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Redrom wrote
I have LR 5 catalogues that I wish to continue using and am trying to figure out how to incorporate DPP into my workflow. If I open them all in DPP I presumably end up with a catalogue but then if I import into LR I have a duplication.
DPP has no cataloging tools other than numerical and star 1-5 rating tools and Reject 
. DPP stores all of the 'Tool Palette' settings and 'Ratings' by writing that data into the CR2 file using 'File' menu 'Save' or 'Save As.' The only way to see your DPP edits is to open the CR2 file in DPP OR use DPP 'Convert and Save' to create a TIFF or JPEG copy with the DPP edits applied. The TIFF or JPEG file will show the rendered DPP edits and can then be imported into LR for further editing, tagging, and cataloging. If you want to make changes to the CR2 file's DPP edits reopen it in DPP, which will show the previously "saved" settings. This works in much the same way as Adobe DNG files, which can have the Develop settings, ratings, keywords, etc. written to the file using CTRL +S or 'Update DNG Preview & Metadata.'
IMHO, LR is a far superior raw editor compared to DPP. Yes it has some cool tools for applying camera settings and 'Digital Lens Optimization,' but its highlight and shadow recovery tools are very limited. Using the above workflow with DPP edits saved to the CR2 file you can apply edits in both LR and DPP with no conflicts between the two applications.
Redrom wrote
If I want to process in DPP will it have corrupted/removed any raw info that DPP is so good at reading? Really don't want t switch entirely from LR brilliant catalogue to DPP catalogues, too much invested in time.
When processing camera raw files (i.e. CR2) LR stores all of its data in the LR catalog file. The camera raw file is never written to with one exception. You can change the Date & Time and write that to the raw file if the below Catalog Settings option is checked. The Canon proprietary camera data is not affected by this write operation.
I am familiar with DPP as I have used it myself - but not the recent versions as I have been using Lightroom since version 4. I have also looked at the recent versions and I don't like it as Lightroom can do so much more!
DPP doesn't use a catalogue system at all - not like Lightroom. Therefore you don't 'import' anything. Once you open up DPP, you just direct DPP to the relevant folder that is stored on your computer. It opens up the file and you edit accordingly.
So, this means you won't be able to use the Lightroom catalogues with DPP. So, this means all the edits you made in Lightroom, stored in the catalogue, won't be read by DPP - so you have to start again - bummer!
DPP is a different workflow. If you use DNG files, DPP won't recognise them, so you have to use the CR2 files. Lightroom won't recognize the changes DPP made and the changes you made in Lightroom won't be recognised by DPP.
Lightroom and DPP are mutually exclusive. They are totally different ways of working. It is kind of like a camera system. If you have a Canon camera and lenses, or lenses with Canon mounts, you can't change cameras. You are locked into a system. If you want to change to Nikon etc, you basically have to start all over again. Same with Lightroom and any other raw processor. You get locked into a system.
Quite honestly, Lightroom is much better at editing and organising than DPP. DPP is a good option if you don't have another option.
If you want to experiment with DPP, I think it would be a good idea to make a copy of your files that you use with Lightroom - your raw files - and store them in a different folder - say DPP Pictures and then direct DPP to this picture folder.
Yes, you would have two different folders, one for DPP and one for Lightroom, but I do not think it is good practice to try and combine them both.
Give DPP a go - have a play with it to see how it can fit into your workflow.
Does this answer you query?
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