K-30 & K-5 Raw Formats The Same?

Schmidt · 10-14-2013, 09:48 AM

Both the K-30 and the K-5 create DNG Raw formats, but are they the same or are there subtle differences? There's an interesting Raw development program out there called Lightzone which supports the Pentax K-5 but no mention of the K-30, so I got to wondering if they're both the same.
What about substituting a K-5 profile as-is for the K-30?

Na Horuk · 10-14-2013, 10:17 AM

Well, DNG is only a container for raw data and some other added information (like lens information, time and date).
There might be many differences between the files, maybe its only the raw data that is recorded differently, maybe not even that. With raw processing software it is probably simply that the software doesnt recognize the camera ID and doesnt even try.
I suggest you email the Lightzone and maybe send them a dng file taken with the K-30, so they can add compatibility in a patch.
OR you can try to edit the dng file and change the camera tag and see if the software will read it. But this isnt very convenient.

JohnnyXD · 10-14-2013, 10:59 AM

one is 12 bits and the other one 14 bits. Hardly the same file

Adam · 10-14-2013, 11:05 AM

Originally posted by Schmidt

Both the K-30 and the K-5 create DNG Raw formats, but are they the same or are there subtle differences? There's an interesting Raw development program out there called Lightzone which supports the Pentax K-5 but no mention of the K-30, so I got to wondering if they're both the same.
What about substituting a K-5 profile as-is for the K-30?

They are close, but not quite the same. LR definitely supports the K-30 though.

Adam
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IchabodCrane · 10-14-2013, 11:52 AM

Originally posted by Schmidt

Both the K-30 and the K-5 create DNG Raw formats, but are they the same or are there subtle differences? There's an interesting Raw development program out there called Lightzone which supports the Pentax K-5 but no mention of the K-30, so I got to wondering if they're both the same.
What about substituting a K-5 profile as-is for the K-30?

At risk of asking the obvious question, did you try opening a K-30 DNG file in Lightzone?

Schmidt · 10-14-2013, 01:43 PM

12 vs 14 ... That answers my question. BTW, thanks for the reminder dng is just a container!

Ichabod, I haven't tried opening it...Lightzone is still beta and requires a camera profile to boot - there is no K-30 profile as yet. Furthermore, someone at the LZ forums had asked if the K-30 was supported (they have a K-5 profile, a K-x profile, and one for the K-r from what I gather), and the developers said no. So I thought maybe there might be a simple hack; by the sounds of it there isn't.

As a rule I don't download programs still branded "beta" but the upcoming release looks so good I just had to ask. On my Linux machine choices are limited compared with Windows, so every time some good-looking Raw software comes out it gets my attention. I've tried RawTherapee and Darktable and they just didn't feel right (for different reasons). I could probably force myself to like Darktable, but here's hoping that LZ starts support for my camera.

Thanks all.

OldNoob · 10-14-2013, 07:04 PM

DPreview, in their review of the k-30, makes reference to the K-30 doing more processing of the RAW image, as far as sharpening and NR, in comparison to the K-5 RAW image.

10-14-2013, 09:48 AM	#1
Schmidt Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Posts: 89	K-30 & K-5 Raw Formats The Same? Both the K-30 and the K-5 create DNG Raw formats, but are they the same or are there subtle differences? There's an interesting Raw development program out there called Lightzone which supports the Pentax K-5 but no mention of the K-30, so I got to wondering if they're both the same. What about substituting a K-5 profile as-is for the K-30?

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10-14-2013, 10:17 AM	#2
Na Horuk Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Slovenia, probably Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,186	Well, DNG is only a container for raw data and some other added information (like lens information, time and date). There might be many differences between the files, maybe its only the raw data that is recorded differently, maybe not even that. With raw processing software it is probably simply that the software doesnt recognize the camera ID and doesnt even try. I suggest you email the Lightzone and maybe send them a dng file taken with the K-30, so they can add compatibility in a patch. OR you can try to edit the dng file and change the camera tag and see if the software will read it. But this isnt very convenient.

10-14-2013, 10:59 AM	#3
JohnnyXD Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Posts: 93	one is 12 bits and the other one 14 bits. Hardly the same file

10-14-2013, 11:05 AM	#4
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,597	Originally posted by Schmidt Both the K-30 and the K-5 create DNG Raw formats, but are they the same or are there subtle differences? There's an interesting Raw development program out there called Lightzone which supports the Pentax K-5 but no mention of the K-30, so I got to wondering if they're both the same. What about substituting a K-5 profile as-is for the K-30? They are close, but not quite the same. LR definitely supports the K-30 though. 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:

10-14-2013, 11:52 AM	#5
IchabodCrane Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,728	Originally posted by Schmidt Both the K-30 and the K-5 create DNG Raw formats, but are they the same or are there subtle differences? There's an interesting Raw development program out there called Lightzone which supports the Pentax K-5 but no mention of the K-30, so I got to wondering if they're both the same. What about substituting a K-5 profile as-is for the K-30? At risk of asking the obvious question, did you try opening a K-30 DNG file in Lightzone?

10-14-2013, 01:43 PM	#6
Schmidt Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2013 Posts: 89 Original Poster	12 vs 14 ... That answers my question. BTW, thanks for the reminder dng is just a container! Ichabod, I haven't tried opening it...Lightzone is still beta and requires a camera profile to boot - there is no K-30 profile as yet. Furthermore, someone at the LZ forums had asked if the K-30 was supported (they have a K-5 profile, a K-x profile, and one for the K-r from what I gather), and the developers said no. So I thought maybe there might be a simple hack; by the sounds of it there isn't. As a rule I don't download programs still branded "beta" but the upcoming release looks so good I just had to ask. On my Linux machine choices are limited compared with Windows, so every time some good-looking Raw software comes out it gets my attention. I've tried RawTherapee and Darktable and they just didn't feel right (for different reasons). I could probably force myself to like Darktable, but here's hoping that LZ starts support for my camera. Thanks all.

10-14-2013, 07:04 PM	#7
OldNoob Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Posts: 402	DPreview, in their review of the k-30, makes reference to the K-30 doing more processing of the RAW image, as far as sharpening and NR, in comparison to the K-5 RAW image.