When to convert to DNG

[Bill UWEC]

After much reading and discussion we decided to store our images as DNG.  My questions is when is the best time to convert files to DNG?  The DAM book mentions to convert as one of the last steps, but I cannot seem to find any reason why.  We are looking for the best quality image and the fastest workflow.   We are setting up a new DAM system using extensis 8.

Thanks
Bill

[peterkrogh]

Bill,
Convert after ACR adjustments.  Otherwise readjustment of DNG files will be very slow.
Peter

[Domip]

Bill,
Convert after ACR adjustments.  Otherwise readjustment of DNG files will be very slow.
Peter

Yes, but I thought that using ImageIngester and converting the NEFs right away to DNG, was also a big timesaver.
Is it wrong to start converting immediately to DNG, and rate, label, adjust in ACR and finally import them only then in iView for further cataloging ?

I thought that ImageIngester was just a very good program - although it's a little in reverse order than the DAMbook suggest - for saving time.

Peter, I think you're also using II, so how do you ?

[peterkrogh]

I do not convert to DNG until after I have made adjustments.

For some shoots, I will take advantage of II's "convert to DNG and erase the DNG" function.

Peter

[Domip]

Peter, thanks for the response.

But as I read further in the DAMbook, I'm beginning the get the big picture... I'm even thinking of using IFC instead of ImageIngester because I nowhave seen how slow the DNG are updating after working with them in CR.
Now I'm understanding that converting to DNG should be a later step.
In fact as I'm writing now, I'm testing IFC on the notebook... but after a (to?) quick ingestion, Bridge looks like being chrashed ! I had to quit CtrlAltDelete... checked after restarting Bridge... evrything ingested and OK !
So I think I'll stick to the book and stay with IFC.

Big Thanks for having shed light on the subject : you're book is my bible of the moment !

Dominique

[Domip]

BUT...after trying a little more, I found IFC not so stable. It seems to me that every time the ingestion is completed, Bridge crashes !
Should I go again with ImageIngester and just not use the DNG-conversion ? I did some time-test yesterday between ingesting with V 1.5.2 and beta 1.6.5B5W, with/without DNG conv/verify, and found out that without converting/verify I could bring a 1Gb card in about 5min (1.6.5) and about 7min30sec (1.5.2).
Without verifying is maybe less safe, but if I do it your way with Number-Range folders and visually checking in Bridge, I think it's the speediest way... is it also in your point of view ?
As you changed your way of ingestion from the book (IFC) to ImageIngester, could you please explain how you're exactly ingesting now ? I don't know anymore what to do... IFC or II ?

Thanks for helping me out on this,
Dominique

[danaltick]

Dominique,

I would just stay with II.  It's more supported and is more up-to-date than IFC.  You can just turn off the DNG verify to speed it up.  Afterall, you will be running the DNG converter at the end anyway.

I believe Peter is preparing for his trip to Iceland.  He may not be availiable for a while.

Dan

[Domip]

Thanks Dan,
I think also to stick with II (without the conversion)...
Are you using version 1.6.5B5W ?

Dominique

[danaltick]

I'm on Windows so I'm still using 1.5.2.

Dan

[Domip]

You can download the beta version for Windows to test it, on his site...

[Marc Rochkind]

Yes... the 1.6.x betas, for the Mac and Windows, use a much faster, more reliable copying approach that's 30% faster than 1.5.2 if you're not running DNG Converter. 10% faster if you are. (The Pro preview beta, for the Mac only, uses the same approach.)

--Marc

[Domip]

Hi Marc,
Any idea when the 'Pro'version for windows will be testable ?

Best regards,
Dominique

[danaltick]

Thanks Marc.  I'll give the beta a try.

Dan

[Marc Rochkind]

Dominique--

Sorry... never answered your question... just saw it here today.

Anyway, it looks like ImageIngesterPro on the Mac will be feature complete in a few weeks, and then I start on the Windows port. I'm hoping for a beta on Windows by the end of the year. Don't hold me to it. Or, do hold me to it... not that that will help much. ;-)

--Marc