Pentax Q Raw file size huge

LightBug · 09-21-2014, 12:08 AM

Hi All,

I just joined the Q family recently, and found the camera is a joy to use with both 01 and 02 lenses. I shoot RAW+ and found that each of the 12 MP raw file size is around 20 MB, that's comparable to the raw file size I get from my K30 which is 16 MP. Is there way to reduce the Q's raw file size losslessly?

Thanks.

Joey

Na Horuk · 09-21-2014, 04:02 AM

Hey, welcome!
Are you using the latest firmware on your camera?

Adam · 09-21-2014, 04:03 AM

Lower your ISO and your raw files will become smaller. Higher ISOs mean more noise, which makes lossless compression less effective. This issue doesn't affect JPEGs since they use lossy compression.

lytrytyr · 09-21-2014, 06:34 AM

Originally posted by LightBug

Is there way to reduce the Q's raw file size losslessly?

In camera, apparently not,
although you could run an algorithm on the files in your hard drives later.

The RAW files coming from my original Q cameras seem to have hardly any compression,
and end up fluctuating around 20 MB in size, regardless of ISO or the nature of the image.

Of course, the JPEGs vary widely, from around 1.5 MB
to an amazing maximum of around 5.25 MB at ISO 125 from the grossly underestimated 03 fisheye!
The in-camera RAW of that image was almost 23 MB.

LightBug · 09-23-2014, 01:18 AM

Thanks all for your replies so far. Yes I have the latest firmware. I guess I'll have to just live with the large raw files.

lytrytyr · 09-23-2014, 05:32 AM

Originally posted by LightBug

Thanks all for your replies so far. Yes I have the latest firmware. I guess I'll have to just live with the large raw files.

Joey, are you staying with the Q? I saw you'd got one up for sale here on the Marketplace.

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/24-photographic-equipment-sale/273732-sal...body-only.html

LightBug · 09-24-2014, 11:45 PM

Originally posted by lytrytyr

Joey, are you staying with the Q? I saw you'd got one up for sale here on the Marketplace.

https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/24-photographic-equipment-sale/273732-sal...body-only.html

Yes, I am still using the Q. I have two kits, just selling one body that I'm not using.

09-21-2014, 12:08 AM	#1
LightBug Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: OC, CA, USA Posts: 506	Pentax Q Raw file size huge Hi All, I just joined the Q family recently, and found the camera is a joy to use with both 01 and 02 lenses. I shoot RAW+ and found that each of the 12 MP raw file size is around 20 MB, that's comparable to the raw file size I get from my K30 which is 16 MP. Is there way to reduce the Q's raw file size losslessly? Thanks. Joey

09-21-2014, 04:03 AM	#3
Adam Administrator Site Webmaster Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Arizona Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 51,595	Lower your ISO and your raw files will become smaller. Higher ISOs mean more noise, which makes lossless compression less effective. This issue doesn't affect JPEGs since they use lossy compression. 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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09-21-2014, 04:02 AM	#2
Na Horuk Veteran Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Slovenia, probably Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 11,186	Hey, welcome! Are you using the latest firmware on your camera?

09-21-2014, 06:34 AM	#4
lytrytyr Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2011 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,310	Originally posted by LightBug Is there way to reduce the Q's raw file size losslessly? In camera, apparently not, although you could run an algorithm on the files in your hard drives later. The RAW files coming from my original Q cameras seem to have hardly any compression, and end up fluctuating around 20 MB in size, regardless of ISO or the nature of the image. Of course, the JPEGs vary widely, from around 1.5 MB to an amazing maximum of around 5.25 MB at ISO 125 from the grossly underestimated 03 fisheye! The in-camera RAW of that image was almost 23 MB.

09-23-2014, 01:18 AM	#5
LightBug Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: OC, CA, USA Posts: 506 Original Poster	Thanks all for your replies so far. Yes I have the latest firmware. I guess I'll have to just live with the large raw files.

09-23-2014, 05:32 AM	#6
lytrytyr Pentaxian Join Date: Nov 2011 Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 4,310	Originally posted by LightBug Thanks all for your replies so far. Yes I have the latest firmware. I guess I'll have to just live with the large raw files. Joey, are you staying with the Q? I saw you'd got one up for sale here on the Marketplace. https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/24-photographic-equipment-sale/273732-sal...body-only.html

09-24-2014, 11:45 PM	#7
LightBug Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: OC, CA, USA Posts: 506 Original Poster	Originally posted by lytrytyr Joey, are you staying with the Q? I saw you'd got one up for sale here on the Marketplace. https://www.pentaxforums.com/forums/24-photographic-equipment-sale/273732-sal...body-only.html Yes, I am still using the Q. I have two kits, just selling one body that I'm not using.