Nikon and Adobe on RAW

So, Nikon's RAW format is called NEF. Unfortunately, they've made the annoying decision to encrypt the white balance data - which then limits what software you can use on your photos (if you care about the white balance - which trust me - you do).

Apparently, they've provided Adobe with an SDK (Software Development Kit) that allows Adobe to decrypt the 'as-shot' white balance into - which is better than nothing, but still - not really that great.

Adobe, on the other hand, have DNG - Digital NeGative - which is an open, documented and unencrypted standard, which the encourage camera makers to use. Some, like Hassleblad, are doing so (Yay Hassleblad!).

As I've said before, I have a Nikon right now, which I'm very happy with. But, if Nikon carry on with this sort of 'screw the consumer, we must have control!' attitude, my next camera will quite possibly be from a different vendor - preferably one that supports open standards, like DNG.

Nikon - you listening?