OpenRAW debate on slashdot

Wednesday, June 08, 2005

Slashdot has a discussion on OpenRAW format. It is filled with the usual crib about manufacturers trying to use proprietary raw formats that could make writing third party conversion softwares difficult. Some time back, there was a big issue about Nikon trying to encrypt some exif data on D2X. It was eventually decoded by Dave Coffin and probably many others but the event gave a big push to Open RAW proponents.

The OpenRAW group is attempting to standardize raw format so that all camera manufacturers can use a universal format. This will ensure that RAW data is more freely available to everyone and promotes third party software makers to write raw conversion softwares. This could eventually lead to better conversion softwares than what the manufacturers provide.

If you would like to support OpenRAW format, consider writing a letter to manufacturers and cast your vote for the open format. See an open letter and email addresses of camera manufacturers at luminous landscape. The page also has an article describing the problem in detail.