5D file names

[Tony Whitaker]

I'm using a 5D and am baffled by the way it automatically allocates file names. These come in two formats ... i.e. _MG_6636.JPG or IMG_6637.JPG ... and it switches between these two formats for no reason I have yet detected, even within a sequences of images. It is somewhat annoying because it means the files do not sort in numerical/chronological order. Anybody know why/how it happens?

 

[Richard McNeil]

The _MG_XXXX file format has an Adobe RGB color space while the IMG_XXXX has an sRGB color space.

Richard

 

[Ken Tanaka]

Yup, as Richard says, the leading underscore is precipitated by selection of the Adobe RGB color space in the camera's menu...even if you're shooting RAW. I'm sure it makes perfect sense in Tokyo but it can baffle use in the U.S.. (The 1-bodies do the same trick.)

My suggestion is to get into the habit of renaming your image files to something more meaningful immediately after importing them from the memory card. Several products and tools enable you to create new file names based on the file's EXIF data. _IMG-1234.JPG is just not a useful naming structure.

 

[Asher Kelman]

Where are these rules enunciated? Is there a code for Prophoto RGB?

Asher

 

[Bart_van_der_Wolf]

The _MG_XXXX file format has an Adobe RGB color space while the IMG_XXXX has an sRGB color space.

Where are these rules enunciated?

AFAIK, it's in the (f*in') manual.

Is there a code for Prophoto RGB?

No, Prophoto RGB is not a camera selectable colorspace, sRGB and Adobe RGB are.

Bart

 

[Richard McNeil]

Where are these rules enunciated? Is there a code for Prophoto RGB?

Asher

Asher,

Page 67 of the manual is where I found the Adobe Color Space file name and page 71 is where the sRGB file name is brought up. Even then it's not as clear as should have been!

Richard

 

[Asher Kelman]

Thanks for the pointer!

One day I'll read it cover to cover. Except for the custom settings I don't generally RT*M

Asher

 

[Tony Whitaker]

Thanks for the explanation, guys ... so it comes down to when I switch shooting modes and what colour space is set for which. Obvious when you know, but I'm like some of you and the manual is not read, but consulted only in times of need.

And, yes, Ken, I do rename files to something appropriate later.

Tony