OpenRAW

Having an open raw format is logical not only for the photographer, who needs access now and in the future to valuable files, but also to the manufacturers of cameras who should want to maximize the appeal of their cameras.

One way of thinking about this is by using the much belabored examples of the Sony Betamax-vs-VHS, Mac-vs-PC and IBM-vs-clonePC. Proprietary formats which limit rather than expand the available options tend to unnecessarily alienate future clients even if the format is superior to the competition.

If for example, I shoot with Nikon (or Canon, or Olympus) and would like to add another camera for some specific function available on said camera, I should not have to worry whether adding ORF files to my NEF files will ruin my work flow.

Of course, I fully back the main reason for the Open Raw format: that support for our valued and valuable files will continue even if the platforms for our capture have changed or disappeared. Any one who is old enough (I am 52) will have already run through enough examples of migrating data through different platforms - DOS to Windows, Y2K – to name just a few, to appreciate the potential for chaos in the current setting.
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