Legend

Question

Lightroom Classic: Set defaults for raw file import

Forum|Forum|5 years ago
February 15, 2020
13 replies
80226 views

Apply a Camera Matching color profile and preset for each camera when importing raw files

Wouldn't it be nice if you could specify a different preset for each of your camera brands when you import raw files into Lightroom Classic? Or better yet, how about if we could differentiate one Canon camera from another (or two or more of any camera brand), and apply a different preset to each. Well, those options do exist today in Lightroom Classic.

New options in the preferences menu of Lightroom 9.2/Camera Raw 12.2 allow you to configure a variety of settings defining how to treat raw files upon import. You now have the option to set up a default or “master” preference that can be overridden by a camera specific preference if desired. If you have several of the same camera, then it can be further managed by camera serial number. These settings are applied when importing raw files into Lightroom Classic. Follow this tutorial to see how to set your defaults:

❶ Navigate to the preferences panel

To specify default settings for importing raw images, first navigate to the preferences panel:

Edit > Preferences (Win) or Lightroom Classic > Preferences (macOS)

Select the Presets tab from the Preferences dialog box to see the new Raw Defaults section

❷ Master defaults

In the Master drop-down, you will see 3 options: Adobe Default, Camera Settings, and Preset.

Adobe Default: This option will apply Adobe default settings to your raw images.

Camera Settings: If you want Lightroom Classic to select a Camera Matching color profile that corresponds to your in-camera style settings, then you should choose Camera Settings from the Master drop-down. This feature takes in to account the style of the photo (such as Canon Picture Style, Fujifilm Film Simulation, Nikon Picture Control, Olympus Picture Mode, Panasonic Photo Style, Sony Creative Style), and in some cases also settings from the Basic and Detail panels. Camera Settings will override the Adobe Default, but if any camera or setting is unrecognized, Lightroom will use a reasonable substitute instead.

Preset: This option allows you to choose a specific develop preset from your list to apply to all of your raw images as they are imported.

❸ Set defaults for specific camera models

If you use many different cameras, then you may want to process files from each camera differently. In this case, you might want to consider using the Use defaults specific to camera model option. This option appears as a checkbox under the Master settings.

You can choose from the same 3 options just described: Adobe Default, Camera Settings, and Preset. The only difference here is that it is chosen on a per camera basis. When you choose Use defaults specific to camera model, the option settings will override the choices that were set above in Master. If you have more than one camera of the same make, you can click the option for Show serial number. This will give you the ability differentiate the cameras that are the same model and allow you to select defaults for each camera separately. For more details, please see: How to set-up raw defaults in Lightroom Classic

Please Note:

Raw default settings made prior to version 9.2 will not be migrated when you update to Lightroom Classic 9.2. The settings for previously imported images will be retained but the default settings will be the Adobe defaults. If you wish to maintain your previous defaults, we recommend configuring new default settings after updating to Lightroom Classic 9.2.

Feature summary | Lightroom Classic (February 2020 release)

Get started with Lightroom Classic

J

JLB.S

Participant

I am so frustrated - I cannot even find which version of LIghtroom I have. None of the tutorials match the screenshots of the instructions so I know I must have a different version. My preferences screen is stripped down and is not showing any of the choices showing in instructions. I am just wanting to import RAW files only and it seems to be impossible

JohanElzenga

Community Expert

Sounds like you are not using Lightroom Classic, but Lightroom.

https://www.lightroomqueen.com/lightroom-cc-vs-classic-features/

-- Johan W. Elzenga

R

Richard481

Participant

When I import my raw files using camera image profiles as default (like Camera Portrait), Lightroom drops 1 full stop on the raw files compared to the file I see on the screen of my camera. I checked the histogram too and my camera shows about 1 stop brighter image. This is very annoying and causing extra work. What is the default setting then? I need to start to push all my raw files by 1 stop by default????? Does anyone know a solution to this?

visuals.sk

Participating Frequently

This is the most stupid "update" ever ! LR is now not only slow but also unpredictable 😞

Does Adobe have real beta testers or you just push new version to all loayal customers and hope thay will swalow it ?

If there is a way how to make ISO dependent adjustments WHY IT IS NOT IMPORTED FROM MY PREVIOUS CONFIGURATION ? I set the values years back based on shooting bunch of test images at every ISO settings and relay on them since then because it WORKS. I dont know the values anymore. That was the magic of LR.

NO Im not affraid of some light programming / editing config files but your "guide" https://helpx.adobe.com/lightroom-classic/help/raw-defaults.html#SetrawdefaultsspecifictoISOvalues ends in the most crutial and interesting part: <crs:ISODependent> ... no more explanation just 2 files and have FUN with DiffMerge.

I would be happy if you can add new feature like Match total exposure based on real pixel data not EXIF ( so if lighting changes during shot it's get corrected ) or removing photo from "cloud" when album is unsynced etc.

I like LR from beginning actually it is sole reason why I havent switched completly to something like affinit. ( Catalogue part is for me more valuable than pure raw develop features ) Actually I just noticed that ON1 have some interesting updates regarding cataloge so I have to stop writing and do some research.

Have a nice day.

Milan.

DdeGannes

Community Expert

See the info in the screen capture which speaks to ISO specific "Default Presets".

I have noticed the changes being made over the past few years as to how Adobe has changed the default development of images at different ISO setting. In the past, I used the previous feature of creating individual ISO values but when I moved to the new model camera that I now use it did not see any necessity any for the new camera. I am pretty happy with what I am seeing and maybe you could give it a try. Just my opinion. I am specifically referring to the last sentence in the screen capture.

Regards, Denis: iMac 27” mid-2015, macOS 11.7.10 Big Sur; 2TB SSD, 24 GB Ram, GPU 2 GB; LrC 12.5,; Lr 6.5, PS 24.7,; ACR 15.5,; (also Laptop Win 11, ver 24H2, LrC 15.0.1, PS 27.0; ) Camera Oly OM-D E-M1.

hans3d

Participating Frequently

Hey Denis,

thanks for the hint.

But as far as I understand the 'Evangelists' words, Julieanne referrs to the new ISO dependent xmp workflow (interpolating values) as opposed to the older method of defining a very specific default value for every single ISO.

She is not talking about any 'under the hood' changes that somehow would make ISO dependent defaults obsolete.

And even IF Adobe had some kind of magic to adjust the Noise reduction iso dependant but still keeping the sliders at the same values, that would be a terrible intransparent voodoo.

And Yes that was a tidious task, to create a testshot at every ISO and then define defaults based on that. It sucked basically. But I could easyly update my settings. And it was all transparent and clear.

Now I kinda wrapped my head around the NEW worflow and I must say, in the End its not all bad! I like the interpolation part where the actual values for , lets say luma noise, get interpolated between a set of min /max values. Thats neat.

But WHY is ther no way to save such an ISO dependant xmp file out of LR?? There is NO explanation given AT ALL! just 2 sample files to play around. OK its not too hard but come on, at least make a full documentation of possible features if you want me to edit an xmp file anyways.

I want to be able to update and change my default values settings from WITHIN LR.

Dropping 2 files and good luck don't cut it.

You failled, Adobe. Again.

this is most likely my last year of subscription, C1 is gettin better with every dot release......

cheers

hans

T68203159

Known Participant

ok, so im new to using LR - question - i see the adobe default for Raw import but am wondering, how do i tell what the difference is between that and changing the setting to my current camera? What does it mean or do when changing the setting from lets say to my camera from adobe? Tks for helping a noobe....

hans3d

Participating Frequently

Now just to get this right: In the past (prior to 9.2) I could very easily create or overwrite any Import Preset by simply shift clicking on thge reset button in the dev module, updating the default to whatever was set in the dev module and it also makes this settings ISO dependant. easy (once you found that somewhat hidden shift Feature).

NOW you're telling - no, selling- me this cumbersome process as the new hot thing??? seriously???

Now i have to download a few Sample XMP files and edit them in an text Editor, hoping to get things right, import this xmp to LR, and finally select it as the new default Dev Preset. Thats not new, it's not better, its just cumbersome and awful!

And please, can can you tell me how to set up an ISO dependent preset on my own without 'programming' it in a txt editor?

LR really annoyes me more and more....

Antarès11596824

Participant

Bonjour,

Est-ce que vous allez réhabiliter l'ancienne méthode pour "Définition de paramètres par défaut Raw en fonction des valeurs ISO" ?

Votre nouvelle méthode est très compliquée, devoir taper du XML ce n’est vraiment pas intéressant et encore moins pratique…et d'après mes essais ne fonctionne pas vraiment bien.

Avant c'était simple, il suffisait de prendre une photo pour chaque ISO, y régler ses paramètres, les sauver comme valeur définie par défaut et cela marchait très bien.

D’ici là je suis obligé de rester à la version 9.1. Avez-vous prévu quelque chose pour améliorer la situation ?

Merci

L

Lehm

Participant

I totally agree, I stay at ver. 9.1 until this is back to, being easy to handle. Just go back to the old possibility, or keep the old way alongside the new complicated method..

Thank you!!

S

SammCox

Known Participant

In Lightroom Classic versions prior to 9.2 there was a Reset (Adobe) button in the Develop module. I think pressing and holding Shift revealed this button. The Reset (Adobe) button would reset a raw image to its SOOC state without regard to any Default Develop Settings that would normally remain when doing a normal Reset. In LR Classic 9.2, the Reset (Adobe) functionality seems to be completely missing. I tried rolling back the process version but, alas, it seems to have been wiped completely away. Without the Reset (Adobe) button, how can I reset a raw image to its SOOC state without mucking around with the Develop Defaults?

TheDigitalDog

Inspiring

The Reset (Adobe) button would reset a raw image to its SOOC state without regard to any Default Develop Settings that would normally remain when doing a normal.

No, it would reset to the default raw rendering settings. Raw is raw. As shown above. Raw must be rendered to show us a preview. That rendering is Adobe's proprietary rendering no matter the setting (any default or otherwise).

You want Straight Out Of Camera? Shoot JPEG. That too is a proprietary rendering of the raw.

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

DdeGannes

Community Expert

Thanks for your post, this effectively debunks the "myth" in a simple, short and concise way.

You can create a SOOC, jpeg if you use the software that the Camera manufacturer-provided when you purchased your camera. It will read the settings you used in your camera when took the shot, that info would be in the header of the RAW file.

Regards, Denis: iMac 27” mid-2015, macOS 11.7.10 Big Sur; 2TB SSD, 24 GB Ram, GPU 2 GB; LrC 12.5,; Lr 6.5, PS 24.7,; ACR 15.5,; (also Laptop Win 11, ver 24H2, LrC 15.0.1, PS 27.0; ) Camera Oly OM-D E-M1.

P

pferland1435

Known Participant

How can you diffrentiate between a raw file un-touched from camera and raw file that had the camera profile applied on import? Does the metadata change in anyway?

TheDigitalDog

Inspiring

Raw is read only; nothing is altered. The raw data is rendered along with all kinds of image processing including the camera profile upon import. To show you a preview.

This is (one view) of what raw data actually looks like:

http://www.digitaldog.net/files/ThisIsRaw.jpg

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

G

genf.bakker

Participant

I published an article covering the new way of working in full detail. Have a look if you are struggling to get your old presets working in the new LR/ACR: https://geraldbakker.nl/tutorials-actions/how-to-set-raw-defaults.html

agb83

Participating Frequently

Merci

R

rollsnut

Known Participant

Just another FRUSTRATED user. I have read all kind of ways to reset defaults. I did create a new preset where by pressing reset on each photo it would do the presets. I though great, this default preset will automatically load my preset settings in every now catalogue I create...WRONG - *&$!(*!!**#.

All I want to do is create a default that creates my settings for every photo everytime I create a new catalogue. Am I missing the point that it can't be done? If I set up a camera specific set of "default values" will that be a universal default that automatically triggers everytime I create a new catalogue?

Maybe it's time to look seriously at On1!

elie_dinur

Participating Frequently

> "Wouldn't it be nice....."

Yes Pattie, it would be nice. It would be super peachy nice. And it will be even nicer when Adobe finally manages to make and supply color profiles for Canon CR3 cameras. I know, I've heard about what a dirty trick Canon did by revamping CR3 metadata. But you have been doing "Camera Matching" profiles since 2008 without access to the maker's profiles, surely there must be somebody in the lab who can manage it.

Show more replies

Apply a Camera Matching color profile and preset for each camera when importing raw files

Sign up

To post, reply, or follow discussions, please sign in with your Adobe ID.

Sign in to Adobe Community

To post, reply, or follow discussions, please sign in with your Adobe ID.

Scanning file for viruses.

This file cannot be downloaded