Images noticeably darker when converting from CR3 to DNG in Lightroom Classic and Adobe DNG Converte

[RichPolk]

Hi.

I recently noticed that when I convert a CR3 to DNG in Lightroom Classic the file sometimes turns out about a third to half stop darker.  It dosn't happen to all files, just randomly.  This happens with edited and unedited files.

I have also tried to convert in the latest Adobe DNG Converter and the same thing happens.

All software is up to date and I am running Windows 10 Pro.

Any ideas?

[Sameer K]

Hi Rich,

Thanks for reaching out! We are sorry about the trouble with Lightroom Classic. We are here to help!

Could you please share the version of Lightroom Classic along with the operating system on your computer? Are you viewing these images within Lightroom Classic or Adobe Bridge when you notice the darkening? Please specify the camera model on which the CR3 images have been shot.

You can generate 1:1 previews (Library > Previews > Build 1:1 Previews) for some images to ensure that the default previews generated are not causing confusion.

Also, please check this thread for similar 'darkening' reports by other users:

https://community.adobe.com/t5/camera-raw-discussions/dng-converter-making-nef-image-notably-darker/...

https://community.adobe.com/t5/camera-raw-discussions/raw-images-look-darker/m-p/12446055

We hope this helps you out.

Thanks!

Sameer K

[RichPolk]

I've been converting from Canon RAW to DNG for years and I just recently noticed the issue.  The thing that makes you crazy is that it isn't all of the images.  It seems very random.  Edited and un-edited images.  When I work on images for a job, I always have the 1:1 previews built.

Here is the system and software info.

Lightroom Classic – 11.2  

Camera Raw – 14.2 

Adobe DNG Converter – 14.2.0.1028 

Edition Windows 10 Pro 

Version 21H2 

OS build             19044.1566 

Experience         Windows Feature Experience Pack 120.2212.3920.0 

Camera- Canon 1DX mark iii and Canon EOS R 

1:1 Previews 

Thanks for your time.

Rich

[TheDigitalDog]

Be useful if you could upload the original raw (if you still have one) and the DNG to something like Dropbox so we can try converting and viewing your images. 

[RichPolk]

Just an update.

It is only happening with the Canon EOS R.  I've been playing around with files and the exposure seems to be off 0.43 when it happens.

This file is consistant with the findings.

https://www.dropbox.com/t/lT2rxaJaZFICQ3Ok

[TheDigitalDog]

I just downloaded both, imported without any presets etc.

One is darker than the other indeed. But what makes one appear lighter is the lens correction being applied. If off, the two match. So it isn't the DNG or conversion that is an issue. It is the profile doing this, and why, I cannot say. Maybe this is to be expected with the profile and you have to adjust brightness after, but again, the profile is the cause of this difference brightness between the two.

[DdeGannes]

Quote, "So it isn't the DNG or conversion that is an issue. It is the profile doing this, and why, I cannot say"

I agree, see my earlier post. I do not use DNG files in my normal workflow so am at a loss.

Just one thought, what exactly does the toggle in Lens Corrections do, and could that have something to do with the issue? See the screen capture.

[TheDigitalDog]

Not sure I understand the question. Toggle toggles this profile on and off, that's what causes the image to change for me. Again (and I agree) the issue is this lens profile and that correction being applied. It could be an issue with the profile. I don't see any change in brightness on this end when I use my lens profiles for my Canon lens.

[DdeGannes]

I believe the issue has to do with the Lens Profile, it get applied to the CR3 file automatically at import, with the DNG file that you sent there is no Lens Profile applied at import.

Where did you create the DNG file, with DNG Converter or LrC?

[RichPolk]

Thanks for taking the time to check it out.

This was converted in Lightroom Classic.  I'm going to take your suggestion and play around with some images.

I'll let you know what I find.

Rich

[DdeGannes]

The Author of the thread at the link below, had similar problems, DNG file, Lens Profile and Canon EOS R5.

The Adobe lens profile in both instances have relatively significant exposure and vignette adjustments when applied. The Camera is a mirrorless body and it's normal that the raw image files will contain relatively significant adjustments necessary at initial rendering of the raw data. Adobe also produced profile for the lenses used.

https://community.adobe.com/t5/lightroom-classic-discussions/überschärfung-der-bilder-nach-export/m-...

Something does not appear to be correct.

[RichPolk]

Thanks everyone for trying to figure this out with me.

I don’t use this camera very often but had an outdoor portrait shoot and figured I would try it out.

I took all your suggestions and tried working them all and it really didn’t give me the results I was looking for so I figured it might be a camera setting.

I went into the settings and tried a few things but didn’t really see anything that would affect the conversion.  I did shoot a few with different settings but no change.  Just by chance I changed the camera into one of my silent shooting modes that I have set up for shooting on set, brought it into Lightroom Classic and then converted from RAW to DNG and for whatever reason, no change in the files, no darkening.  They look identical.  Crazy!  I then went back into camera settings to see if there was something I missed and tried to mimic the silent settings.  There wasn’t really any differences except the silent shutter setting.

I don’t know what the problem is but I now know that when using this camera in normal mode I will use the CR3’s or convert to DNG before the edit.

If anyone has any ideas, just let me know and I will try it out. 

This isn’t really a big problem.  It was just a surprise.  Out of all the Canon cameras I’ve used and owned this had never happened.    

Sorry if this was a little long but there was a lot of info to get out.

Thanks for your time.

Rich Polk

[TheDigitalDog]

DNG from proprietary raw or proprietary raw, they will appear the same until/unless you select this one lens profile, at least that's what I found.

Do you have another lens you can test that would allow you to apply another lens profile? Or can you live with either applying the lens profile and adjusting brightness OR not use the profile and get what you get?

[RichPolk]

I did try another lens and it was the same.

70-200 & 24-70.

I thought it could be just the profile for the 70-200.  I was wrong.

[TheDigitalDog]

Well this points to some bug with those lens profiles.

I've got an old Canon 5D, that doesn't happen.

[RichPolk]

Yes.  I think you are correct.

[DdeGannes]

@RichPolk, "It is only happening with the Canon EOS R. "

I would be inclined to check the rendition by LrC with the Adobe lens profile vs  the jpeg produced by the Camera and the rendition of  raw file with Canon's own software.

Just a thought.

[RichPolk]

I will check into the profile.

Thanks!