Slow to build standard previews with Nikon Z8 files

[Maranoblet]

Hi,

I have recently switched cameras from a Nikon Z7 to a Z8 and now, when importing files to lightroom classic, the standard previews are taking an age to build. The MP size is the same between cameras obviously but I am using the new HE* compression on the Z8. Could this be causing the issue?

For reference the previews took a couple of seconds for Z7 files but now take 6-7 minutes for z8 files (around 30 files). This is. a huge increase so clearly it's a software thing as these files are supposed to be smaller.

The machine is a 14" Mac Book Pro M1 1TB 32GB RAM with 10 core cpu, 16 core GPU, 380GB free space on internal SSD.

Anybody got any suggestions?

[Sameer K]

Hey @Maranoblet. Welcome to the Lightroom Classic Community. I'll need more info to help you figure this out. 

Does the issue exist if you use the lossless NEF RAW file instead of High-Efficiency RAW images? Is the catalog stored on an internal or external drive? 

As a quick test, create a new catalog placed in the Internal drive & import 30-40 images, and check how it goes. 

Thanks! 
Sameer K

(Type '@' and type my name to mention me when you reply)

[Maranoblet]

Hi, Sameer K thanks for the welcome.

The catalogue is stored on my internal SSD.

Just created a test catalogue and time to import HE* files was the same.

Tried again with lossless compressed (strandard RAW) upload time was possibly halved but maybe longer than I remember for the Z7.

Odd!

[GoldingD]

• Where (what hard drive) are you placing those photos?
• How much free space on that hard drive (if different from catalog)?
• Oh, and the catalog, 380GB free space on internal SSD, how much free space is that in percent? Looking for at least 25% free.
• What method (Copy, Copy as DNG, Add) are you using during Import?
• What previews are you creating at Import? And has that changed?
• Do you have any sync to the cloud active in LrC while importing, and has that changed of you do?

[Maranoblet]

Hi,

Importing to laptop internal SSD

380gb free on 1TB Macbook internal SSD, This is where the catalogue is stored. So around 30% free. No change here, in fact I have actually cleared around 150 GB since I got the camera but the problem is still ongoing

Importing using "Copy" method.

Building both smart and standard previews but the hold up seems to be with standard previews. (This has not changed and I have always done this)

It does sync collections to the cloud but I have no idea if it is syncing during import. There have been no changes made to this though and it is all as it was with my Z7.

The issue seems to be mainly with Nikon HE* files. The lossless compressed files build standard previews noticably quicker despite being larger files.