original file question - DPChallenge Forums

Canon PowerShot Pro 90 IS

07/28/2006 08:41:11 PM · #1

When I download pictures from my camera to my computer, the software I use lets me rename the batch of pictures, so instead of just numbers, it will have a prefix+numbers. Is that considered changing the file so that I no longer have an "original" straight from the camera file? No editing takes place, it just imports the file off of my card and sticks it into folders.

coolhar

07/28/2006 08:53:53 PM · #2

Some software programs will leave their own imprint in the EXIF when used as you have described. Changing a file's name, in and of itself, should not make that file a non-original because that can be done without opening the file. The safest way to preserve original files (for dpc purposes) is to simply copy & paste them from your card to a folder on your hard drive, and then make copies of the ones you are going to edit for submission. If that's too inconvienient for you, ask SC about the specific program you are using, or send in a sample file for them to examine.

Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Canon

07/28/2006 09:03:57 PM · #3

Depending on what software you're using to download, simply using it can be enough to modify your original. What are you using?

07/28/2006 10:48:44 PM · #4

I'm using Microsoft Digital Image Suite Library. I guess I should find out for sure. I've been assuming they are originals, since I haven't done any editing to them - I always do a save as to something else as soon as I open a file, and then edit that.

07/28/2006 11:20:35 PM · #5

My last challenge submission was DQ'd for exactly that reason - using software to transfer images from cam to hard drive. As far as I'm aware, the image's original exif is not altered in any way, just that an extra entry is added for the software. But that's not how SCs or DPC see it... oh well. Also, unfortunately for me, the OS on the pc I was using at the time would hang whenever I tried to view the camera drive. The only way I could view/open/save any of my images, was via the software. Needless to say I'm not using that pc anymore. (sigh)... all water under the bridge now anyway.

So, the moral of the story is, if it's going to be for a challenge submission, just drag and drop a copy directly from the camera first before using other software for batch processing. AND avoid crappy old WinME, like the plague.

:) So good to know I'm not the only one that uses software though. Felt like I was the only fool on the planet for doing so.

Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Canon

07/28/2006 11:23:12 PM · #6

Originally posted by rinac:

avoid crappy old WinME, like the plague.

That should be the moral of every story. ;)

Fujifilm XF 55-200mm f/3.5-4.8 R LM OIS

07/28/2006 11:27:56 PM · #7

Originally posted by mk:

Originally posted by rinac:
avoid crappy old WinME, like the plague.

That should be the moral of every story. ;)

:-D

ursula

Fujifilm X-T2

07/28/2006 11:29:34 PM · #8

Changing the file names during transfer from camera to computer shouldn't invalidate an original. I do that all the time (rename files during transfer - I use Picture Project) and it does not alter any of the EXIF tags. That said, I don't know if that's the case for all software or just some. What you can't do is view the files with your transfer software and then save - that will change the EXIF tags.

07/28/2006 11:33:00 PM · #9

well that stinks. DIS does a wonderful job of sorting my pictures for me... lets me give the ratings and mark them with tags etc. So now I have to keep two copies of everything??
Dang.

07/28/2006 11:34:35 PM · #10

Originally posted by ursula:

What you can't do is view the files with your transfer software and then save - that will change the EXIF tags.

???? So the act of transferring (essentially 'saving' copies to your hard drive) from cam to pc using software, is ok? Just that you can't save again after that or the EXIF will change... I think I understand that part.

Message edited by author 2006-07-28 23:38:30.

Fujifilm XF 55-200mm f/3.5-4.8 R LM OIS

07/28/2006 11:37:34 PM · #11

So, how can I tell if my EXIF tag is being altered?

Message edited by author 2006-07-28 23:37:52.

ursula

Fujifilm X-T2

07/28/2006 11:38:28 PM · #12

Originally posted by rinac:

Originally posted by ursula:
What you can't do is view the files with your transfer software and then save - that will change the EXIF tags.

???? So the act of transferring (essentially 'saving' copies to your hard drive) from cam to pc using software, is ok?

As far as I know it is. The act of transferring (or transferring/renaming) does not invalidate an original. The opening/viewing and saving once on your computer does.

But as I said above, I don't know about all software, just some.

Fujifilm XF 55-200mm f/3.5-4.8 R LM OIS

07/28/2006 11:39:33 PM · #13

Originally posted by ursula:

Thanks Ursula, that makes sense :)

ursula

Fujifilm X-T2

07/28/2006 11:46:22 PM · #14

Originally posted by margiemu:

So, how can I tell if my EXIF tag is being altered?

You can look at EXIF data with quite a few programs. Here's some more info: EXIF info in FAQ.

I often use IrfanView to look at EXIF.

If shooting RAW, the exposure date is what matters (it has to be within the allowed dates for the challenge). If you're asked to send proof, just send the RAW file, and if the dates are within the limits (and no illegal edits were done otherwise) you will be OK.

If shooting other than RAW (JPG, TIFF), all dates need to agree (exposure, modification, whatever) besides dates being within allowed dates. The original you send for proof if proof is required needs to have all dates agree.

Does that make sense to you?