Import from DXO PhotoLab: RAW or TIFF Better?

[rcsilber]

I noticed that if I use DXO for raw processing, then export to Affinity as a DNG, I see a difference in the image: color, contrast mainly. If I export from DXO as a TIFF, everything looks the same. Either way, in Affinity I end up with a .aphoto file. Since my raw edits are completed in DXO, and am only using Affinity as a pixel editor, am I losing anything by by exporting to Affinity as a TIFF?

[R C-R]

1 hour ago, rcsilber said:

Since my raw edits are completed in DXO...

If you export from DXO to the DNG format, the file is still in a RAW format file. If you open that file in AP, it should open in the Develop persona, where you must develop it to convert it into a usable image. If that is not happening, if it does not open in the Develop persona, then something is wrong.

For more about RAW & why there is no usable image in one until it is developed you may want to check out https://affinityspotlight.com/article/raw-actually/.

[smadell]

I think that the short answer is this: if you are doing all of your raw processing in DxO Photolab, then export to TIFF. TIFF is a lossless format, and is used frequently as an intermediate when going from a raw processor to another application for additional editing. Exporting from DxO as a DNG is redundant (you are creating another raw file, which will require additional processing) and possibly compromising (as I think you are seeing).

Export a TIFF from DxO and then Open that file into Affinity Photo. When you’re done in AP, consider saving (i) your raw file and .dop sidecar; and (ii) your .afphoto file. Strongly consider trashing the TIFF file; it has served its purpose and you don’t need it anymore.

[rcsilber]

43 minutes ago, smadell said:

I think that the short answer is this: if you are doing all of your raw processing in DxO Photolab, then export to TIFF. TIFF is a lossless format, and is used frequently as an intermediate when going from a raw processor to another application for additional editing. Exporting from DxO as a DNG is redundant (you are creating another raw file, which will require additional processing) and possibly compromising (as I think you are seeing).

Export a TIFF from DxO and then Open that file into Affinity Photo. When you’re done in AP, consider saving (i) your raw file and .dop sidecar; and (ii) your .afphoto file. Strongly consider trashing the TIFF file; it has served its purpose and you don’t need it anymore.

 Thanks; you confirmed what I thought I knew. Silly me, I wasn't thinking about creating a redundant raw with the dng, which also explains the difference I see. I do delete the first tiff since it served its purpose. 

[smadell]

Been there, done that! I, too, do my raw editing in a different application (in my case, Capture One). Once I’ve done my raw processing, I export TIFFs and open them in Affinity Photo. Eventually, I save the raws, the .afphoto file, and an exported JPG file. The TIFF goes in the trash, as I can recreate it from the raw if I need it (which I almost never do).