Adobe introduced the Digital Negative several years ago as an Open Standard. The basic idea is to replace the manufacturer-unique raw file formats with a standard open to everyone. While only a few camera manufacturers have adopted the standard as their raw format, it may still be useful for you to convert your camera raw files into DNG formatted files. The reasons are twofold:
1. Adobe has committed to support the DNG format long term. The manufacturer of your camera has made no such commitment. In fact, some manufacturers have dropped support of older raw formats already.
2. But there may be an even better reason. Since Adobe has supported DNGs since Photoshop CS, converting your raw files into DNGs means you would not need to update your version of Photoshop if you get a new camera. Just download the free DNG Convertor from Adobe, convert your files, and you are ready to edit that award winning shot.
3. DNG files can carry Camera Raw or Lightroom settings inside instead of needing a separate “sidecar” XMP file. The original raw data is still untouched, but you only have to keep track of one file instead of two – especially handy with backups or emailed copies.
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