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Converting current RAW images to Open RAW

Please pardon my ignorance if this has been covered somewhere and I just didn't notice it.

I was wondering if there's anything in the works as far as software for converting existing RAW images into an open format? An open format right from the camera would obviously be great, but it does nothing to solve the problem of aging RAW files that may lose support in the future.

I don't know what kind of technical problems exist for this kind of software, but it seems to me that it could be made as a batch processing plugin for UFRaw. Add in the ability to do lossless compression and you'd have something that's quite practical for backup purposes.

While I'm dreaming, let's throw in the ability to create a portable RAW file, something that's reduced in detail to get the file down to under 2mb that could be more easily distributed over the web.

‹ We need reliability & choice. Let your camera be your competitive advantage, not your formats
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DudeMan – Sat, 2007/02/03 – 6:20am

You have just described DNG!

You have just described DNG!

DNG is an open raw file format. It was launched nearly two and a half years ago, and is currently supported in some way by more than 150 products from more than 140 companies. (This includes several cameras and digital backs. The number increases all the time). There are a number of DNG converters that convert from existing formats to DNG.

DNG supports lossless compression. I believe it can be read by UFRaw. (I've been using it successfully for years).

DNG has excellent archival characteristics. It is identified by the US Library of Congress as the preferred alternatives to other raw formats such as NEFs, CR2s, etc. You can read a lot about it here:
http://www.barrypearson.co.uk/articles/dng/

Barry Pearson – Mon, 2007/02/05 – 2:38am
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