Editor: Raw file formats are becoming extremely popular in digital photography workflows because they offer creative professionals greater creative control. However, cameras can use many different raw formats — the specifications for which are not publicly available — which means that not every raw file can be read by a variety of software applications. As a result, the use of these proprietary raw files as a long-term archival solution carries risk, and sharing these files across complex
workflows is even more challenging.
The solution to this growing problem is Digital Negative (DNG), a publicly available archival format for the raw files generated by digital cameras. By addressing the lack of an open standard for the raw files created by individual camera models, DNG helps ensure that photographers will be able to access their files in the future.
Key benefits for photographers:
* DNG format helps promote archival confidence, since digital-imaging software solutions will be able to open raw files more easily in the future.
* A single raw processing solution enables a more efficient workflow when handling raw files from multiple camera models and manufacturers.
* A publicly documented and readily available specification can be easily adopted by camera manufacturers and updated to accommodate technology changes.
