 'jpg' with the M8, regardless of the camera's poor performance in creating this kind of image.

In Adobe Bridge you can open any number (depending on the power of your computer obviously) of DNG files and batch-process them through CS4. I don't know if Elements or Lightroom support batch-processing, but other posters will be able to tell you. Added convenience: In ACR you can insert a white-balance or exposure correction for the batch.