Problem: Raw darker than jpgs

Please forgive me if this has been answered before.

I normally shoot raw+jpg on my 30D, and import immediately to Lightroom. I have noticed that my raw files are consistently 1 to 2 stops darker than the jpgs, even though the color is consistant. I increase my exposure on the camera by 1/3 stop for brighter pictures. Does this effect the jpgs and now the raw pictures? If so, can I create an import preset to brighten only the raw files? Thanks for your help.

Lightroom has some auto features including auto exposure correction IIRC, I suspect that this is turned on in the preference section.

Another less likely scenario is that your picture style which applies adjustments to the JPEG image but not the RAW image may be making this difference. However, picture styles mainly adjust colors/contrast/sharpe​ning ( I can see some contrast making a brightness difference but not by the amount you describe though).

Just to add to the above - exposure changes in the camera affect RAW and JPEG files equally, so it's nothing to do with that.

Also: The "default" setting for Canon Raw files in LR is brightness 50; contrast 25, so *not* all zeroes....

Thanks guys. I un-clicked the "auto tone" in the preferences section and will see how that works. Can I make a preset to brighten raw files only on import?

John E wrote in post #6855011
Thanks guys. I un-clicked the "auto tone" in the preferences section and will see how that works. Can I make a preset to brighten raw files only on import?

Yes. First in Preferences make sure the Presets option "Make defaults specific to ISO," is unchecked. This way the new defaults will apply to all imports from your camera. Then set up the Develop module the way you want it to open by default. If you want the only change to be more Exposure, change only that. Now on the menu bar select Develop/Set Default Settings and in the window that opens click Update to Current Setttings.

Another method is to leave the Adobe defaults as they are and create a preset that you can apply manually to each image or only when neccessary. Set up the Develop module as you want it and choose from the menu bar Develop/New Preset. In the dialog window mark those parameters that you want affected by the preset, give it a name and assign it to a folder.It will appear in the left side panel.