PEF vs DNG

Photobill · 03-13-2018, 11:50 PM

Is there any difference in the two? If so could you please tell the pro's & con's
Thanks!!!!

Adam · 03-13-2018, 11:58 PM - **1 Like**

Not really, other than the fact that DNGs are more universally supported since it's Adobe's generic format. There are several threads on this topic if you want to search the forum or check the similar threads below, but at the end of the day it boils down to minutiae.

Paul the Sunman · 03-14-2018, 12:13 AM - **2 Likes**

If you use ON1 for processing, the GPS location is inaccurate with PEF, but fine with DNG.

**Rondec** · 03-14-2018, 02:24 AM - **2 Likes**

DNG has broader support and you can continue to use it with older versions of Lightroom and other software, while typically you have to update your software to use the newest camera's PEFs.

chebum · 03-14-2018, 04:09 AM - **1 Like**

@Rondec is correct. DNG vs PEF is like USB vs Lightning. Both work fine but life is much easier with USB cables.

chrism888 · 03-14-2018, 06:56 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Rondec

DNG has broader support and you can continue to use it with older versions of Lightroom and other software, while typically you have to update your software to use the newest camera's PEFs.

Its for this reason, I've always shot DNG, there's a few KB difference in the file sizes, so its very minimal.

Photobill · 03-14-2018, 10:11 AM

Awesome thanks!!!!!

**Alex645** · 03-14-2018, 10:29 AM - **1 Like**

Originally posted by Rondec

DNG has broader support and you can continue to use it with older versions of Lightroom and other software, while typically you have to update your software to use the newest camera's PEFs.

And to add to this: PEF are slightly smaller file sizes. So if you're short of memory on your memory card, you'll be able to get a few more with PEF. On the flip side, if you're using Adobe LR or PS, shooting DNG will save you a bit of time converting the PEF to DNG which is more universally preferred.

In general, I recommend shooting DNG for RAW, but again, it's splitting hairs.

03-13-2018, 11:50 PM	#1
Photobill Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2018 Location: Southern Oregon Posts: 228	PEF vs DNG Is there any difference in the two? If so could you please tell the pro's & con's Thanks!!!!

03-13-2018, 11:58 PM - 1 Like	#2
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,608	Not really, other than the fact that DNGs are more universally supported since it's Adobe's generic format. There are several threads on this topic if you want to search the forum or check the similar threads below, but at the end of the day it boils down to minutiae. 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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03-14-2018, 12:13 AM - 2 Likes	#3
Paul the Sunman Pentaxian Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Melbourne Photos: Gallery Posts: 4,847	If you use ON1 for processing, the GPS location is inaccurate with PEF, but fine with DNG.

03-14-2018, 02:24 AM - 2 Likes	#4
Rondec Loyal Site Supporter Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Gladys, Virginia Photos: Gallery Posts: 27,666	DNG has broader support and you can continue to use it with older versions of Lightroom and other software, while typically you have to update your software to use the newest camera's PEFs.

03-14-2018, 04:09 AM - 1 Like	#5
chebum New Member Join Date: Mar 2018 Posts: 8	@Rondec is correct. DNG vs PEF is like USB vs Lightning. Both work fine but life is much easier with USB cables.

03-14-2018, 06:56 AM - 1 Like	#6
chrism888 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Posts: 178	Originally posted by Rondec DNG has broader support and you can continue to use it with older versions of Lightroom and other software, while typically you have to update your software to use the newest camera's PEFs. Its for this reason, I've always shot DNG, there's a few KB difference in the file sizes, so its very minimal.

03-14-2018, 10:11 AM	#7
Photobill Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2018 Location: Southern Oregon Posts: 228 Original Poster	Awesome thanks!!!!!

03-14-2018, 10:29 AM - 1 Like	#8
Alex645 Site Supporter Join Date: May 2015 Location: Kaneohe, HI Photos: Albums Posts: 3,527	Originally posted by Rondec DNG has broader support and you can continue to use it with older versions of Lightroom and other software, while typically you have to update your software to use the newest camera's PEFs. And to add to this: PEF are slightly smaller file sizes. So if you're short of memory on your memory card, you'll be able to get a few more with PEF. On the flip side, if you're using Adobe LR or PS, shooting DNG will save you a bit of time converting the PEF to DNG which is more universally preferred. In general, I recommend shooting DNG for RAW, but again, it's splitting hairs.