PEF conversion

On my K100D, I shot in PEF RAW and converted to DNG with Adobe's DNG converter, then processed in Camera Raw and Photoshop

Now with my K20D, I have the option of shooting DNG, however they are larger and the auto white balance settings are messed up (so if I don't check WB in camera its hard to get it right on computer)

So today I shot in PEF, went to convert them to DNG and I get an error saying that there was an error parsing the file, any ideas how to solve this or will I have to shoot in DNG?

Thanks, Rob.

Got the answer, just needed an update.

For me I use PEF RAW straight to Adobe Camera Raw 4.4.1 and then on to Photoshop CS3 without ever going near DNG, hence I’m saving a workflow step each time, without any detrimental effects to my output, but hey, each to their own way of working, there is no right or wrong here.

when ever i use raw files...its always set on DNG in the camera (k10D)......and P.S. Elements 5 can edit these with no probems at all.....
D

Rob, why do you convert PEFs into DNGs first then go to Camera RAW?
I know that when converted to DNGs on the computer they are smaller files, but it seems an unnecessary step in your workflow.

I'm not well known for shooting RAW, but I do sometimes when testing things out for camera club talks. I ran a test of PEF vs DNG and I found a small but noticeable quality difference when processing the files through CS2.

I now use DNG when shooting RAW.

John I can understand choosing DNG instead of PEF in camera, but why convert PEFs into DNGS in the computer, before running them through Camera RAW? That's the bit which seems a step too many to me. I hope Rob can explain. I'm not criticising your work flow Rob, just curious really as to why you do it that way.

There was a claim over at PentaxForums.com some time ago to the effect that DNG was better than PEF, and I did some tests too. It was as controlled as I could make it (identical scene, lighting, exposure etc; then identical processing through to JPGs, using ACR 4.2 and CS3 in my case).

I could detect no differences at all.

Then the OP that had been claiming the difference repeated his tests and retracted the claim.

So I'd be interested in any new evidence one way or the other.

Well it probably depends on all sorts of things such as the other equipment used, the subject, the technique, there are so many variables. All I can say is that I did do a test by shooting identical subjects, identically lit, tripod, etc., and had a very close look at the results. For me I saw the DNG and thought, "Ah, that's better." and that's as far as it went. So if I shoot RAW I shoot DNG.

Everyone who wants to establish this for themselves should do so for themselves and not rely on my conclusions or anyone elses. However, at least I've raised the question and it might well be worth a look.

As regards going from PEF to DNG and then onwards, I don't see the point either. Every conversion does introduce some error, albeit small, so the fewer steps the better is a good general principle.

I suspect it's down to the fact that Adobe processes it's own format (DNG) better than Pentax's product - the PEF. Every converter is different.

There is no GOOD reason why one file type should be better than the other intrinsically, especially when starting with PEF and converting to DNG.

I shoot in RAW and convert to JPG using Silkypix. If there ever comes a time when PEF is replaced, I shall then convert my best pictures (luckily there aren't too many) to DNG or TIFF or whatever is flavour of the year in 2015.

Shooting in PEF then converting everything to DNG does seem to be rather a waste of effort.

G

There is a good reason for converting PEF to DNG before using Camera Raw. It's the upgrade policy of Adobe. I have CS and the latest Camera Raw for that won't read K20D PEF files. New cameras are only added to the Camera Raw for the latest Photoshop version (go figure!).

I guess that's why Rob needs to convert to DNG.
Time to give SilkyPix a test run, Rob...

Prieni

Or........just use DNG in camera to start with....
(unless the OP's k100d doesnt have it.... )

True Duncan, but as Rob stated, the DNG files are bigger and white balance is messed up.

I use DNG's for archiving and after short experiments with the K20D DNG's I'm back to PEF's.

Prieni

Yes, granted. Unlike RAW+, where you can do RAW and JPG in the same exposure, there's no equivalent that lets you get PEF and DNG in one shot.

I found that although there was no visible difference in the pictures I compared (at 100%), there were minute differences in the histograms. These could easily have been accounted for by the fact that I was standing behind the camera - if I moved even minutely between shots it would have affected the reflected light in the room somehow.

The thing that worries me about all this is that if it was proved that Pentax had put out an inferior RAW format, it would be a gaffe on their part of shocking proportions. Especially since image quality is right at the very top of the things that make Pentax worth buying.

They'd be as aware of this as anyone, so it's one of these extraordinary claims that would need very good evidence to prove unequivocally.

[quote="George"]I suspect it's down to the fact that Adobe processes it's own format (DNG) better than Pentax's product - the PEF. Every converter is different.[/quote]I take this point, although has this been established as fact?

I used ACR 4.2 and CS3 when I saw no differences, so there is the possibility that Adobe had improved their PEF processing by the time I came along.

Another errant apostrophe, there, George, by the way. Tut, tut.

I take this point, although has this been established as fact?[/quote]The clue to the answer lies in the word "suspect". It is conjecture, not fact. However, as I said later, there is no good reason why either format should be better than the other. The point of the Raw format (and DNG is simply a universal Raw format, as I understand it) is that it records exactly what the sensor "saw".

Just being kind. I want there to be one subject on which you can opine with authority.

G