How to Open RAW Files From Your New Camera in an Older Version of Lightroom

I got this question a few weeks ago, and I thought I’d cover it here today.

I have been using LR4 for many years I like it because I’m used to it. I shoot with Canon 5D3 and have purchased a backup body [a Canon] 7D2 but come to find out LR4 can’t open the files. What are my options?

You have at least two options:

(1) Upgrade to Lightroom Classic (which is my suggested option). Lightroom 4 came out in 2012 — I think you probably got your money’s worth out of 4, and don’t worry — you’ll be able to use Lightroom Classic with no problem (the interface is pretty much the same as it was then). It’s $9.99 a month for Lightroom and Photoshop. That’s less than an appetizer at Applebees. It’s time to move on.

(2) You can download Adobe’s free Digital Negative Converter utility (DNG Converter for short), and convert all your RAW images from the Canon 7D Mark II to the DNG format first, then Lightroom 4 will let you import and work with them. It does take some time for this conversion to DNG process, and you’ll have to do it every single time before you import your RAW images, which is why I do not recommend this option, but it is an option.

There ya go — hope you found that helpful. By the way — choose Option 1. 🙂

Have a great weekend everybody. I’ll be a little older when I check back in with you on Monday, but probably not a lick wiser. 🙂

Best,

-Scott

P.S. Next week I’m teaching my Lightroom seminar in Raleigh (Wed) and Lansing (Friday). Come out on (it’s 100% money-back guaranteed if it doesn’t totally rock). Here’s the link for details.