Great to see the momentum build around this movement. Check out Openraw.org. Only soft launched at this stage, it appears that this will be a hub of discussion and activity around solving " The undocumented changes in RAW file formats have already cost users of RAW images time and money."
That website says: "... Many have suggested (and Adobe has created) a common, open file format for RAW image files for all camera makers to use as a solution to the RAW problem. OpenRAW is not advocating a common file format as the solution, though a common, openly documented RAW format could solve the problems of proprietary RAW image files...."
I take issue with that "not". I believe a common file format is EXACTLY the solution we want. Simply documenting a variety of Raw formats is at best a step on the way. At worst it may lead camera manufacturers to create the illusion of openness while doing little to create the open world that photographers and users of photographs surely want.
I believe in 2 principles (based on principles applicable to many complex systems):
1. Raw formats should have no UNNECESSARY differences between them.
2. There should be a documented standard under change control with just enough flexibility to eliminate NECESSARY differences.
DNG is aligned with these principles. I can't judge whether it fully satisfies them, but it illustrates these principles well.
Posted by: Barry Pearson | April 24, 2005 at 03:25 AM
Hi Barry
I enjoyed reading your comment.
I'd like to have a single superset format.
I just don't think it's going to happen
right now.
I think that the open documentation of RAW
formats CAN happen now.
Once that occurs, 3rd parties will quickly write
converters that move any maker's RAW file data
to any superset format, such as Adobe's, and
back again to the camera maker's format.
Once THAT occurs, the camera makers will realize
that the jig's up, and they may as well output
data in the common format.
First we walk, then we run, then we fly.
Tough to fly first.
Anyways, it'll all work out.
Best,
Stan
Posted by: Stan Krute | April 28, 2005 at 09:49 PM