We asked camera companies why their RAW formats are all different and confusing
1 min read
Summary
Despite the fact that RAW files are standardised across the camera industry, each manufacturer has developed its own unique format, which has caused issues with compatibility and spurred the need for specific software to be developed.
In an attempt to create a universal RAW file, Adobe created the Digital Negative (DNG) format, an open-source solution that was adopted by several smaller camera brands but largely ignored by the leading camera manufacturers.
DNG was created in 2004 and is based on the TIFF image specification.
DNG files store metadata alongside the image data to create a single, streamlined file without the need for additional sidecar files.
Leading camera brands such as Canon, Nikon, and Sony continue to use their own unique, proprietary RAW file formats.