In the short history of digital photography, manufacturers have released numerous cameras with constantly evolving RAW formats. This has lead to the existence of a vast number of RAW “dialects,” even within each major brand, that store image and camera setting data in a different manner.

The OpenRAW Solution - OpenRAW want camera manufacturers to publicly document their RAW image formats — past, present, and future. The goal of OpenRAW is to encourage image preservation and give creative choice of how images are processed to the creators of the images. To this end, we advocate open documentation of information about the how the raw data is stored and the camera settings selected by the photographer.

The OpenRAW initiative is conducting the first international survey of photographers and digital image users about their experiences, requirements, preferences and concerns regarding RAW imaging technology. You can add your voice to this effort by completing the Web questionnaire (see link below).

Website : OpenRAW Launches RAW Survey announcement

Website : Complete the OpenRAW Web questionnaiire

Website : The RAW Problem more information