OpenRAW

Without decent documentation, that software vendors can use to read RAW files, consumers will suffer:

* Old image files may become unreadable as camera manufacturers discontinue support for old file formats.

* Software choices will be more limited, which drives up prices for image processing programs, and introduces unnecessary steps into the workflow of camera users.

* Open Source software is left out in the cold. Reverse engineering is a waste of time and effort, and in the case of DRM protected (encrypted) files, may also be illegal.

* Proprietary formats put camera manufacturers in a position to “tax” their customers for software “upgrades” long after purchasing the equipment. Or by cutting off support for old formats, camera manufacturers may attempt to force upgrades to newer cameras.

There is absolutely no good that can come from proprietary image formats, especially when they are undocumented. Adding DRM (encrypting) the data to prevent customers from using their own images only adds insult to injury.
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