john beardsworth wrote:
Have you actually tried using smart previews? In my experience, they are every bit as usable as JPEGs and mean a less convoluted workflow. It may not be what you want to do, but I'd suggest it's what you should do, or at least try.
Yes, I have tried using smart previews, and find them much inferior to full-size jpegs. Moreover, I find that loading jpegs first, and raws when you need them to be far less convoluted, provided the software has an import matching raws feature.
Have you tried using matching raws? It may not be what you want to do, but I'd suggest it's what you should do, or at least try.
The additional step of moving the raw files, or connecting the drive, takes how many seconds? I'd be amazed if a JPEG-first workflow, then sorting out that problem with plugins, is going to be more pleasant or efficient - quite the contrary.
Making sure the disk is with you, digging it out and connecting it, and having it dangling from the laptop on your lap is a drag. And the extra step of moving the files is the sort of thing that doesn't get done until you find your laptop is full, and your disk is at home....
Take it from someone who has tried the LR method, loading jpegs first and raws when you need 'em is vastly more pleasant and efficient.