Importing DNG reduces image size

Need some help troubleshooting files imported into LR2.6 as DNG from A Nikon D90. I shoot Canon 50D and import using the native RAW format and it yields photos at 43 megs (uncompressed jpg) 3168 x 4752 (not exact with a slight crop). That is what I expect at 300 dpi.

Partner uses the Nikon D90, importing DNG produces 18.3 meg file at 2060 x 3102. The SOOC DNG produces 2848 x 4288 file size. 54.6 mp at 300 dpi

So my issue is, is there a setting on import as DNG that reduces image size? I understand DNG files produce a smaller file size but that shouldn't change the actual image dimensions.

The big issue which is why I am noticing this, is that on export from LR to jpg, the image size is reduced, limiting the ability to enlarge the photo without quality loss.

Am I missing something here? I am sure its a simple setting I am missing however checking through preferences, not seeing it.

Thanks

I'm confused by your question since I'm not aware of any Canon or Nikon camera that can produce a "SOOC DNG."

It would be more helpful if your took a screenshot of your Lightroom import dialog so that we could look at your settings.

Correcting typos would go a long way toward improving understanding. Unless, of course, the D90 really is 54.6 megapixels and exports DNGs.

Or do you mean NEFs that convert to 34.6 MB uncompressed jpgs? DPI, by the way, has absolutely no effect on either file size or pixel dimensions.

But to answer your question, conversion from NEF to DNG does not change pixel dimensions nor is there any LR import setting that would do so, unless you are importing with a user-made Develop preset that contains instructions to crop to 2016x3102.

PixelMagic wrote in post #9974054
I'm confused by your question since I'm not aware of any Canon or Nikon camera that can produce a "SOOC DNG."

It would be more helpful if your took a screenshot of your Lightroom import dialog so that we could look at your settings.

Well the RAW file I received from him was a DNG file. Maybe he sent me what LR converted? Not sure, I have to find that out... Will check on that.

tzalman wrote in post #9974200
Correcting typos would go a long way toward improving understanding. Unless, of course, the D90 really is 54.6 megapixels and exports DNGs.

Or do you mean NEFs that convert to 34.6 MB uncompressed jpgs? DPI, by the way, has absolutely no effect on either file size or pixel dimensions.

But to answer your question, conversion from NEF to DNG does not change pixel dimensions nor is there any LR import setting that would do so, unless you are importing with a user-made Develop preset that contains instructions to crop to 2016x3102.

Not a typo. Opening this DNG file in photoshop produces a 54.6 file uncompressed. DPI has no effect? How so? Changing a file from 72 DPI 300 DPI effects file size. Image size no unless resampled, but certainly file size. Both of which don't match up in this case.

Will check on if any presets are set on import. Thanks

tzalman wrote in post #9974200
...DPI, by the way, has absolutely no effect on either file size or pixel dimensions.

DPI won't change dimensions, but will most definitely affect file size. I just turned a 5.67mb image into an 88mb image by going from 72dpi to 300dpi.

With regards to import, I've always just imported RAW at 240dpi, and exported at 300. I've never seen a 300dpi import option.

Rob Wilkinson wrote in post #9974587
With regards to import, I've always just imported RAW at 240dpi, and exported at 300. I've never seen a 300dpi import option.

300 DPI is what I set it too during the conversion. Just like what you are doing.

I think I misunderstood your question. You got a "RAW" file from a friend's Nikon that was already DNG? He must have converted the .nef file previously?

Yes, I re-read your first post and it definitely sounds like he converted the .nef to a smaller (dimension) DNG file before you got it. Otherwise I don't see anyway LR could have reduced the dimensions upon import.

Rob Wilkinson wrote in post #9974610
I think I misunderstood your question. You got a "RAW" file from a friend's Nikon that was already DNG? He must have converted the .nef file previously?

Thats what I am trying to figure out... I have never worked with DNG files so not sure how it was converted. I am guessing it was converting on import to LR but I dont see how that would effect it. I just had him check the import settings and the only preset set is the metadata preset. Can file size be edited in the metadata preset?

Ok, so I got him to confirm its changing on import into LR so the Camera is out of the equation. Now to figure out how dimensions are changing.

In the Import Photos>File Handling dialogue I see the copy to DNG setting but don't understand how they would be resized. Try having him import as the original NEF.

Ok, think it can be just summed up as a severe cropping issue that he didnt tell me about. What I was confused about and correct me if I am wrong is that when making a change to a DNG file in LR, that change is held in the DNG file unlike a RAW file? For example, import NEF convert to DNG on import, he then cropped image which I was unaware of, ask him to send me the RAW file so I can check which he sends me the DNG, I dont see any crop difference between the jpg and DNG so I assumed it wasnt cropped at all.

Not ever using DNG files I assumed that the cropping was just contained in the LR catalog and the RAW file would be untouched. Is this not the case? If it is, it makes sense, if not the I am still lost.

Think of a DNG as a file folder, envelope or wrapper. When you edit a DNG in Lightroom or Adobe Bridge the editing instructions are stored in the file folder or envelope along with the image data and the metadata that describes the file.

This differs from RAW files like CR2 where Lightroom either saves the edits to its internal database or writes them to an XMP file if instructed.

Yeah, the DNG will hold whatever info you output it with. If he crops, the output DNG file will be cropped. It sounds like the original NEF is what YOU want to import, as it will still have the original full-size dimensions. Have him send you that.

Ok, I think I understand it now... Lets say if he were to take that DNG file that he was working on in LR, and copy it and open it in Photoshop or import it into another LR catalog, will that cropped data be lost? Would I still be able to see the original?

Well I just tried that and I could not see the original uncropped image. Doesnt this defeat the purpose of non destructive editing?

It's only non-destructive up until you export the new file back over the original, but you shouldn't do that.

When LR "imports" images, it actually just uses the image info from the original to give you a preview in LR. You don't actually end up with a new, adjust and cropped, image file until you export one. It's all smoke and mirrors.

So, even though the DNG he cropped and exported doesn't have that extra cropped info, the NEF original is essentially left untouched as LR does it's magic. Output the DNG and it will show the edits, but the NEF you imported in as a DNG will be left in the as-shot NEF state.