RAW: DNG or PEF?

kshapero · 02-09-2012, 05:43 PM - **1 Like**

Anybody can guide as to which RAW type I should use?

ducdao · 02-09-2012, 05:55 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by kshapero

Anybody can guide as to which RAW type I should use?

On all Pentax DSLR that I currently use I always use PEF then convert into DNG during import into Lightroom on my laptop. The reason that I'm doing that is because PEF takes less space than DNG hence I can store more images in my memory card. However, PEF is Pentax proprietary format while DNG is more industry standard.

**7samurai** · 02-09-2012, 06:03 PM

I'm also curious. I've always used PEF but the K-01 only creates DNG. If this is the direction for the M processors, I need to learn alittle more about DNG.

rvannatta · 02-09-2012, 06:05 PM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by kshapero

Anybody can guide as to which RAW type I should use?

I do not regard one as 'better' than the other. However, the DNG format is an Adobe format. I happen to use Adobe software to process my photos, so using the Adobe format makes sense. The other thing to consider is that photos you take may be around for a really long time.
It makes sense to select a format that is likely to be around for a long time as well.

You can do you own guessing, but my guess is that the Adobe format is likely to have software that can read it longer than the alternative, but
my vote is for adobe here because it's used on several brands of cameras.

rvannatta · 02-09-2012, 06:06 PM

Originally posted by ducdao

On all Pentax DSLR that I currently use I always use PEF then convert into DNG during import into Lightroom on my laptop. The reason that I'm doing that is because PEF takes less space than DNG hence I can store more images in my memory card. However, PEF is Pentax proprietary format while DNG is more industry standard.

is this really an issue with 32 gb memory cards????

DeadJohn · 02-09-2012, 06:14 PM

Older Pentax' used to compress PEF but not DNG. The K-r and K-5 compress DNG and the space savings is negligible given the size of memory cards. In my experience DNG is compatible with more software.

**jatrax** · 02-09-2012, 06:20 PM - **1 Like**

DNG is more compatible with software. Size difference is negligible, according to my tests about a 4% smaller size for PEF over DNG on the K-5. It also seems that Pentax is moving toward DNG as their standard so PEF may go away in the future. I have read that the K-01 only has DNG but I think that is unconfirmed as yet.

Either will work, pick what you want and stick with it. DNG works fine for me so that's what I use.

SpecialK · 02-09-2012, 06:25 PM

The adjustments to PEF files are stored in a separate small (7k) file. Adjustments to DNGs are stored within the file itself. Operationally and image wise, not much difference.

There are several previous threads on the subject :-)

Philoslothical · 02-09-2012, 06:28 PM

As others have said, DNG is compatible with more software, and older software as well as current. Buying a new camera body that supports DNG means not having to worry about a software update for your editor to handle the files. DNG is an open standard, so any application developer can take full advantage of it without jumping through proprietary hoops. There is no difference in quality between the two.

Casper14 · 02-09-2012, 06:40 PM

DNG and AdobeRGB. if you're going to do any post processing why not just set it up in your camera to be in the format the programs use rather then have to convert it over just to open it for editing.

enoeske · 02-09-2012, 07:18 PM

Originally posted by Casper14

DNG and AdobeRGB. if you're going to do any post processing why not just set it up in your camera to be in the format the programs use rather then have to convert it over just to open it for editing.

raw files do not have a color space. sRGB and aRGB only effect jpegs from the camera.

ducdao · 02-09-2012, 07:28 PM

Originally posted by rvannatta

is this really an issue with 32 gb memory cards????

I don't use big memory cards and don't recommend doing so. I always carry several 8G cards with me instead of one 32G. The reason is simple, don't put everything in the same basket. It's risk mitigation. With one 32G you could risk loosing 32G worth of priceless memories...with 8G then it's 8G

you see the drill...

Casper14 · 02-09-2012, 08:25 PM

"raw files do not have a color space. sRGB and aRGB only effect jpegs from the camera."
-original posted by enoeske

I wasn't saying it in the sense of have both settings simultaneously as much as I was saying no matter what you're shooting why not set-up your camera to the same format as the software you're going to use for post processing

Jasvox · 02-10-2012, 03:03 AM

No difference, unless you like to add superfluous steps within your processing workflow.

The cost of memory is so cheap nowadays, there is no decent argument to consider a PEF.

Jason

Jasvox · 02-10-2012, 03:04 AM

Originally posted by SpecialK

The adjustments to PEF files are stored in a separate small (7k) file. Adjustments to DNGs are stored within the file itself. Operationally and image wise, not much difference.

There are several previous threads on the subject :-)

Several as in...many dozens...or more.

Jason

02-09-2012, 05:43 PM - 1 Like	#1
kshapero Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: South Florida, USA Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 437	RAW: DNG or PEF? Anybody can guide as to which RAW type I should use?

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02-09-2012, 05:55 PM - 1 Like	#2
ducdao Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Montreal/Vermont Posts: 2,160	Originally posted by kshapero Anybody can guide as to which RAW type I should use? On all Pentax DSLR that I currently use I always use PEF then convert into DNG during import into Lightroom on my laptop. The reason that I'm doing that is because PEF takes less space than DNG hence I can store more images in my memory card. However, PEF is Pentax proprietary format while DNG is more industry standard.

02-09-2012, 06:03 PM	#3
7samurai Site Supporter Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Rancho Cucamonga, CA Photos: Albums Posts: 474	I'm also curious. I've always used PEF but the K-01 only creates DNG. If this is the direction for the M processors, I need to learn alittle more about DNG.

02-09-2012, 06:05 PM - 1 Like	#4
rvannatta Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Apiary, Oregon Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,181	Originally posted by kshapero Anybody can guide as to which RAW type I should use? I do not regard one as 'better' than the other. However, the DNG format is an Adobe format. I happen to use Adobe software to process my photos, so using the Adobe format makes sense. The other thing to consider is that photos you take may be around for a really long time. It makes sense to select a format that is likely to be around for a long time as well. You can do you own guessing, but my guess is that the Adobe format is likely to have software that can read it longer than the alternative, but my vote is for adobe here because it's used on several brands of cameras.

02-09-2012, 06:06 PM	#5
rvannatta Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Apiary, Oregon Photos: Gallery Posts: 1,181	Originally posted by ducdao On all Pentax DSLR that I currently use I always use PEF then convert into DNG during import into Lightroom on my laptop. The reason that I'm doing that is because PEF takes less space than DNG hence I can store more images in my memory card. However, PEF is Pentax proprietary format while DNG is more industry standard. is this really an issue with 32 gb memory cards????

02-09-2012, 06:14 PM	#6
DeadJohn Pentaxian Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: New York Posts: 4,834	Older Pentax' used to compress PEF but not DNG. The K-r and K-5 compress DNG and the space savings is negligible given the size of memory cards. In my experience DNG is compatible with more software.

02-09-2012, 06:20 PM - 1 Like	#7
jatrax Site Supporter Join Date: May 2010 Location: Washington Cascades Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 12,991	DNG is more compatible with software. Size difference is negligible, according to my tests about a 4% smaller size for PEF over DNG on the K-5. It also seems that Pentax is moving toward DNG as their standard so PEF may go away in the future. I have read that the K-01 only has DNG but I think that is unconfirmed as yet. Either will work, pick what you want and stick with it. DNG works fine for me so that's what I use.

02-09-2012, 06:25 PM	#8
SpecialK Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: So California Photos: Gallery Posts: 16,481	The adjustments to PEF files are stored in a separate small (7k) file. Adjustments to DNGs are stored within the file itself. Operationally and image wise, not much difference. There are several previous threads on the subject :-)

02-09-2012, 06:28 PM	#9
Philoslothical Veteran Member Join Date: May 2011 Posts: 1,889	As others have said, DNG is compatible with more software, and older software as well as current. Buying a new camera body that supports DNG means not having to worry about a software update for your editor to handle the files. DNG is an open standard, so any application developer can take full advantage of it without jumping through proprietary hoops. There is no difference in quality between the two.

02-09-2012, 06:40 PM	#10
Casper14 Inactive Account Join Date: Feb 2012 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11	DNG and AdobeRGB. if you're going to do any post processing why not just set it up in your camera to be in the format the programs use rather then have to convert it over just to open it for editing.

02-09-2012, 07:18 PM	#11
enoeske Veteran Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Surprise, Az Photos: Gallery Posts: 2,136	Originally posted by Casper14 DNG and AdobeRGB. if you're going to do any post processing why not just set it up in your camera to be in the format the programs use rather then have to convert it over just to open it for editing. raw files do not have a color space. sRGB and aRGB only effect jpegs from the camera.

02-09-2012, 07:28 PM	#12
ducdao Pentaxian Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Montreal/Vermont Posts: 2,160	Originally posted by rvannatta is this really an issue with 32 gb memory cards???? I don't use big memory cards and don't recommend doing so. I always carry several 8G cards with me instead of one 32G. The reason is simple, don't put everything in the same basket. It's risk mitigation. With one 32G you could risk loosing 32G worth of priceless memories...with 8G then it's 8G you see the drill...

02-09-2012, 08:25 PM	#13
Casper14 Inactive Account Join Date: Feb 2012 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11	"raw files do not have a color space. sRGB and aRGB only effect jpegs from the camera." -original posted by enoeske I wasn't saying it in the sense of have both settings simultaneously as much as I was saying no matter what you're shooting why not set-up your camera to the same format as the software you're going to use for post processing

02-10-2012, 03:03 AM	#14
Jasvox Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 3,107	No difference, unless you like to add superfluous steps within your processing workflow. The cost of memory is so cheap nowadays, there is no decent argument to consider a PEF. Jason

02-10-2012, 03:04 AM	#15
Jasvox Veteran Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 3,107	Originally posted by SpecialK The adjustments to PEF files are stored in a separate small (7k) file. Adjustments to DNGs are stored within the file itself. Operationally and image wise, not much difference. There are several previous threads on the subject :-) Several as in...many dozens...or more. Jason