Why won't Lightroom 4 import my Canon 80D CR2 files?

[Robienyshecok]

Why won't Lightroom 4 import my Canon 80D CR2 files?

It worked with Canon T4i but not Canon 80D.

When I import it shows "Preview Unavailable for this file"

Need help.

TIA

[JP Hess]

The Canon 80D requires at least Lightroom 6.5/CC 2015.5. It will be necessary for you to upgrade or use the DNG converter.

[Robienyshecok]

So how do we use the DNG converter? Is it plugins of the Lightroom 4?

[DdeGannes]

There is lots of info online about DNG file format and the Adobe DNG Converter.

To get acquainted have a look at the site at the link below.

https://blogs.adobe.com/photoshop/2015/12/dng-pros-cons-and-myths.html

[JP Hess · Accepted solution]

Robienyshecok  wrote

So how do we use the DNG converter? Is it plugins of the Lightroom 4?

The DNG converter is a free standalone program available from Adobe that is run separately and independently to create DNG copies of your raw files. These DNG files contain all the raw image data that were in the original file, just in a different file container. Here is a short video demonstrating how to use the DNG converter:

Camera Raw: How to use Adobe DNG Converter - YouTube

Here are the links to where you can download the latest DNG converter:

Adobe - Adobe Camera Raw and DNG Converter : For Windows : Adobe DNG Converter 9.10.1

Adobe - Adobe Camera Raw and DNG Converter : For Macintosh : Adobe DNG Converter 9.10.1

Once you have converted the images to DNG,  they will be in a folder on your computer and you will import them into Lightroom 4 just like you would any other image and treat them just like you would any other raw file. You will edit them just like you would any other raw file and export them just like you would any other raw file.

In the video, she sets the destination for the DNG files to be the same folder as the original raw files. Personally, I think it's a better idea to set a separate folder for the DNG files only. It's possible to use the DNG converter as your download software. Doing this you can set the folder on the card as the source folder, and set a folder on your hard drive as the destination folder. Then after the conversion takes place all you have to do is open Lightroom and find that folder on your hard drive and use the Add option in the import dialog to import it into your Lightroom catalog.

One other little hint to remember. When using the DNG converter, it prompts for a FOLDER containing raw files. Browse and locate a FOLDER, but don't open the folder. If you open the folder then the converter will give you a message saying that it didn't find any files to convert. This is a common mistake that new users of the DNG converter often make.

[dorisc65785431]

Jim Hess is correct. I installed the DNG converter and it worked for me.

[Robienyshecok]

Does it means that we use DNG everytime?

[DdeGannes]

Quote "Does it means that we use DNG everytime?"

If you are shooting raw and using LR 4 then yes you need the DNG converter to allow you to process the raw files.

The optimum choice would have been to upgrade to LR 6 / Lr CC 2015 then you do not necessarily have to use the DNG Converter and you will have the most up to date Application from Adobe to process the raw files.

[Bob Somrak]

The 80d requires  Lr6.5 or above or you can convert the file to DNG using the free converter.

[dorisc65785431]

I have the same problem. Not only do you need LR 6.5 your system also needs to be running 64bit to install and activate LR6.5.