Why are DNG files so small

Soledamcer · Apr 19, 2019

MP2. I have camera set to record DNG and JPG. DNG Files are tiny kb, whilst JPG are large mb size. Why am I not seeing true RAW files in DNG?

AnzacJack · Apr 19, 2019

Is it possible you are only looking at the thumbnail preview of the .dng file?

Meta4 · Apr 19, 2019

Soledamcer said:
MP2. I have camera set to record DNG and JPG. DNG Files are tiny kb, whilst JPG are large mb size. Why am I not seeing true RAW files in DNG?

DNG files are much bigger than the jpg files your camera records.
Check the file size.
If you do not have graphics software that can read the dng files, all you'll see is the tiny embedded thumbnail jpg that's part of each dng file.

THE CYBORG · Apr 19, 2019

Darktable is a free program that will open / edit your DNG / RAW files.

darktable - the photo workflow software

“darktable is an open source photography workflow application and raw developer. A virtual lighttable and darkroom for photographers. It manages your digital negatives in a database, lets you view them through a zoomable lighttable and enables you to develop raw images and enhance them.”

Soledamcer · Apr 19, 2019

anzacjack said:
Is it possible you are only looking at the thumbnail preview of the .dng file?

Quite possibly, but can't find any other DNG files.

THE CYBORG · Apr 20, 2019

Found another good free picture viewer that includes RAW files.
Faststone Image Viewer – download at www.faststone.org

Soledamcer · Apr 21, 2019

THE CYBORG said:
Found another good free picture viewer that includes RAW files.
Faststone Image Viewer – download at www.faststone.org

I've just given this program a quick try. Seems really good and easy to use. Still haven't found my full size DNG files, but will let you know. Thanks for the reply.

Meta4 · Apr 21, 2019

Soledamcer said:
Still haven't found my full size DNG files, but will let you know.

If you've found dng files, those are full-sized.
There are no small dng files.
Look at the file sizes and that should be obvious.

Soledamcer · Apr 21, 2019

Meta4 said:
If you've found dng files, those are full-sized.
There are no small dng files.
Look at the file sizes and that should be obvious.

I've just found them, sort of hidden under the thumb nails, what a difference. Hardly any pixels on full zoom. Amazing quality. I shall be processing photos all day today. Love it. Thanks

4wd · Apr 21, 2019

That one is a good example of lens correction needed though.

Soledamcer · Apr 21, 2019

Not wishing to push a point, but what do you suggest? Learning here.

Meta4 · Apr 21, 2019

Soledamcer said:
Not wishing to push a point, but what do you suggest? Learning here.

A program like Photoshop or Lightroom would automatically correct for you.
Here's a quick manual fix.

bliksem · Apr 21, 2019

Did some quick edits in Lightroom CC, took about 30 seconds

Flattened the horizon, made the right most building vertical, removed some distortion, tweaked the exposure, contrast, highlight, shadows, vibrance, saturation, dehaze, vignette.
I could play some more and work on the 3rd building from the right, the white is blown out a bit.

Soledamcer · Apr 21, 2019

bliksem said:
Did some quick edits in Lightroom CC, took about 30 seconds
Flattened the horizon, made the right most building vertical, removed some distortion, tweaked the exposure, contrast, highlight, shadows, vibrance, saturation, dehaze, vignette.
I could play some more and work on the 3rd building from the right, the white is blown out a bit.
View attachment 70160

Thanks, that's really effective. Looking forward to getting into this.