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A
Anonymous
April 6, 2022
Answered

DNG compatibility

  • April 6, 2022
  • 2 replies
  • 1919 views

Hello,

 

When converting new Raw files for older versions of Lightroom and Camera Raw, I have to choose the DNG compatibility, e.g. Camera Raw 11.2 and later. 

 

I'd like to know if I'm missing some newer features by choosing an older version to be supported. Are there any drawbacks of choosing the oldest version to have maximum compatibility?

This topic has been closed for replies.
Correct answer Per Berntsen

Yes, you will be missing features.

If you set Compatibility to Camera Raw 7.1 to be able use Photoshop CS6 or Lightroom 4, you will miss any new features introduced in Camera Raw versions released after version 7.1.

So there will be no sliders for Dehaze or Texture for instance.

2 replies

A
Anonymous
April 6, 2022

Hello,

 

When converting new Raw files for older versions of Lightroom and Camera Raw, I have to choose the DNG compatibility, e.g. Camera Raw 11.2 and later. 

 

I'd like to know if I'm missing some newer features by choosing an older version to be supported. Are there any drawbacks of choosing the oldest version to have maximum compatibility?

 

If the data is the same, why is the older version half the size of the newer version?

I'm using 12 bit compressed NEF to DNG Camera Raw 11.2 and later. The size is 16 MB. With Camera Raw 5.6 and later, the size is 8.6 MB. If "... and later" part means compatible with all future versions, that means I could save half the hard drive space.

 

PS: I posted the same thread in Camera Raw, but I think I should have posted it in Lightroom. Sorry.

TheDigitalDog
TheDigitalDog
Inspiring
April 6, 2022

https://helpx.adobe.com/camera-raw/using/adobe-dng-converter.html

Adobe provides backwards compatibility for the latest cameras for use in older versions of Photoshop, Lightroom, Bridge, After Effects, and Photoshop Elements through the DNG Converter.

 

As I read this, if you're working with modern versions of the above, best to use the latest versions provided and if that becomes a problem with older software, you can convert to an older one.

Author “Color Management for Photographers" & "Photoshop CC Color Management/pluralsight"
A
Anonymous
April 6, 2022

Sure, that is common sense, but it doesn't asnwer my question.

 

I'd like to know if I'm missing some newer features by choosing an older version to be supported. Are there any drawbacks of choosing the oldest version to have maximum compatibility?

TheDigitalDog
TheDigitalDog
Inspiring
April 6, 2022

There are no such “features” but compatibility with software that may. Use the latest version. 

Author “Color Management for Photographers" & "Photoshop CC Color Management/pluralsight"
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