IOS 13--uploading raw .dng files using dropbox app on phone doesn't work

[Xbotnot]

I have used the dropbox app on Iphone for years synced with my desktop computer.  On an Iphone SE using IOS versions prior to 13, I was able to go into the dropbox app on the phone and then use the app to upload RAW .dng image files from the photo roll on the phone so that I could then get them to the desktop. 

I just purchased an Iphone 11 Pro with IOS 13--I can still see the pictures within the dropbox app, but it will only upload jpg versions (perhaps a jpg preview embedded in the raw file? or maybe it's converting dng to jpg?).  

Is it no longer possible to use the dropbox app to upload RAW .dng files from the camera roll?  Or, if so, what am I doing wrong?

[Fiona]

Hello @Xbotnot. Thanks for sharing your issue with the Community. 

You should not have an issue uploading the RAW .dng files via the Dropbox mobile application.    Allow me to ask a few questions: 

• Are you doing this via the "camera uploads" feature or the "+" button? 
• Are other files being uploaded succesfully? 
• Have you tried reinstalling Dropbox on this mobile device?
• How is your batter and storage, when trying to upload? 

Once I have this info I can help you troubleshoot!

[Xbotnot]

I have reinstalled dropbox on my Iphone. Battery and charge are normal.  Other files upload fine.   

Using the "+" feature within the app: when selecting "upload photos" it will show the photo, but it will only upload a .jpg version of the photo, not the raw photo.  

When selecting "create or upload a file", and then "Browse" it will not allow me to access photos saved on the phone--there is not way to get to the photo roll.  

I do not use the "camera uploads" feature.  I do not want to automatically upload ALL photos from the Iphone, just select photos.  

[Fiona]

I see. Thanks for the additional information @Xbotnot. 

My understanding is that you have two versions of the files on your phone. So the jpeg version, that gets uploaded successfully and .raw. one, that doesn't. Correct?

What is the specific file extension of these files you have? Is it .raw or something else?

Have you tried uploading these .raw files from our website or the desktop application?

Last but not least, where are these files located in your phone? 

Thank you so much for helping me get a better grasp of this issue. 

[Xbotnot]

1. RAW files on the Iphone are .dng extension.  When I select a photo that is a .dng extension, and try to upload it to my dropbox account, I suspect that one of two things happens (I'm not sure which and not sure how to tell which either a) the .dng file is automatically converted to a .jpg, or b) there is a .jpg image embedded in the .dng file to be used a preview for viewers that is uploaded, but not the .dng itself.   

2. If I am in the dropbox app on the Iphone, and I select "+ Create", then select "Upload Photos" I am taken to a display of photos on the phone. If I select a photo that I know is a RAW photo, then click "Next", I get a notice "loading" that is very brief, and then it displays the File Name of the photo but with a .jpg extension (not .dng), and that .jpg extension is uploaded to my dropbox account. 

3.  The only way that I've discovered to get a RAW .dng file to upload to dropbox from my phone is to use a third party camera app such as ProCam to select the RAW file, and then have it sent to dropbox.  This works--it uploads the .dng file.  But, it is cumbersome as it only allows uploading of one file at a time.  

4.  I am not sure how an Iphone saves photos, or where.  They are available on the camera roll (or native "photos" app), but they are not available when 

5. I have not tried to do this with the desktop app since I'm trying to upload from an Iphone, not a desktop computer. 

6. If I use a webbrowser on my phone, say the firefox app, and login to dropbox, and then try to upload a .dng photo through firefox, the same thing happens--a jpg is uploaded, not a raw  .dng file.  

[Fiona]

Thank you for your points and all your time. 

I got to the bottom of this. For now, there is no way to upload RAW files via iOS Mobile devices. The Dropbox mobile app, detects any RAW files  as JPEG, DNG or HEIC files and uploads to Dropbox as that file type. It is not able to upload them as raw. 

If you want to upload the RAW file, you will need to upload the file using the Dropbox Desktop application. Drag and drop it there and it will be saved as raw to your Dropbox. 

Thank you! 

[Choreo]

I am having a similar issue here when using Halide software on my new iPhone 11 Pro. Halide allows me to take JPG or RAW (.dng) files. Dropbox allows me to upload JPEGs, but not the RAW - just throws up an error dialog. I am able to send the RAW files to me via email attachment, but wish this would work in Dropbox!

[Fiona]

Thanks for posting your @Choreo! 

[Steffelus]

I have searched for days for a solution to this problem. I found it!

Apple is impossible to get hold of so you have to do all things yourself.

- You can import rawfiles (I have cr2 - Canon) to the Photos app.

- Mark files you want to copy to Dropbox

- Arrow up and chose Archive in Files (translated from norwegian)

- Choose Dropbox and create a folder.

DONE! 

If you do any changes in the images in Photo then it will only export jpegs.

[Ramfade]

Is there any solution yet? (Dropbox are you listening?) I've found this post from over a year ago looking for an answer. So I opened a chat and was quoted the answer from that year old+ thread!

"For now, there is no way to upload RAW files via iOS Mobile devices. The Dropbox mobile app, detects any RAW files  as JPEG, DNG or HEIC files and uploads to Dropbox as that file type. It is not able to upload them as raw. "

Very strange it's worded that way. DNG is raw, isn't it? That's what I want to upload. Here's the thread, the post is near the bottom:

https/www.dropboxforum.com/t5/Dropbox-files-folders/IOS-13-uploading-raw-dng-files-using-dropbox-app...

FYI I tried the Photos app workaround mentioned but I don't get the Save to Dropbox option if I select more than one photo in the Photos app. I CAN upload one raw (dng) file at a time, but that's usless to me.

I'm stuck with returning to my desktop, copy the dng files over, then upload to Dropbox.