File question.

[akcron]

Hello All.

First thing is i am very happy as i have just downloaded IExif2.3 checked my second hand D40x and it says Total Number of Shutter Releases for Camera = 767

Secondly i am learning how to work with RAW files, after i have put it in PSE then i save as Jpeg i end up with 3 files. The NEF file the Jpeg file and a XMP file.

The question is should i keep the XMP file as well as the origional NEF file?

Thanks for any help

 

[Catdaddy]

Always keep your NEF files - they're like your negatives, and what if you want to re-process them using different techniques further down the road? You can't do that with JPGs...

Correct me if I'm wrong, everyone, but the XMP file contains details of the basic RAW processing you do before opening the file in PSE, so you should probably keep that too.

 

[Adey]

The NEF file is the Raw file (which NEVER gets changed), the xmp file is a 'config' file that is associated with the Raw file, and it stores any settings that the Raw file might have. So basically if you open up a raw file in ACR and edit it, then select "done", the settings will be stored in the xmp file, but the original Raw file will remain un-changed.

You never really edit a raw file, you just assign parameters to it, that dictates how its is to be processed into, or previewed as an image file.

Its a shame that the xmp is not built into the Raw file itself someway, but im no tech expert so maybe there is a reason.

But yes, its probably a good idea to keep the xmp file, you wont lose anything by deleting as such, but it will save you a bit of time if you wanted to re-edit from the raw file in the future.

Judging by the shutter count you mentioned i'll offer this bit of easily overlooked advice too. Get into the habit of backing up your pictures, and try to get a good 'system', i.e deciding how the folders are gonna be organized, folder structure, basically try and get a plan formulated that you know will work for the rest of your photo taking life. If you dont, in few months you'll have thousands of pictures, scattered randomly over different storage mediums, you'll have duplicates, sets missing, its a nightmare when you're trying to do it after its already a mess.

Have fun!

 

[akcron]

Thanks for the answers.

I will keep both as you suggest, i have just placed an order for a Seagate 1TB external HDD just for my Photo's.

But as you say it would be a good to work out a file system thanks for the suggestion Adey.

Again many thanks everyone for the replies.

 

[Stratman]

I believe Adobe DNG files combine the RAW and XML in a single file.

DNG is an open format 'digital negative' which, says Adobe, future proofs proprietary RAW files, which are different for each manufacturer.

Certainly Lightroom, and maybe other software offers to convert to DNG on impoet.

 

[Adey]

I believe Adobe DNG files combine the RAW and XML in a single file.

DNG is an open format 'digital negative' which, says Adobe, future proofs proprietary RAW files, which are different for each manufacturer.

Certainly Lightroom, and maybe other software offers to convert to DNG on impoet.

Didnt know that, very interesting

I was thinking about DNG's the other day and i had convinced myself that i was getting confused with PNG files:bonk: