Why do Lightroom previews change a few seconds after loading a RAW file?
Asked 9/30/2010
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After importing RAW files into Lightroom, the image often appears one way at first, then shifts in color and contrast a moment later. Why does this happen?
My understanding is that Lightroom initially shows the embedded JPEG preview from the camera, then replaces it with Lightroom’s own rendering of the RAW data. If that’s correct, why can Lightroom’s version look so different from the embedded JPEG, sometimes dramatically?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
15y ago
2 Answers
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You're right in your conclusion that Lightroom is initially showing you the embedded jpeg. However, Adobe isn't privy to how the camera manufacturers process their jpegs in-camera, so Lightroom is never going to be able to produce thumbnails/previews/images that match the jpegs SOOC.
I'd suggest that the main issue is whether you are happy with your ability to use Lightroom to produce images in post-processing that you are happy with. If you are, then I (along with countless others) don't think it really matters whether Lightroom's interpretation is the same as the jpegs that came out of the camera.
In other words, there is no "right" or "correct" image from your camera, just whether or not you find the results visually pleasing.
Originally by user1124. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user1124
15y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
Yes—Lightroom often shows the camera-generated embedded JPEG first, then replaces it with a preview rendered from the RAW data.
The embedded JPEG was processed by your camera using its own picture style, color profile, contrast curve, sharpening, and other settings. The RAW data itself does not contain a finished look in the same way; it needs to be interpreted.
When Lightroom renders the RAW, it uses Adobe’s own demosaicing, color profiles, and tone mapping. Adobe does not exactly duplicate each camera maker’s JPEG engine, so Lightroom’s rendering will not necessarily match the camera preview. That’s why color, contrast, and overall look can shift after a few seconds.
This is not unique to Nikon, though some camera/profile combinations may make the difference more noticeable.
It can also depend on your import/preview settings: options that use embedded previews will show the camera JPEG sooner, then Lightroom-generated previews appear later.
In short: the change is normal and reflects the difference between the camera’s JPEG processing and Lightroom’s interpretation of the RAW file.
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