Nikon - stupid NEF format statement 
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Author: Eric Cheng ( echeng )
This is old news, but is probably worth writing about. On April 22, 2005 Nikon issued an advisory about their NEF raw format, which basically says that the only legal way to convert a NEF file to an image is through their SDK because “NEF and Capture software are a tightly knit system, and they are all developed through the cooperative efforts of Nikon’s design teams, and this collaboration results in achieving the highest image quality.”
Adobe has stated that they may not be able to fully support RAW files from the Nikon D2X and D2H in their Camera Raw plugin because the white balance information in the new NEF files are encrypted. Before incorporating D2X and D2H NEF support into Camera Raw, they will have to consider the legality of decrypting the information.
Luckily, both Dave Coffin, author of Dcraw, and Eric Hyman, founder of Bibble Labs, have broken the code, so Nikon users will for sure have options in third-party RAW converters.
The RAW format problem is not unique to Nikon, but I believe that they are the first to issue a statement and encrypt file information in a way that might prevent other companies from wanting to support their RAW files. .
Interesting links:
- More about Nikon’s statement on RobGalbraith.com
- Dave Coffin interview on DPReview
- OpenRAW - an effort to convince manufactures to go public with RAW formats
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Comment(s):There has been some speculation that the D70s and the D50 will also have this new White Balance encoding, and that users of the D70 that upgrade their firmware in May, could also end up with this encoded White Balance as well.
Posted by Detonate on 05/04 at 04:36 AMThe Nikon cameras store the white balance in the “makers mark” tag in the EXIF. When you open the RAW file in Capture, it grabs the white balance info, decrypts it, and then saves it in the CORRECT white balance tag.
At the HUPS.org meeting on Money night we had a presentation by J. Penn, the Nikon rep for the Southern US region. Inevitably, someone asked him about this and he had pretty-much the same “Nikon answer.” I asked him how Nikon thinks encrypting the WB will help us, the users of their products. His answer was [paraphrased]to the effect that Nikon wants us to get the most out of the RAW photos we shoot and that Nikon Capture is the way for us to do that. They think that using 3rd party converters degrades the NEF to image quality and they discourage that. I don’t agree of course, I’m just reporting what he said.
Cheers
JamesPosted by James Wiseman on 05/04 at 07:11 AMI am awaiting a statement from Phase one (for its Capture One converter) if they will be able to access the wb info since they have the Nikon SDK (Software Developers Kit). Nikon stated that using the SDK third-party software developpers can get access to the full info regarding NEF files including wb-setting.
Posted by buddy on 05/04 at 07:48 AMPR
“NEF and Capture software are a tightly knit system, and they are all developed through the cooperative efforts of Nikon’s design teams, and this collaboration results in achieving the highest image quality.”Reality
“We want to make you buy our product.”PR
“the only legal way to convert a NEF file to an image is through their SDK”Reality
“Use the SDK so that any new product cannot be better than Capture.”Posted by scorpio_fish on 05/04 at 11:18 AMOh, I forgot one:
“Nikon wants us to get the most out of the RAW photos we shoot and that Nikon Capture is the way for us to do that.”
We know what’s best for you. We are here to make the decision for you, so you won’t make the wrong choice. People shouldn’t have choices. Choices are bad.
Posted by scorpio_fish on 05/04 at 11:21 AMOh, man, I’m an old Nikon guy, and the more I hear about this, the more steamed I get. Kodak didn’t try to force me to use D76 to develop my Tri-X, I find that a pretty good analogue to being able to use different raw converters on my raw files. If Capture wasn’t a SLOOOOOOOW pig, it wouldn’t be so bad, but still and all…
I am not a happy camper. I was REALLY looking forward to at least dreaming of owning a D2x. Maybe not.
Posted by acmwallace on 05/04 at 05:43 PMIt looks like Nikon and Adobe are talking at least. I hope Nikon wakes up and finds a way out of this…
http://www.nytimes.com/packages/html/technology/circuits.html
Posted by UWphotoNewbie on 05/06 at 09:21 AM
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