How to convert PEF to TIFF
- Add your .PEF file - drop it in the box above or click to browse.
- Convert it to .TIFF in a few seconds.
- Download your new .TIFF file.
What to expect
- Export to 16-bit TIFF to retain the PEF's 12- or 14-bit sensor depth; an 8-bit export discards highlight and shadow detail.
- A 16-bit uncompressed TIFF from a 24 MP Pentax body is roughly 140 MB - enable LZW compression in your export settings to halve the size with no quality loss.
- PEF conversion is a raw development step (demosaicing, white balance, tone mapping), not a container swap; keep the original
.pefas your archival master.
Frequently asked questions
Does converting to TIFF improve image quality?
No - TIFF is lossless so nothing is further degraded, but quality is capped by the raw data already in the
.pef. You are preserving what is there, not enhancing it.Can I batch-convert a folder of PEF files to TIFF?
Yes - darktable supports batch export from its Lighttable view, and BatchPhoto is designed specifically for bulk format conversion.
Is TIFF or DNG better for archiving Pentax raws?
DNG is better for raw archiving as it stores unprocessed sensor data and is openly documented. A TIFF from a PEF is a processed render - useful for editing handoff but not a true raw archive.
Why does my software not recognise the PEF file?
Each Pentax body writes a slightly different PEF variant; update darktable to the latest version to get support for newer camera models.
Programs that convert PEF: Adobe Photoshop · BatchPhoto · PhotoFiltre Studio · Adobe Photoshop for Mac · darktable
