Inspiring

Answered

File size Nikon Z7

Forum|Forum|2 years ago
April 20, 2023
4 replies
3715 views

I originally wanted to post about the skow speed for LR's new DeNoise however, on analysis, I see that my image size is VERY large. Z7 images when imported to LR are showing as an 85 mb file size. Any thoughts on why LR is "boosting" the size on import?

I read online:

In its default settings, the Nikon Z7’s maximum resolution output is 8256 x 5504. Each image, depending on the subject, camera settings, and so forth, is in the neighborhood of 17-31MB.

After opening the image in a program like Photoshop or Lightroom, the file size measures a whopping 130MB.

Windows

This topic has been closed for replies.

Correct answer johnrellis

This has turned into a FAQ that Adobe should document.

Raw files contain a single greyscale channel, 16 bits per pixel, representing the color filter array data from the camera sensor. Adobe calls that channel the "mosaic data".

The Enhance command generates a DNG in "linear raw" format, similar to a TIFF or PSD, in which there are three channels, red, green, and blue, each channel 16 bits per pixel. The DNG also includes the original mosaic data, 16 bits per pixel.

So Enhance DNGs will be roughly four times the size of the original raw.

Conrad_C

Community Expert

Any thoughts on why LR is "boosting" the size on import?

I read online:

“…17-31MB. After opening the image in a program like Photoshop or Lightroom, the file size measures a whopping 130MB…”
By @Heirloom Bob

To add to John’s correct answer, you should know that this file size increase from raw to RGB is nothing new, and nothing even to do with Adobe software. This happens in any software that converts raw to RGB, from any developer, because of pure math.

The “larger” file size is actually the real, natural file size for an (uncompressed) RGB image that you can easily share, use in other applications, etc. That 130MB file is what you get after multiplying number of pixels * number of bits per pixel * number of channels. And for example if the software converts from raw to CMYK (which Camera Raw can do), the expansion to four channels instead of three increases the file size that much more.

Raw files are small, but that’s because their not-yet-interpreted single channel raw data stream is not recognized as a usable image by most other applications (can’t use raw in most software like a video editor, Adobe Illustrator or InDesign, can’t display on a web page, etc.).

TheDigitalDog

Inspiring

In addition to the very correct answer about size (The Enhance command generates a DNG in "linear raw**" format, similar to a TIFF or PSD, in which there are three channels, red, green, and blue, each channel 16 bits per pixel), the original raw is then converted to lossy DNG and also embedded into that new DNG. Of course, this new, bigger size takes place after Denoise, so the 'size' isn't, per se, the reason it is so slow for you; the main reason is, you have an underpowered GPU!

On my 2022 Macbook Pro* an original 24MP raw takes a mere 12 seconds, start to finish (which again, includes stuffing the original into the new DNG and writing it to disk).
*MBP Pro 16" 2022 32-Core GPU | 16-Core Neural Engine/64GB

** See: http://www.barrypearson.co.uk/articles/dng/linear.htm

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

D Fosse

Community Expert

John is correct. With a newish GPU from the last two to three years or so, your 45 megapixel Z7 files should denoise in about 20 seconds.

Since you're on Windows, I would highly recommend an RTX 3060. This is a moderately priced midrange card, but handles Denoise very well. It seems to hit the sweet spot for price/performance.

dj_paige

Legend

Since you're on Windows, I would highly recommend an RTX 3060. This is a moderately priced midrange card, but handles Denoise very well. It seems to hit the sweet spot for price/performance.

@D Fosse

Good to hear, as I'm strongly considering upgrading my GPU to make DeNoise go faster. There are several different varieties of the RTX 3060, 8GB or 12GB, and other variations as well. Would you recommend the 8GB or th 12GB? Since the 12GB seems to be only about $20 extra, I'm leaning towards the 12GB model.

D Fosse

Community Expert

When I bought mine, it was 12GB all around. I didn't even know 8 was offered by some vendors. I suppose this is all down to how the individual vendors configure their cards.

But with that negligible price difference, I believe this is what they call a "no-brainer" 😉 Go 12.

johnrellisCorrect answer

Legend

This has turned into a FAQ that Adobe should document.

Raw files contain a single greyscale channel, 16 bits per pixel, representing the color filter array data from the camera sensor. Adobe calls that channel the "mosaic data".

The Enhance command generates a DNG in "linear raw" format, similar to a TIFF or PSD, in which there are three channels, red, green, and blue, each channel 16 bits per pixel. The DNG also includes the original mosaic data, 16 bits per pixel.

So Enhance DNGs will be roughly four times the size of the original raw.

Heirloom BobAuthor

Inspiring

The added issue is that Adobe's new DeNoise is essentially useless with Z7 raw files as processing time exceeds 16 minutes per image.

johnrellis

Legend

That processing time is highly dependent on the graphics card, which LR uses to execute the denoise AI models. Newer graphics cards, including less expensive ones, can go much much faster, e.g. 10 - 30 seconds. My brand new Apple Silicon M2 Max Macbook Pro takes about 10 seconds.

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