Adobe DNG ConverterA highly specialized RAW to DNG converter designed to help users convert raw files of varying formats captured by various cameras into DNG raw files. Another key feature of this software is its backward compatibility, allowing the latest cameras to be used with older versions of Photoshop, Lightroom, Bridge, Photoshop Elements, and more. Furthermore, the software supports a comprehensive list of camera raw pages and offers free format specifications, making it a very practical tool.

File size is smaller than uncompressed TIFF files
There is nothing hidden in the compressed jpeg file
You can convert a single file using a variety of conversion settings with flexible selection methods
Access to 16-bit data for greater detail and fidelity
Instead of letting the camera decide the conversion settings, you can make the decision yourself
Many key camera parameters, such as white balance, can be changed after the image is captured.

Adobe DNG Converter Overview

Digital Negative (DNG) is a publicly available archival format for raw files generated by a variety of digital cameras. This addresses the lack of an open standard for raw files created by different camera models and ensures photographers have quick access to their files.

Hundreds of software manufacturers, such as Apple and Google, have developed DNG support, and well-known camera manufacturers such as Leica, Casio, Ricoh, Samsung and Pentax have also released cameras that directly support DNG.

In addition to the Digital Negative Specification, Adobe also offers the free Adobe DNG Converter (available for Windows and Mac OS), which quickly converts raw files from many of today's popular cameras. Software developers and manufacturers can download the complete DNG Specification (PDF, 486KB). DNG is supported in the following software versions: Photoshop CS through Photoshop CC, Photoshop Elements 3 through Photoshop Elements 12, and all versions of Lightroom.

Camera Raw (version 2.3 or later) supports raw files in the Digital Negative (DNG) format that Adobe makes available to the public.

Adobe DNG Converter features

For Photographers:

The DNG format helps increase archival confidence because digital imaging software solutions will quickly open raw files. A single raw processing solution enables a more efficient workflow when working with raw files from multiple camera models and manufacturers. A publicly documented and easily accessible specification can be quickly adopted by camera manufacturers and updated to accommodate technological changes.

To hardware and software manufacturers:

  • DNG removes a potential barrier to new camera adoption, as Photoshop and other applications will immediately support raw files from new models.
  • The DNG format saves R&D costs by reducing the need to develop new formats and simplifying camera testing.
  • Standard formats allow third-party applications greater control over conversion quality.
  • This specification allows adding private metadata to DNG files for differentiation purposes.

System requirements and technical details

  • Applies to: Photoshop, Photoshop Lightroom
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