![]() Mathematicians would describe a linear system as one where scaling an input by a factor means that the output is always scaled the same factor: in other words, f(αx) = α f(x) for all α.Ī photographic lens is a linear system. Double one factor and you double the other, triple one factor and you triple the other, etc. Going back to your algebra at school, consider this example: In a linear system where 2x = 5y, then 4x = 10y, and 6x = 15y. RAW data is linear - but what does this mean? In mathematics, a linear system is one where multiplying an input by a certain amount means that the output will be multiplied by the same amount. There’s more dynamic range, a greater array of colors, and more levels of gray that allow you to preserve smooth tone transitions RAW data is linear Of course, you can change the exposure and color of JPEGS, but RAW files contain a lot more information. Furthermore, with negatives, you can adjust exposure and color while developing your prints in the darkroom. However, the image quality cannot match that of negative film. You get immediate results and that’s a huge advantage. The second reason is that it gives you control over certain aspects of the RAW conversion, such as exposure, color, and contrast.Īgain, comparing it to analog photography is a useful illustration: JPEG files are a bit like Polaroid instant film. Doing it outside of the camera allows you to use more sophisticated algorithms, yielding better images.Ģ. As mentioned above, RAW conversion is complex. Why would you capture data that still needs to be processed rather than JPEG files that are ready to be viewed? There are two reasons.ġ. It contains all of the information that was captured when taking the photograph but more processing is needed before an image can be revealed. In some ways, a RAW image can be compared to a frame of negative film in analog photography. Unprocessed information is called “RAW data” and the process of transforming it into something visible is called “RAW conversion.” If you shoot in RAW, you’re saving the unprocessed data from the sensor and saving it to your memory card, ready to be processed by software such as DxO PhotoLab or Adobe Lightroom. Software - either in the camera or on your computer - takes data that has been measured by each pixel and converts it into a color image. It’s worth remembering that a camera does not “see” an image instead, it captures information that must be transformed using sophisticated digital image processing. The basics: RAW conversion, linearity, and DNG filesĮvery image sensor in every camera produces RAW files that need to be converted into a format that is capable of being displayed on-screen or printed on paper. In the centre, you can see the results of Noise Reduction in Lightroom, and on the right is the optimization as a result of using DxO PureRAW 2. This image was edited as a RAW file using Adobe Lightroom. As you edit your files, you might even find that you have greater flexibility than with the original RAW file.īy taking a RAW file and converting it to a Linear DNG file with one application and then editing it in another, you get to combine the strengths - one mathematical, one creative - of two different pieces of software. You can then take this optimized file into your photo-editing software of choice to complete the creative process - everything from white balance and exposure through to tone curves and color grading - with the knowledge that your final image will be the highest possible quality. Depending on its intended purpose, a Linear DNG might also complete other parts of the RAW conversion process such as denoising and lens corrections. Linear DNG files are RAW files that have been partially developed, having undergone some complex mathematical processing to lock in demosaicing. Linear DNG files are part of a solution that allows you to combine different software to get ultimate image quality without having to overhaul your entire workflow. Photo editing software such as Lightroom and Capture One might give you creative freedom and flexibility, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re getting the best possible image quality from your RAW files. What are Linear DNG files and how should you use them in your photo-editing workflow? ![]()
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