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.exrCommand 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%04dplaceholder 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.,%03dfor three digits, or%dfor 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, usegbrpf32leinstead.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.exrApplying 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