Change raw file date/time?

[abiggs]

Is there a tool out there that can change the date and time of a series of raw files? I neglected to update the proper time on both of my camera from a recent trip, and I would like to update the raw file before I import the images into Lightroom.

Any tools out there?

[James Stephens]

I've never had to do it, but I believe you can do this in LR. There's an option under Metadata to "Edit Capture Time". Make sure you edit "Catalog Settings --> Metadata --> Write date or time changes into proprietary raw files" first and you should be all set.

[abiggs]

Thanks, Jams. I will check that out....

[David Burren]

I've occasionally screwed up the times on files (e.g. by forgetting to fix a camera when DST starts or I travel to another timezone). So I've used this within LR. But I've never bothered turning on the "Write changes into proprietary raw files" option: as long as the capture date/time in the XMP and/or LRcat are correct I'm happy, and I don't need to put those files at risk.

Because my files get renamed during import to something that includes the date info I have a Filename Template set up so that after I fix the times I can reset the names. Obviously this is something you want to fix as early in your workflow as possible. E.g. preferably before making derivative PSD/TIFF files, and definitely before geo-coding your images!

[James Stephens]

David makes a good point. You asked how to modify the RAW file and I told you. Would I do it myself .. nope. If I was going to adjust date/time I would store the change in an XMP sidecar file for portability as well as protection against catalog corruption.

[abiggs]

A followup question: If you were to convert to DNG, would Lightroom automatically adjust the DNG file or would it use xmp sidecars to adjust the time?

[E.J. Peiker]

I haven't used it in a while but I beleive DNG converter can make the changes in the DNG file - it's an option you ahve to check off. My memory could be way off here because th only time I've ever used DNG is to convert my old EOS 1D/1Ds RAWTIF files to DNG for their own protection.

[mturner]

Photomechanic will do this and I have used it many times when I forgot to sync the clocks on multiple cameras. Very useful for events/weddings, trips, etc. Helps keep images in order time-wise.

[James Stephens]

>A followup question: If you were to convert to DNG, would Lightroom automatically adjust the DNG file or would it use xmp sidecars to adjust the time?

Andy,

I don't use them but I believe that LR will adjust the DNG. Only RAW files have sidecar files; for a DNG file the Metadata is embedded in the file, as for JPG, Tiff etc.

James

[imagenes_vivas]

There is a free script in the old iView Media Pro website that does that change, and it also work in the current Expression Media 2 version. It also happened to me in some travels and changed the dates without any problem.