Convert DPX Image Sequence to EXR Using FFmpeg

This guide provides a straightforward tutorial on how to convert a sequence of DPX (Digital Picture Exchange) images into an EXR (OpenEXR) sequence using FFmpeg. You will learn the exact command-line syntax required to handle frame numbering, define framerates, and manage pixel formats to ensure a high-quality, seamless transition between these professional imaging formats.

To convert a DPX sequence to an EXR sequence, you must define the input pattern of your files, set the desired frame rate, and specify the output pattern. Open a terminal or command prompt and use the following command structure:

ffmpeg -framerate 24 -i input_%04d.dpx -pix_fmt gbrpf16le output_%04d.exr

Command Breakdown

  • -framerate 24: Sets the input frame rate to 24 frames per second. This flag must be placed before the input file (-i) to ensure the sequence is parsed at the correct speed.
  • -i input_%04d.dpx: Specifies the input file path. The %04d placeholder indicates a four-digit, zero-padded numbering system (e.g., input_0001.dpx, input_0002.dpx). Adjust the number to match your sequence (e.g., %03d for three digits, or %d for unpadded numbers).
  • -pix_fmt gbrpf16le: Sets the pixel format to 16-bit float (half-precision float), which is the industry standard for OpenEXR files. If you require full 32-bit float precision, use gbrpf32le instead.
  • output_%04d.exr: Defines the naming convention for the output OpenEXR sequence.

Specifying a Start Number

If your DPX sequence does not start at frame zero or one, you can instruct FFmpeg to begin at a specific frame number using the -start_number flag:

ffmpeg -framerate 24 -start_number 1001 -i input_%04d.dpx -pix_fmt gbrpf16le output_%04d.exr

Applying Compression (Optional)

FFmpeg's EXR encoder supports various compression methods. You can specify the compression type using the -compress option followed by the compression algorithm name (such as zip, rle, piz, or none):

ffmpeg -framerate 24 -i input_%04d.dpx -pix_fmt gbrpf16le -compress zip output_%04d.exr