M8 TIF vs DNG

[aka5ha]

Hi,

When I connect my M8 to the computer by the cable, raw files show up with a .tif extension. If I take the SD card out and put it into a card reader, those same files show up with a .DNG extension.

I have discovered I can just rename the .tif files to .DNG and all is well.

But I would rather just plug my M8 by USB cable to copy files from it, with a .DNG extension.

Any comments would be most appreciated!

 

[bottley1]

My experience with a range of pro and semi-pro cameras is that the camera usb connector port is their weak point, and tends to fall to pieces with repeated use. I have never used the usb connector on the M8 for that reason. Just take the card out and use a card reader.

 

[zeitz]

Your observations are correct. Even though, read from the camera, the .tif extension is given, it is still a .dng file.

It is much better practice to use a card reader than to read directly from the camera. But only delete from the SD card and format the SD card in the camera.

 

[kuzano]

Your camera at risk.... 5 volts in USB port

Your camera at risk.... 5 volts in USB port

I never plug my camera directly into my computer. I'd much rather destroy a flash memory card than my camera. The USB port is also a 5 volt power supply and if not turned off with the icon for USB removal in the system tray, when you pull the USB cable, you can generate a spark or surge that may feed back into your camera.

More and more camera manufacturers are starting to address this in their manual.

I ruined 3 thumb drives before it dawned on me that I was not buying bad thumb drives, so I explored the reason for the problem.

I rarely plug expensive devices into USB ports, AND NEVER INTO THE TYPES OF HUBS THAT HAVE THEIR OWN POWER ADAPTOR PLUGGED INTO THE WALL. Thats worse yet.

Even when I use a card reader, I disengage the USB port before pulling the device. On a PC there is an icon in the tray that looks like a PC card with a green arrow over it. Left click that icon and turn off the device in question. If you turn off the wrong device, like an external backup drive, you will have to disconnect and reconnect the device to turn the port back on.

Small detail to save your $5000 camera???

Just in case you wonder about this post, I have been making the bulk of my living for the last 16 years building, servicing and setting up PC's in single and networked environments. I also teach computer and digital photo classes and the info in this post is one of the fundamental basic in my presentations.

 

[aka5ha]

OK, use card reader

OK, use card reader

Wow, I am enlightened. Thanks everyone who commented.

You potentially saved my M8, and in addition I now get my DNG files 🙂

 

[ramosa]

on my second day with my M8, this problem left me thinking that the images were horrible. (i was using vista.) but, as suggested, if you insert the card directly into your computer (via a card reader), the IQ is fantastic.

 

[edrodgers731]

Ramosa,

You must be joking...

 

[Digital Dude]

Personally, I would like to see Leica discontinue the USB port and use the space for something else.
Regards,🙄

 

[erikhaugsby]

Ramosa,

You must be joking...

I would hope so. If I can suddenly boost the image quality just by changing the method used to get files off of the card, think of the market that could be created in making tiered quality levels of memory card readers!
😱

 

[Symeon]

TIF is what Windows understands basically, and USB cable connections, and most photo programmes, the ones coming out of the M8 are still DNG but disguised as TIFs. Not to worry.
Regards.