K-5 raw files

Lloyd_Christmas · 05-16-2014, 09:28 AM

Hi all,

What raw file format and color space do you recommend? Does it matter?
Right now I use .DNG and Adobe colorspace assuming, I guess, that Adobe is more common.
What is the concensus?

Thanks.

Adam · 05-16-2014, 09:41 AM

Here's a thread on PEF vs DNG:
https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/115-pentax-k-5/146235-dng-vs-pef.html

There isn't much of a difference, but I'd recommend using DNG for the sake of compatibility. I don't think color space really matters in raw mode, but I believe sRGB is a bit more common for JPEGs. I seem to recall that some web browsers have issues getting the colors right with adobe RBG images, then again that was a few years ago and those issues may have been fixed.

**jatrax** · 05-16-2014, 10:30 AM - **1 Like**

I do not believe the colorspace has any bearing on RAW files. A RAW file by definition contains all of the information the sensor provides. I also prefer DNG for compatibility but in most cases DNG / PEF is personal preference. The colorspace is chosen when you export to TIFF or Jpeg or whatever final format you need.

I have been told it is best to edit in Adobe colorspace (or even Prophoto colorspace) then export in the color space your application requires. For example anything to be used on the web should be sRGB and most photo labs also prefer sRGB but some will take Adobe. You need to check with your printer or destination to see what they want to work with.

You edit in the broader colorspaces so that the edits have the greatest amount of gamut to work with. Once your edits are made then you can export to a smaller gamut if needed.

05-16-2014, 09:28 AM	#1
Lloyd_Christmas Pentaxian Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 462	K-5 raw files Hi all, What raw file format and color space do you recommend? Does it matter? Right now I use .DNG and Adobe colorspace assuming, I guess, that Adobe is more common. What is the concensus? Thanks.

05-16-2014, 09:41 AM	#2
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,597	Here's a thread on PEF vs DNG: https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/115-pentax-k-5/146235-dng-vs-pef.html There isn't much of a difference, but I'd recommend using DNG for the sake of compatibility. I don't think color space really matters in raw mode, but I believe sRGB is a bit more common for JPEGs. I seem to recall that some web browsers have issues getting the colors right with adobe RBG images, then again that was a few years ago and those issues may have been fixed. Adam PentaxForums.com Webmaster (Site Usage Guide \| Site Help \| My Photography) PentaxForums.com server and development costs are user-supported. You can help cover these costs by donating or purchasing one of our Pentax eBooks. Or, buy your photo gear from our affiliates, Adorama, B&H Photo, KEH, or Topaz Labs, and get FREE Marketplace access - click here to see how! Trusted Pentax retailers:

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05-16-2014, 10:30 AM - 1 Like	#3
jatrax Site Supporter Join Date: May 2010 Location: Washington Cascades Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,991	I do not believe the colorspace has any bearing on RAW files. A RAW file by definition contains all of the information the sensor provides. I also prefer DNG for compatibility but in most cases DNG / PEF is personal preference. The colorspace is chosen when you export to TIFF or Jpeg or whatever final format you need. I have been told it is best to edit in Adobe colorspace (or even Prophoto colorspace) then export in the color space your application requires. For example anything to be used on the web should be sRGB and most photo labs also prefer sRGB but some will take Adobe. You need to check with your printer or destination to see what they want to work with. You edit in the broader colorspaces so that the edits have the greatest amount of gamut to work with. Once your edits are made then you can export to a smaller gamut if needed.