[zagers]

I'm having a problem where the EXIF data from my pictures is being lost when I export from iPhoto 7. It happens both when I export to a JPEG and when I upload to Flickr using FlickrExport for iPhoto. It only happens when I try to export RAW (DNG) files.

Here's what I'm using:

Pentax K10D
Mac OS X - v.10.5.2
iPhoto v.7.1.3
FlickrExport 2.0.14

Example of data exported when I shoot as a JPG:

Camera: Pentax K10D
Exposure: 0.004 sec (1/250)
Aperture: f/6.7
Focal Length: 80 mm
Focal Length: 800mm
ISO Speed: 100
Exposure Bias: 0/10 EV
Flash: Flash did not fire

Orientation: Horizontal (normal)
X-Resolution: 72 dpi
Y-Resolution: 72 dpi
Software: K10D Ver 1.30
Date and Time: 2008:03:23 10:25:44
YCbCr Positioning: Co-Sited
Date and Time (Original): 2008:03:23 10:25:44
Date and Time (Digitized): 2008:03:23 10:25:44
Metering Mode: Pattern
Color Space: sRGB
Sensing Method: One-chip colour area sensor
White Balance: Manual
Focal Length In 35mm Film: 120
Subject Distance Range: Distant
Compression: JPEG
Tag::Casio Type 2::0x0005: 76830
Quality Mode: 2
Tag::Casio Type 2::0x000C: 1, 63
Focus Mode: 16
Tag::Casio Type 2::0x000E: 6
Tag::Casio Type 2::0x0012: 400
Tag::Casio Type 2::0x0013: 67
Iso Sensitivity: 260
Tag::Casio Type 2::0x0016: 50
Tag::Casio Type 2::0x0018: 0, 0
White Balance: 1
Tag::Casio Type 2::0x001A: 65535
Saturation: 1
Contrast: 1
Sharpness: 1
Tag::Casio Type 2::0x0023: 12
Tag::Casio Type 2::0x0024: 12
Tag::Casio Type 2::0x002D: 13696
Tag::Casio Type 2::0x0033: 15, 0, 0
Tag::Casio Type 2::0x0034: 0, 0, 0, 0
Tag::Casio Type 2::0x003D: 8192
Tag::Casio Type 2::0x003E: 26, 26, 0, 0
Tag::Casio Type 2::0x003F: 4, 250, 0
Tag::Casio Type 2::0x0040: 50
Tag::Casio Type 2::0x0047: 17
Tag::Casio Type 2::0x005C: 1, 1, 117, 168
Tag::Casio Type 2::0x0062: 1
Tag::Casio Type 2::0x0200: 0, 0, 0, 0
Tag::Casio Type 2::0x0201: 8192, 8192, 8192, 8192
Tag::Casio Type 2::0x020D: 13600, 8192, 8192, 8765
Tag::Casio Type 2::0x020E: 16128, 8192, 8192, 6635
Tag::Casio Type 2::0x020F: 14560, 8192, 8192, 7782
Tag::Casio Type 2::0x0210: 8192, 8192, 8192, 20971
Tag::Casio Type 2::0x0211: 17376, 8192, 8192, 8847
Tag::Casio Type 2::0x0212: 14528, 8192, 8192, 10076
Tag::Casio Type 2::0x0213: 13088, 8192, 8192, 12206
Tag::Casio Type 2::0x0214: 13632, 8192, 8192, 8601
Tag::Casio Type 2::0x0215: 76830, 20070926, 2, 1, 5421732
Image Width: 3872 pixels
Image Height: 2592 pixels

Example of EXIF data when I shoot in RAW (DNG):

Camera: Pentax K10D

Photometric Interpretation: 2
Orientation: Horizontal (normal)
Software: K10D Ver 1.30
Date and Time: 2008:04:04 20:22:53
Image Width: 3872 pixels
Image Height: 2592 pixels

Anyone seen this behavior before?

[davemdsn]

I'm not sure iPhoto is the best option for handling raw photos. Don't get me wrong, I love iPhoto, I just don't think it has the best tools for handling raw. The only reason it handles raw at all is that raw support is built into the OS. I use iPhoto for screenshots and for making calendars and other fun projects. I use Aperture 2 for handling my camera files.

As far as DNG vs jpeg exif, I find that PEF files that go through the DNG converter are quite rich in exif data, but DNG straight from the camera are less detailed in exif. While I am happy that Pentax offers the ability to shoot right to DNG, I don't think they use it to it's fullest potential.

[AlexM]

I agree with Dave.... iPhoto may not be the best program to use to extract EXIF data.... I use PhotoME to view exif data and using that, I can see that DNGs have a robust EXIF data section that really needs the proper program to view them.

Here's an example on how much EXIF data is available in a DNG file using PhotoME:

[ PhotoME ]
PhotoME version: 0.79 (Build 752)

[ Overview ]
File name: D:\My Pictures\TCPC 3-24-08\IMGP7432.DNG
File type: Adobe Digital Negative
File size: 31,063 KB
Creation date: 3/24/2008 20:32
Last modification: 4/6/2008 10:33
Make: PENTAX Corporation
Camera: PENTAX K20D
Lens: TAMRON 28-300mm F3.5-6.3 Ultra zoom XR
Software: K20D Ver 1.00
Dimension: 4864 x 3136 px (15.3 MP)
Focal length: 300 mm (equiv. 450 mm)
Aperture: F9.5
Exposure time: 1/125"
ISO speed rating: 200/24°
Program: Manual
Metering Mode: Pattern
White Balance: Auto (Daylight)
Flash: Flash did not fire, compulsory flash mode

[ Image ]
New subfile type: Reduced-resolution image data
Image width: 160 px
Image height: 120 px
Number of bits per component: 8, 8, 8
Compression scheme: uncompressed
Pixel scheme: RGB
Manufacturer: PENTAX Corporation
Image input equipment model: PENTAX K20D
Image data location: 0x0001AFA6
Orientation of image: 90° CW (left/bottom)
Number of components: 3
Number of rows per strip: 120 rows
Bytes per compressed strip: 57600 bytes
Image data arrangement: Chunky Format (Interleaved)
Software: K20D Ver 1.00
File change date and time: 2008-03-24 20:32:51
SubIFD Pointer: 0x0001AB96, 0x0001AD38
Exif IFD Pointer: 0x0001AE40
DNG Version: Version 1.1.0.0
DNG Backward Version: Version 1.1.0.0
Unique Camera Model: PENTAX K20D
Color Matrix 1: [1.8300, -0.5353, -0.2780], [-0.4767, 1.3199, 0.0348], [-0.1808, 0.4165, 0.2996]
Color Matrix 2: [1.0958, -0.1500, -0.1248], [-0.6662, 1.5431, 0.1203], [-0.2135, 0.4073, 0.7496]
Analog Balance: 1, 1, 1
As Shot Neutral: 0.65641, 1, 0.717087
Baseline Exposure: 0.5
Baseline Noise: 1
Baseline Sharpness: 1
Linear Response Limit: 1
Shadow Scale: 1
DNG Private Data: 0x00001B96
Calibration Illuminant 1: 17
Calibration Illuminant 2: 21

[ Additional Image Data (1) ]
New subfile type: Not set
Image width: 4864 px
Image height: 3136 px
Number of bits per component: 16
Compression scheme: uncompressed
Pixel scheme: CFA (Color Filter Matrix)
Image data location: 0x0013DC32
Number of components: 1
Number of rows per strip: 3136 rows
Bytes per compressed strip: 30507008 bytes
Image data arrangement: Chunky Format (Interleaved)
CFA Repeat Pattern Dimension: Horizontal repeat pixel unit: 2, Vertical repeat pixel unit: 2
CFA Pattern 2: [Blue, Green], [Green, Red]
CFA Plane Color: RGB
CFA Layout: Rectangular (or square) layout
Black Level Repeat Dim: BlackLevelRepeatRows: 2
BlackLevelRepeatCols: 2
Black Level: 0, 0, 0, 0
White Level: 4095
Default Scale: DefaultScaleH: 1
DefaultScaleV: 1
Default Crop Origin: DefaultCropOriginH: 8
DefaultCropOriginV: 8
Default Crop Size: DefaultCropSizeH: 4672
DefaultCropSizeV: 3104
Bayer Green Split: 0
Relative strength of the camera's anti-alias filter: 1
Best Quality Scale: 1
Active Area: Top: 0 px
Left: 0 px
Bottom: 3136 px
Right: 4864 px

[ Additional Image Data (2) ]
New subfile type: Reduced-resolution image data
Image width: 4672 px
Image height: 3104 px
Number of bits per component: 8, 8, 8
Compression scheme: JPEG
Pixel scheme: YCbCr
Image data location: 0x000290A6
Number of components: 3
Number of rows per strip: 3104 rows
Bytes per compressed strip: 1133452 bytes
Image data arrangement: Chunky Format (Interleaved)
Color space transformation matrix coefficients: 0.299, 0.587, 0.114
Subsampling ratio of Y to C: YCbCr4:2:2
Y and C positioning: Co-Sited
Pair of black and white reference values: [0, 255, 128, 255, 128, 255]

[ Camera ]
Exposure time: 1/125"
F number: F9.5
Exposure program: Manual
ISO speed rating: 200/24°
Date and time of original data generation: 2008-03-24 20:32:51
Date and time of digital data generation: 2008-03-24 20:32:51
Shutter speed: 6.97 Tv (1/125")
Aperture: 6.5 Av (F9.5)
Exposure bias: ±0 EV
Metering mode: Pattern
Flash: Flash did not fire, compulsory flash mode
Lens focal length: 300 mm
Sensing method: One-chip color area sensor
Custom image processing: Normal process
Exposure mode: Manual exposure
White balance: Auto
Focal length in 35 mm film: 450 mm
Scene capture type: Standard
Contrast: Hard
Saturation: Normal
Sharpness: Hard
Subject distance range: Close view

[ Manufacturer notes ]
Pentax Version: 41.2.0
Pentax Model Group: Group 1 (DSLR series & Various Optio models)
Preview Image Size: 640 x 480
Preview Image Length: 22700 bytes
Preview Image Start: 0x00005EDC
Pentax Model: K20D
Date: 2008-03-24
Time: 20:32:51
Quality: RAW
Flash Mode: Off; Internal
Focus Mode: AF-S
AF Point Selected: Fixed Center
Exposure Time: 1/125"
F Number: F9.5
ISO: 200/24°
Exposure Compensation: ±0
Metering Mode: Multi-segment
Auto Bracketing: 0 EV, No Extended Bracket
White Balance: Auto
White Balance Mode: Auto (Daylight)
Focal Length: 300 mm
Saturation: Normal
Contrast: Med High
Sharpness: Med Hard
World Time Location: Hometown
Hometown City: Los Angeles
Destination City: Los Angeles
Hometown DST: No
Destination DST: No
DSP Firmware Version: Ver 1.00.00.01
CPU Firmware Version: Ver 1.00.00.01
Effective LV: 12.5 LV
Picture Mode: Manual; 1/2 Ev steps
Drive Mode: Single-frame; No Timer; Shutter Button; Single Exposure
Color Space: sRGB
Image Area Offset: x = 8 px, y = 8 px
Raw Image Size: width = 4672 px, height = 3104 px
Preview Image Borders: top = 28, bottom = 28, left = 0, right = 0
Lens Type: TAMRON 28-300mm F3.5-6.3 Ultra zoom XR
Camera Temperature: 30 °C
AE Lock: Off
Noise Reduction: Off
Flash Exposure Compensation: ±0
Image Tone: Bright
Color Temperature: Not set
SR Result: stabilized
Shake Reduction (Setup): 7
Shutter Release Half Press Time: 1.12 sec
SR Focal length: 300 mm
Shutter Count: 1828
Black Point: [0, 0, 0, 0]
White Point: [12480, 8192, 8192, 11424]
Picture Mode 2: Manual
AF Point Mode: Fixed Center
Focus Mode 2: AF-S
AF Point Selected 2: 32
ISO Floor: 200/24°
Drive Mode 2: Single-frame
Exposure Bracket Step Size: 2.0
Bracket Shot Number: n/a
AE Exposure Time: 1/120.7"
AE Aperture: F9.5
AE ISO: 200/24°
AE Xv: ±0 Ev
AEB Xv: ±0 Ev
AE Flash Tv: Not available
AE Program Mode: M, P or TAv
AE Extra?: 0
AE Metering Mode: Multi-segment
Flash Exposure Comp. Used: ±0 Ev
Lens Type: TAMRON 28-300mm F3.5-6.3 Ultra zoom XR
Lens Kind / Version (LC0): 2 / 8
Lens Data (LC1): 220
Distance Code Data (LC2): 49
K-Value (LC3): 116
Near Distance Abberation Correction Data (LC4): 103
Light Color Aberration Correction Data (LC5): 8
Open Aberration Data (LC6): 8
AF Minimum Actuation Condition Data (LC7): 98
Focal Length Data (LC8): 122
Nominal AVmin / AVmax Data (LC9): 11 / 12
mv' nv' Data (LC10): 120
AVC 1/EXP Data (LC11): 40
mv1 Avminsif Data (LC12): 2
AVmin Data (LC13): 84 (F6.1)
UNT_12 UNT_6 Data (LC14): 98
Incorporated Flash Suited END Data (LC15): 251
Flash Status: 0
Flash Mode: Off (241?)
External Flash Mode: 63
Internal Flash Magnitude: 0
TTL D/A A-ch Up: 0
TTL D/A A-ch Down: 0
TTL D/A B-ch Up: 0
TTL D/A B-ch Down: 0
AE Metering Segment 1: ~3 LV (center)
AE Metering Segment 2: ~2 LV (center edge)
AE Metering Segment 3: ~2.6 LV (upper, mid-right)
AE Metering Segment 4: ~2.5 LV (upper, mid-left)
AE Metering Segment 5: ~1.3 LV (upper, right)
AE Metering Segment 6: ~2.5 LV (upper, left)
AE Metering Segment 7: ~2 LV (mid-right)
AE Metering Segment 8: ~1.4 LV (mid-left)
AE Metering Segment 9: ~1.3 LV (right)
AE Metering Segment 10: ~2.3 LV (left)
AE Metering Segment 11: ~2.3 LV (lower, mid-right)
AE Metering Segment 12: ~2.3 LV (lower, mid-left)
AE Metering Segment 13: ~2.1 LV (lower, right)
AE Metering Segment 14: ~2.3 LV (lower, left)
AE Metering Segment 15: ~2.9 LV (top)
AE Metering Segment 16: ~2.8 LV (bottom)
WB RGGB Levels Daylight: [13140, 8192, 8192, 10693]
WB RGGB Levels Shade: [14984, 8192, 8192, 8136]
WB RGGB Levels Cloudy: [13930, 8192, 8192, 9454]
WB RGGB Levels Tungsten: [8431, 8192, 8192, 19838]
WB RGGB Levels Fluorescent D: [17388, 8192, 8192, 10073]
WB RGGB Levels Fluorescent N: [14754, 8192, 8192, 11468]
WB RGGB Levels Fluorescent W: [13766, 8192, 8192, 14258]
WB RGGB Levels Flash: [13930, 8192, 8192, 10073]
Pentax Model: K20D
Manufacture Date?: 2008-01-05
Model Revision?: 2.1
Internal Serial Number?: 22606
Power Source: Grip Battery
Battery States: Body Battery: 4; Grip Battery: 4
Battery A/D Body No Load: 186
Battery A/D Body Load: 176
Battery A/D Grip No Load: 187
Battery A/D Grip Load: 178
AF Points Unknown 1?: Center
AF Points Unknown 2?: Center, Bit 13?, Bit 15?
AF Predictor: +45
AF Defocus: 33
AF Integration Time: 70 ms
AF Points Unknown 3?: Center (horizontal)
AF Points In Focus: Center (vertical)
WB BA compensation: ±0
WB GM compensation: ±0


Alex

[borno]

WOW , I remember having a little notepad and a no. 2 pencil

[zagers]

I should have pointed out that I DO see the EXIF data when I look at the RAW photo's properties in iPhoto, it's just when I export it from iPhoto to a JPEG format that the data is lost. So it's not a problem with iPhoto reading EXIF data from a DNG formatted picture, it's an export problem. Can someone who has a similar set up to what I describe above give this a try and let me know if you encounter the same issue?

[zagers]

This looks to be an issue with iPhoto. When I export a DNG file that I did not edit at all from within iPhoto than the EXIF data is retained with no issues. If I first edit the photo and then export it the EXIF data is lost.

Next stop - Apple support.

[davemdsn]

As I said earlier, iPhoto is not really meant to be a RAW photo application. It offers base level RAW support only because the support for RAW is built into the OS. The editing tools are not nearly as extensive as they are in apps geared more for that purpose. This may be effecting the transfer of exif data to the exported version.

The way iPhoto works with RAW is to make a jpeg copy of the image the very first time you edit it. Every future edit is done to the jpeg copy, not to the original file. This is a good thing because you don't want edits to be applied to the original. The downside is that the jpeg copy is made as small as possible on purpose, so it doesn't take up too much space. iPhoto may be omitting much of the metadata as a means of keeping that copy image small. This would explain why an export of an unedited image retains the exif, because it has not had that jpeg copy made of it.

Conversely, the way most RAW image programs handle non-destructive editing is to store edit info in a separate file, or in a separate part of the original file. When an export is made the original file is referenced and then the edit info applied. The original exif is maintained because the original file is referenced in the export.

[davemdsn]

Also, if you are going to shoot raw on a regular basis I highly recommend Aperture. A dedicated raw engine that works with the OS support, but offers real raw editing, not edits to a jpeg copy. Far better editing tools. Still integrates with the rest of your Apple apps, including iPhoto. Free trial available.