Pixel changes for the camera option of RAW + JPEG
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Observations about the changes in the default storage option for RAW + JPG photos.
The initial format was that the jpg was saved to the Camera folder and the RAW to a RAW device folder which could be excluded from Backup.
In December 2023 the format was changed, and the photo was grouped as a burst with the jpg set as the Cover. You can select either one at the bottom when you open a set. These are saved in the Camera folder and are both backed up as default.
Confusion which needs a warning.
If backed up at Storage saver, the jpg is treated as normal, but the RAW image is converted to a jpg minus all Exif and still named as *.dng until downloaded when the filename is changed to *.jpg
Example
Online - PXL_20240122_182851184.RAW-01.COVER.jpg Backed up (1.1 MB) Storage saver.
Downloaded - PXL_20240122_182851184.RAW-01.COVER.jpg 1.1 MB.
Online - PXL_20240122_182851184.RAW-02.ORIGINAL.dng Backed up (1.6 MB) Storage saver.
Downloaded - PXL_20240122_182851184.RAW-02.ORIGINAL.jpg 1.6 MB with all RAW data removed.
Confusion in the main library view.
The photo has RAW indicated at the top right but select and download only downloads the jpg.
Similarly, select and add to album only adds the jpg cover.
Workaround 1, open the photo, select the dng thumbnail at the bottom and Set as main photo before adding to an album.
Workaround 2, go to https://photos.google.com/search/_tra_ where each photo is presented separately, and the two types can be selected individually.
Deletion issue
Finding RAW images in search shows a single photo with RAW at the top right. Deleting here also deletes the full 'stack' including the jpg Cover.
Further reading:
Google Photos Guides and Video Tutorials
Google Photos Guides and Video Tutorials
Details
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Last edited Jul 9, 2024