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Participating Frequently
March 2, 2023
Question

Lightroom 6 won't import Canon RAW Files

  • March 2, 2023
  • 3 replies
  • 2152 views

I recently purchased a Canon 6d Mark ii camera and discovered that my version of Lightroom 6.0 will not import the Canon RAW files.  I tried to upgrade and install plugins to no avail.  An Adobe representative told me this program is no longer supported so there was nothing he could do.  I managed to find and install the Adobe DNG converter, but was wondering if there was any other way to import the RAW files directly to lightroom without going through these additional steps.  Also, does anyone know if converting the RAW files to DNG and then back to RAW degrade the files in any way?

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3 replies

TheDigitalDog
Inspiring
March 2, 2023

As mentioned, when converted properly, the raw data inside a DNG is as raw as the original. But you cannot convert back to the proprietary raw, and any proprietary metadata in that format, which isn't of any use in LR/ACR isn't understood. 

So if you ever think you'd go back to Canon's raw converter and if you ever thing the proprietary metadata could be used, then while the raw sensor data is the same, what you've lost by converting isn't; the proprietary metadata for Canon's converter. Questionable if that's at all useful, but that's up to you to decide. 

Author “Color Management for Photographers" & "Photoshop CC Color Management/pluralsight"
Ian Lyons
Community Expert
Community Expert
March 2, 2023

Andrew,

 

The DNG Converter has an option to embed the original raw file within the DNG, and extract same at some future time/date.

 

 

TheDigitalDog
Inspiring
March 2, 2023
quote

Andrew,

 

The DNG Converter has an option to embed the original raw file within the DNG, and extract same at some future time/date.

 

 

By @Ian Lyons

Yes but I'd never use it or recommend it. 

Now your DNG is twice or so as large since you've embedded that raw into it. I'd simply archive the original raws elsewhere IF I decided I'd want that document (and no, I don't). A nice option within the LR import too; move it onto another drive, leave the DNG smaller and as is. 

Author “Color Management for Photographers" & "Photoshop CC Color Management/pluralsight"
elie_dinur
Participating Frequently
March 2, 2023

The 6DMkII was supported from LR 6.12. The last free update to LR 6, called 6.14, is available here:

Participating Frequently
March 2, 2023

This upgrade will no longer install.

Sean McCormack
Community Expert
Community Expert
March 2, 2023

What error are you getting? If the machine supports it, it should install. 

Sean McCormack. Author of 'Essential Development 3'. Magazine Writer. Former Official Fuji X-Photographer.
Sean McCormack
Community Expert
Community Expert
March 2, 2023

DNG is a raw format, so you don't lose anything by converting. 

I assume you mean version 6 of that is now Lightroom Classic 12. You chould be on 6.14 to have the latest version of the perpetual version-which as the rep says, is not longer supported. 

Sean McCormack. Author of 'Essential Development 3'. Magazine Writer. Former Official Fuji X-Photographer.
Participating Frequently
March 2, 2023

Thanks for responding, but it is no longer possible to upgrade to 6.14.  I have tried. 

Will the DNG files have all the same data as the original RAW if I export them directly from lightroom to an external drive?

TheDigitalDog
Inspiring
March 2, 2023
quote

Will the DNG files have all the same data as the original RAW if I export them directly from lightroom to an external drive?


By @R.230631910vmv

Yes (and somewhat no) as outlined. 

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