When images are first loaded Lightroom displays the embedded JPEG preview. That preview reflects all of the in-camera settings. But Lightroom builds a preview of the raw image data. This is because every camera maker designs their raw file format differently.
Here is what we ran into. adobe Lightroom is not just a processing application for raw files, it is also a library for storing, retrieving and searching for images. I have 20,000 raw files on my computer and Lightroom has catalogued them all in the library for instant display.
What happens when you import raw files into Lightroom?
Bookmark this question. Show activity on this post. Everybody who is using Lightroom probably has seen this. After importing RAW files, Lightroom shows a preview, but contrast and color of the preview change after a few short seconds to a slightly different view. For some users the change is small, for others the change is huge.
Should I edit my raw files in Lightroom?
Even though RAW files are a good way to save your pictures – and technology is better than ever – RAW images aren’t always as realistic-looking as they could be. If you want them to look close to the real thing (what your eyes saw), you’ll need to do some editing in Lightroom of your RAW images.
While a RAW file can be great to work with in post-processing, before you do any edits, a RAW image can appear dull, lifeless or flat. That’s where Lightroom can assist !
How does Lightroom process raw image data from my camera?
Most camera manufacturers save image data in a proprietary camera format. Lightroom reads the data from most cameras and processes it into a full-color photo. You can use the controls in the Develop module to process and interpret the raw image data for your photo. For a full list of supported cameras and lens profiles, see these resources:.
When I was reading we ran into the question “What is the raw file format for photos?”.
Camera raw file formats contain unprocessed data from a digital camera’s sensor. Most camera manufacturers save image data in a proprietary camera format. Lightroom reads the data from most cameras and processes it into a full-color photo. You can use the controls in the Develop module to process and interpret the raw image data for your photo.
Why do my photos look different in Lightroom?
The raw image data is captured from the camera at a point before the contrast and color settings are applied by the camera, so any difference in appearance will be from differences in the way the camera, and Lightroom, decided to render the color and contrast.
Another popular question is “Why does Lightroom show thumbnails when importing images?”.
You see, because we prefer instant gratification, when Lightroom is importing images it first shows us these JPEG thumbnails that our cameras generated. Then it goes on to render its own JPEG thumbnails, based on the raw file, with Adobe’s interpretation of color, and minus all the settings mentioned above.
Why won’t Lightroom display embedded JPEGs?
You’re right in your conclusion that Lightroom is initially showing you the embedded jpeg. However, Adobe isn’t privy to how the camera manufacturers process their jpegs in-camera, so Lightroom is never going to be able to produce thumbnails/previews/images that match the jpegs SOOC.