DNG Preview Size

[MikeNaylor]

Hert, you say "DNGs should be created with full size previews. Your dng file’s probably we’re not created with full size previews. You can fix that in Lightroom or when using the DNG converter then make sure to use the option to create full size previews."

But my DNG files are saved within my cameras, so I'm not converting them in Lightroom or anywhere else. DNG is supposed to be a open source standard that many people hope camera manufacturers will eventually adopt. I expect many developers of RAW convertors will hope the same.

Hert, if you would like me to send you a camera DNG file, I'll be happy to do so.

[Hert]

DNG is supposed to be a open source standard that many people hope camera manufacturers will eventually adopt. I expect many developers of RAW convertors will hope the same

DNG has been around for many years, but the time for hoping that camera manufacturers will adopt it is long past. Major vendors like Canon, Nikon, and Sony have their own ecosystems and show no intention of abandoning them. Canon recently introduced its CR3 format, while Nikon continues to update its NEF versions and also uses the newer NRW format. This leaves only smaller vendors, who lack the resources to develop proprietary formats, as potential DNG adopters. Consequently, DNG is unlikely to see widespread adoption among manufacturers.

Ironically, DNG’s openness, which contributed to its success, also led to its downfall. Since DNG is an open format, many variations have emerged that are not always fully compatible with Adobe’s original DNG files. And since Adobe is the standard bearer of the format, these inconsistencies create confusion. Interestingly, many early adopters who once believed DNG was the future have now moved away from it.

I get that developers of RAW converters might wish for broader DNG adoption, but that’s also unlikely. RAW converter software uses compatibility with numerous file formats as a selling point. It’s a major marketing advantage to claim support for 300+ cameras. If all cameras adopted DNG, these developers would be limited to saying they support just one format. Additionally, by specializing in supporting specific brands like Canon or Nikon, they can differentiate their products and appeal to more focused markets.

It’s important to remember that being “better” doesn’t always mean a format will succeed. History shows otherwise, just look at VHS vs. Betamax or JPG2000 vs JPG. DNG finds itself in a similar position. Market dominance is dictated by what the masses adopt, and since Canon and Nikon dominate the RAW file world, DNG’s chances of mass adoption are slim.

A great comparison is the HEIC format. Despite being heavily patented and not open source, HEIC has gained massive traction simply because Apple and Google adopted it. HEIC even has the potential to dethrone JPG and become the future default standard for RAW files. If I had to place a bet on the future of file formats, I’d go with HEIC/HEIF over DNG.

But that’s the future. For now, it’s best to stick with formats that the masses use: JPG for lossy images, TIF for lossless files, and proprietary RAW formats from camera vendors.

Just my two cents on DNG.

Back to your question; sure you can always send me sample files. Send to support@idimager.com or link to a file on some cloud storage here.


[2025-03-25; note by Hert] Since I consider this an important post, the wording of the post has been updated. This version is more polished and flows better without losing any of the original message.

[MikeNaylor]

So what Hert is really saying is that everyone should stick with the majority and use Canon or Nikon. Unfortunately for him, the majority are also choosing to stick with Lightroom - and with good reason.

[snowman1]

Mike, Hert has offered to look at your files and give you support - on something that I suspect is unlikely to be a PSU issue - and has spent time composing a reply that gives his view of the state of the market (quite an insightful one) and yet you still lash out at him?

[Hert]

That’s not what I’m saying Mike.
You made some assumptions and expressed expectations about the DNG future, and I gave my opinion on that.

If you wanted to summarize what I’m saying then it’s; use JPG, TIF, or the native RAW format that your camera records.

[Mke]

FWIW, I also see few advantages in saving to DNG unless your camera - like my Android phone - provides no other option apart from JPG; it seems unlikely to ever become the common format that was once envisaged.

In fact fixity checking is really DNG's only significant advantage IMHO (compression used to be another, but not now that storage is cheap); if that's not the reason you're using DNG, double check that your own reasons remain valid.

[MikeNaylor]

if that's not the reason you're using DNG, double check that your own reasons remain valid.

In fact, both my high end cameras save to DNG - there is no other option.