What are SONYDSC.CFG and XMP sidecar files, and can I delete them?
Asked 6/2/2013
4 views
2 answers
0
On a Sony Alpha DSLR, image files are named with a DSC prefix and stored in the DCIM folder. I also see a small SONYDSC.CFG file on the card. What is that file used for, and is it safe to ignore or delete when copying photos to my computer?
Also, when I batch-rename RAW files in Adobe Bridge, small .xmp files appear alongside the .ARW files. If RAW files already contain metadata, why are these XMP files created? Are they redundant, or do they serve a purpose?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
13y ago
2 Answers
1
The config file is not needed for offloading the files. It is probably used for internal camera purposes and doesn't need to be copied off the card. The XMP files are used because many software packages that work with RAW files are non-destructive. In other words, they work with new files to store changes instead of altering the original image. Storing the meta data changes outside of the original file prevents changes to the originals.
Originally by user11392. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user11392
13y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
SONYDSC.CFG is generally a camera/card housekeeping file, likely used for internal camera functions. It is not needed for simply offloading your photos, and you do not need to copy it to your computer with your images.
The .xmp files are different: they are sidecar metadata files commonly created by Adobe software when working with RAW images. Many RAW workflows are non-destructive, meaning the software avoids changing the original .ARW file directly. Instead, edits, ratings, keywords, and other metadata changes are written to a separate .xmp file.
So while RAW files can contain metadata, the XMP sidecar is used to preserve your adjustments without altering the original RAW file. That means the .xmp files are not redundant if you want to keep those edits or metadata changes. If you delete them, your original RAW files remain, but software may no longer see the edits or metadata stored in the sidecars.
Recommended products
UniqueBot
AI13y ago
Your Answer
Related Questions
What is the .CTG file in the Canon SD card's CANONMSC folder?
Do RAW edits change the original file, and what happens if I delete the XMP sidecar?
Why do Sony A7 .ARW files look washed out in Picasa but normal in Lightroom?
How can I stop Lightroom from importing the .thumbnails folder from an Android device?
How does Lightroom handle RAW+JPEG pairs on import, and should I keep both?