DNG is an acronym for "Digital Negative." It refers to a file format used for storing raw digital photographs. A raw photograph contains unprocessed image data directly captured by a digital camera's image sensor, without any compression or changes applied by the camera's software. DNG files are specifically designed to function as a standardized, open format for raw image data, ensuring compatibility and long-term accessibility.
The DNG format was developed by Adobe Systems in 2004 to address the issue of proprietary raw file formats that varied across camera manufacturers and models. By providing a single, universal format, DNG simplifies the workflow for photographers and ensures that raw images can be opened, edited, and archived using a wide range of software applications.
DNG files encapsulate both the raw image data and metadata, such as camera settings, date, and time. They support lossless compression, which reduces file size without compromising image quality. Additionally, DNG files can store multiple images in a single file, allowing for various exposures or versions of an image to be stored together.
DNG files can be opened and processed in software applications such as Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, and Camera Raw, as well as other third-party software that supports the format. In summary, DNG is a versatile file format that ensures long-term accessibility and compatibility for raw digital photographs.
