Which Camera Raw Version Is Required for DNG File Conversion

Report · Oct 11, 2024

Hello,

I am using Lightroom 6.14 / Camera Raw 10.1 (I am not using any new cloud / classic software).
I understand that this LR 6.14 version does not manage RW2 files from my Panasonic G91.

So I have installed the latest version of the Adobe DNG converter (as of Oct 2024) to convert the RW2 files into DNG files:

https://helpx.adobe.com/camera-raw/using/adobe-dng-converter.html?x-product=Helpx%2F1.0.0&x-product-...

Based on this help site, I thought I would need to change the settings for the Preferences/Compatibility, as it reads: "Camera Raw 7.1 and later: The DNG file will be readable by Camera Raw 7.1 (Photoshop CS6) and later, and Lightroom 4.1 and later. The DNG file will often be readable by earlier versions, depending on the camera model."

However, when leaving the preference with the default compatibility settings, i.e. Camera Raw 15.3 and higher, the generated DNG files are also readible in Lighroom 6.14 / Camera Raw 10.1.

Now my question: Any reason I should, nevertheless, pick a lower compatiblity level? And if so, which one? Camera Raw 7.1 - since there is no Camera Raw 10.1 option.
Or is all of this not relevant for DNG file conversion?

Thanks

Report · Oct 17, 2024

Usually when converting a camera raw file to DNG i try the default compatibility settings on one file and see if it opens in the older version of Camera Raw that is the target.

I believe the lower the compatibility setting that is used, the larger the DNG file becomes, so using the highest compatibilty setting that works will potentially result in smaller DNG files.