Is DNG format the way to go??

[sparkie1263]

Is anybody converting all there images to the DNG format? I have been shooting in Raw and Jpeg mode( going to just shoot in Raw soon). I have been trying to use Adobe Bridge more and convert the Raw files and then go into CS. Is DNG the best way to save the files?

Frank

[dr4gon]

hmmm I don't know anything about DNGs. I think it's an adobe format? and more for jpegs?

But I just leave them in RAW (.ARW) form in lightroom.

[TenD]

DNG was created by Adobe as a universal format that could be read by a wide variety of software. Each camera manufacturer seems to have their own proprietary form of RAW and sometimes they don't play nicely with certain software. Adobe is trying to eliminate this by converting all RAW formats to one .dng format. DNG (http://www.adobe.com/products/dng/)

I have Lightroom convert all of my files to .dng as they are imported. I personally think this is the way to go, but my crystal ball is a little hazy. LR works with Canon RAW or DNG, and I am hoping DNG will continue to be a universal format with Adobe doing all of the conversion. Adobe is currently the 300 lb gorilla and have been for quite some time.

[DonSchap]

After some discussion and review of Adobe's take on DNG, these benefits came up:

Key benefits for photographers:

The DNG format helps promote archival confidence, since digital-imaging software solutions will be able to open your raw files more easily in the future.
A single raw processing solution enables a more efficient workflow when handling raw files from multiple camera models and manufacturers.
A publicly documented and readily available specification can be easily adopted by camera manufacturers and updated to accommodate future technology changes.


Key benefits for hardware and software manufacturers:

DNG removes a potential barrier to new camera adoption, since raw files from new models will be immediately supported by Photoshop and other applications.
The DNG format allows for R&D savings by reducing the need to develop new formats and simplifying camera testing.
A common format allows for greater control over the quality of conversions by third-party applications.
The specification allows for the addition of private metadata to DNG files, enabling differentiation.


Personally, Frank, I would say it is probably a prudent move on your part to store like this. It allows you free up from any proprietary SONY Raw stuff ... and that cannot be a bad thing.

[Visual Reality]

I'm with TenD. LR2 converts all my files to Digital Negative. It eliminates sidecar .xmp files and reduces file size which does add up.

[dr4gon]

Great info, thanks!

[sparkie1263]

Aren't DNG files non-destructive? If so then they are the way to go. I am going to start shooting in Raw only and save them as DNG files.

Thanks for all the replys
Frank

[laydros]

RAW is also non-destructive.

I didn't know about the size benefit, I had considered going to DNG, but just hadn't looked into it yet, thanks for the info.