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The DNG Advantage
By Ethan G. Salwen
In a print article on pages 30-32 of the Fall 2006 issue of the ASMP Bulletin, photographer and ASMP contributing writer Ethan Salwen discusses the archival and efficiency advantages to the DNG file format. Here, Salwen provides additional insight, as well as links to Web sites, discussion forums and books on this subject. Additionally, we feature here a PDF download of Chapter 9, “Archiving and Working with DNG,” excerpted from Mikkel Aaland’s book Photoshop CS2 RAW, courtesy of O’Reilly Media.
Working with the DNG
While it is easy to convert RAW captures to DNG files using Adobe’s free DNG Converter, getting the most out of the DNG depends on integrating the conversion process into a well thought out RAW digital workflow. The following publications and Web sites can help you learn about and master the use of the DNG.
Adobe Systems Inc. Digital Negative (DNG) Web site
Go to this site to download the latest version of Adobe’s DNG Converter, and to read Adobe’s introductory information on the DNG. The site also includes the DNG specifications (for software developers), access to Adobe forums, as well as links to other DNG resources.
rawformat.com
This Web site, sponsored by Avondale Media, is dedicated to the creation and use of an open digital negative format — specifically the DNG. There are scores of well-written white papers available for free download that describe aspects of working with the DNG and larger issues about RAW workflows. Visitors can sign an electronic petition in support of the DNG, sign up for e-mail updates, as well as learn about commercial products advertised on the site.
Photoshop CS2 RAW: Using Adobe Camera Raw, Bridge, and Photoshop to Get the Most out of Your Digital Camera
By Mikkel Aaland
This easy-to-read book, with lots of graphics to illustrate Aaland’s points, is a great resource for getting a basic handle on the how-to’s of a RAW digital workflow. Aaland intentionally designed this book to give readers quick access to specific steps they need to follow. His discussion of Camera RAW’s sharpening feature is particularly insightful, and this aspect of Camera RAW is critical to understand when using the DNG (as the embedded JPEG that is used for output will be affected by these settings).
Chapter 9, “Archiving & Working with the DNG,” is a good introduction on how to use the DNG Converter. This chapter is available for free download here.
Photoshop CS2 RAW
By Mikkel Aaland
ISBN: 0-596-00851-1
Publisher: O’Reilly Media
Copyright (c) 2006 Mikkel Aaland. All rights reserved.
Used with permission from the publisher.
Don’t delay, buy your copy now! Photoshop CS2 RAW is available for purchase directly from the publisher.
Camera RAW with Adobe Photoshop CS2: Industrial-Strength Production Techniques
By Bruce Fraser
Bruce Fraser’s book is a must-have for anyone trying to master a RAW digital workflow that incorporates the DNG. Fraser goes into the whys behind the hows more deeply than Aaland, and he makes this highly technical information surprisingly accessible. In addition to the conceptual information underpinning the concepts of a RAW workflow, Fraser gives step-by-step instructions for using Camera RAW, making DNGs, and maximizing digital workflows. Learn more about the book and order it directly from the publisher
The DAM Book: Digital Asset Management for Photographers
By Peter Krogh
Peter Krogh has written a truly invaluable book covering the concepts and workflow of sound digital asset management practices. The issues he addresses are at the heart of every digital photographer’s efforts to get a strong handle on their workflows. Krogh is clearly a fan of the DNG, and much of his specific workflow solutions depend on converting RAW files into DNGs. Krogh provides both invaluable conceptual information providing DAM practices (such as how to think about ranking, archiving and cataloging), as well as specific steps for understanding the best practices for working the DNG into a RAW digital workflow. Any digital photographer drowning in thousands of digital captures needs to have a copy of this book.
A PDF of the first chapter of Krogh’s book — highly useful and informative in itself — as well as online user forums and information about ordering The DAM Book can be found at www.thedambook.com.