View source for Digital Negative

{{short description|Open, lossless raw image format written by Adobe used for digital photography}}
{{For|the informal use of "digital negative"|raw image format}}
{{Infobox file format
| name          = Digital Negative (DNG)
| icon          = DNG tm.svg
| logo          = 
| screenshot    = 
| caption       = 
| extension     = .dng & .DNG
| mime          = 
| type code     = 
| uniform type  = 
| magic         = 
| owner         = [[Adobe Systems]]
| released      = {{start date and age|2004|09|27}}
| latest release version = 1.7.1.0
| latest release date = {{start date and age|2023|09}}
| genre         = [[Raw image format]]
| container for = [[Metadata]] may be embedded in [[Extensible Metadata Platform|XMP]], [[Exif]] or [[IPTC Information Interchange Model|IPTC]] formats.
| contained by  = 
| extended from = [[Tag Image File Format / Electronic Photography|TIFF/EP]]
| extended to   = 
| standard      = 
| open          = Yes
| url           = {{URL|https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/digital-negative.html}}
}}
'''Digital Negative''' ('''DNG''') is an [[Open format|open source]], [[lossless]], well defined camera RAW data container with the goal to replace a range of proprietary, closed source [[raw image format|raw image containers.]]  It has been developed by [[Adobe Systems|Adobe]]. It was launched on September 27, 2004.<ref name = "adobe2004">{{cite press release | publisher = [[Adobe Systems]] | date = September 27, 2004 | title = Adobe Unifies Raw Photo Formats with Introduction of Digital Negative Specification | url = https://www.adobe.com/aboutadobe/pressroom/pressreleases/200409/092704DNG.html | access-date = August 20, 2014 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140821073133/https://www.adobe.com/aboutadobe/pressroom/pressreleases/200409/092704DNG.html | archive-date = August 21, 2014 | url-status = dead }}</ref> The launch was accompanied by the first version of the DNG specification,<ref name = "DNGspecification">{{Citation | publisher = Adobe | url = https://helpx.adobe.com/content/dam/help/en/camera-raw/digital-negative/jcr_content/root/content/flex/items/position/position-par/download_section_733958301/download-1/DNG_Spec_1_7_1_0.pdf | title = Digital Negative (DNG) Specification }}.</ref> plus various products, including a free-of-charge DNG converter utility. All Adobe [[photo manipulation]] software (such as [[Adobe Photoshop]] and [[Adobe Lightroom]]) released since the launch supports DNG.<ref name = "PEARSONadobeproducts">{{Citation | first = Barry | last = Pearson | url = http://www.barrypearson.co.uk/articles/dng/products_adobe.htm | title = Adobe products that support DNG | place = [[United Kingdom|UK]] | access-date = 2009-09-20 | archive-date = 2023-05-14 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230514072423/http://www.barrypearson.co.uk/articles/dng/products_adobe.htm | url-status = dead }}.</ref>

DNG is based on the [[Tag Image File Format / Electronic Photography|TIFF/EP]] [[Open standard|standard format]], and mandates significant use of [[metadata (computing)|metadata]]. The specification of the file format is open and not subject to any intellectual property restrictions or patents.<ref name = "CinemaDNGnoencumbrance">{{Citation | publisher = Adobe Labs | contribution-url=http://labs.adobe.com/technologies/cinemadng/fileformat.html | title = CinemaDNG | contribution = File Format|date=2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120403032538/http://labs.adobe.com/technologies/cinemadng/fileformat.html|archive-date=2012-04-03}}.</ref>

==Rationale for DNG==
{{advert|section|date=August 2018}}
Adobe states that, given the existence of a wide variety of camera-brand-specific [[raw image format]]s, it introduced DNG as a standardized and backward-compatible universal file format.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://helpx.adobe.com/camera-raw/digital-negative.html|title="Digital Negative (DNG)"|access-date=2022-07-28}}</ref> It is based on the [[TIFF]] 6.0 standard.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://helpx.adobe.com/camera-raw/using/adobe-dng-converter.html|title="Adobe Digital Negative Converter"|access-date=2022-07-28}}</ref> Various professional archivists and conservationists, working in institutional settings have adopted DNG for archival purposes.<ref name="UPDIG">universal photographic digital imaging guidelines (UPDIG): [http://www.updig.org/guidelines/ph_file_formats.html File formats - the raw file issue]</ref><ref name="ADSDA">Archaeology Data Service / Digital Antiquity: [http://guides.archaeologydataservice.ac.uk/g2gp/RasterImg_3 Guides to Good Practice - Section 3 Archiving Raster Images - File Formats]</ref><ref name="UofC">University of Connecticut: [http://digitalcommons.uconn.edu/libr_pubs/23/ "Raw as Archival Still Image Format: A Consideration" by Michael J. Bennett and F. Barry Wheeler]</ref><ref name="IUCPSR">Inter-University Consortium for Political and Social Research: [http://www.icpsr.umich.edu/dpm/dpm-eng/oldmedia/obsolescence1.html Obsolescence - File Formats and Software]</ref><ref name="JISC">JISC Digital Media - Still Images: [http://www.jiscdigitalmedia.ac.uk/stillimages/advice/choosing-a-file-format-for-digital-still-images/#fo3 Choosing a File Format for Digital Still Images - File formats for master archive] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111116002515/http://www.jiscdigitalmedia.ac.uk/stillimages/advice/choosing-a-file-format-for-digital-still-images#fo3 |date=2011-11-16 }}</ref><ref name="IDEADISC">International Digital Enterprise Alliance, Digital Image Submission Criteria (DISC) [http://www.idealliance.org/sites/default/files/DISCSPECIFICATIONS2007.pdf Guidelines & Specifications 2007 (PDF)]{{Dead link|date=July 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref name="JPGM">The J. Paul Getty Museum - Department of Photographs: [http://www.yale.edu/digitalcoffee/downloads/speedtheplowmcn2009handout.pdf Rapid Capture Backlog Project - Presentation] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120610105143/http://www.yale.edu/digitalcoffee/downloads/speedtheplowmcn2009handout.pdf |date=2012-06-10 }}</ref><ref name="AIMEMG">American Institute for Conservation - Electronic Media Group: [http://cool.conservation-us.org/coolaic/sg/emg/library/pdf/vitale/2007-07-vitale-digital_image_file_formats.pdf Digital Image File Formats] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101214052741/http://cool.conservation-us.org/coolaic/sg/emg/library/pdf/vitale/2007-07-vitale-digital_image_file_formats.pdf |date=2010-12-14 }}</ref><ref name="AABC">Archives Association of British Columbia: [http://aabc.ca/Born_Digital_Photographs.pdf Born Digital Photographs: Acquisition and Preservation Strategies (Rosaleen Hill)]{{Dead link|date=July 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

===Objectives===
The objectives of the DNG file format are:<ref name="adobe2004"/><ref name="DMDkevinconnor"/><ref name="DNGmain">Adobe: [https://www.adobe.com/products/dng/ Digital Negative (DNG) - The public, archival format for digital camera raw data]</ref><ref name="DNGintromanufacturers">Adobe: [https://www.adobe.com/products/dng/pdfs/DNG_primer_manufacturers.pdf Introducing the Digital Negative Specification: Information for manufacturers]</ref>
;Digital image preservation (sometimes known as "archiving")
: The [[US Library of Congress]] states that DNG is a recommended alternative to other raw image formats.<ref name="USLOCpreferences">Planning for US Library of Congress Collections: [http://www.digitalpreservation.gov/formats/content/still_preferences.shtml Preferences in Summary]</ref> The Digital Photography Best Practices and Workflow (dpBestflow) project, funded by the United States Library of Congress and run by the [[American Society of Media Photographers|American Society of Media Photographers (ASMP)]], singles out DNG, and states "DNG files have proven to be significantly more useful than the proprietary raw files in our workflow".<ref name="dpBestflowDNG">dpBestflow: [http://www.dpbestflow.org/node/305 Raw File Formats]</ref>
;Easy and/or comprehensive exploitation by software developers
: Software could support raw formats without DNG, by using [[reverse engineering]] and/or [[dcraw]]; but DNG makes it easier, and many software products can handle, via DNG, images from cameras that they have no specific knowledge of,<ref name="PEARSONnotnative">Barry Pearson: [http://www.barrypearson.co.uk/articles/dng/dng_not_native.htm Support via DNG but not native raws]</ref> however, any settings stored in the DNG file by software from one company are unlikely to be recognized by a product from a different company.
;In-camera use by camera manufacturers
: About 12 camera manufacturers have used DNG in-camera. About 38 camera models have used DNG.<ref name="PEARSONcameramakers">Barry Pearson: [http://www.barrypearson.co.uk/articles/dng/products_cameras.htm Products from Camera Manufacturers that support DNG in some way].</ref> Raw image formats for more than 230 camera models can be converted to DNG.<ref name="PEARSONhistory">Barry Pearson: [http://www.barrypearson.co.uk/articles/dng/history.htm A brief history of DNG]</ref>
; Multi-vendor interoperability
: Unlike the proprietary RAW formats used by most cameras, DNG is supported by multiple vendors, and is readable by a multitude of software applications.

==Technical summary==
A DNG file always contains data for one main image, plus metadata, and optionally contains at least one JPEG preview.<ref name="DNGspecification"/> It normally has the extension "dng" or "DNG".

DNG conforms to [[Tag Image File Format / Electronic Photography|TIFF/EP]] and is structured according to [[Tagged Image File Format|TIFF]]. DNG supports various formats of metadata  (including [[Exchangeable image file format|Exif metadata]], [[Extensible Metadata Platform|XMP metadata]], [[International Press Telecommunications Council|IPTC metadata]]) and specifies a set of mandated metadata.<ref name="DNGspecification4">Adobe: [https://helpx.adobe.com/content/dam/help/en/photoshop/pdf/dng_spec_1_6_0_0.pdf DNG Specification] (Section 4)</ref>

DNG is both a raw image format and a format that supports "non-raw", or partly processed, images.<ref name="DNGspecification"/> The latter (non-raw) format is known as "Linear DNG".<ref>Barry Pearson: [http://www.barrypearson.co.uk/articles/dng/linear.htm Linear DNG]</ref> Linear DNG is still scene-referred<ref name="Scene-referred">CIE: "Scene-referred": [http://eilv.cie.co.at/term/567 image state, scene-referred] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130511215142/http://eilv.cie.co.at/term/567 |date=2013-05-11 }}</ref> and can still benefit from many of the operations typically performed by a raw converter, such as white balance, the application of a camera color profile, HDR compositing, etc. All images that can be supported as raw images can ''also'' be supported as Linear DNG. Images from the [[Foveon X3 sensor]] or similar, hence especially [[Sigma Corporation|Sigma]] cameras, can ''only'' be supported as Linear DNG.

DNG can contain raw image data from sensors with various configurations of [[Color filter array|color filter array (CFA)]]. These include: conventional [[Bayer filter]]s, using three colors and rectangular pixels; four-color CFAs, for example the [[RGBE filter]] used in the [[Sony Cyber-shot DSC-F828]]; rectangular (non-square) pixels, for example as used in the [[Nikon D1#D1H and D1X|Nikon D1X]]; and offset sensors (for example with octagonal pixels) such as [[Super CCD]] sensors of various types, as used in various [[Fujifilm]] cameras. (Or combinations of these if necessary). DNG specifies metadata describing these individual parameters; this is one significant extension to [[Tag Image File Format / Electronic Photography|TIFF/EP]].

When used in a [[CinemaDNG]] movie clip, each frame is encoded using the above DNG image format. The clip's image stream can then be stored in one of two formats: either as video essence using frame-based wrapping in an [[Material Exchange Format|MXF]] file, or as a sequence of DNG files in a specified file directory.

Contrary to its name (Digital Negative) the DNG format doesn't distinguish negative and positive data<ref name="DNGspecification"/> - all data is considered to be describing a positive image. While this is not an issue when working with images from digital cameras (which are always positive), working with scanned (by a [[film scanner]] or [[DSLR]] [[copy stand]]) film negatives saved as raw DNG files are complicated, because the resultant image is not automatically inverted and thus impossible to be used directly. A way to get around this is using an inverted curve in the photo editing application, however this reverses the effect of the image controls ([[Exposure (photography)|Exposure]], Shadow and Highlight details, etc.) which complicates the photo editing.

==Timeline==
This provides a mixture of the dates of significant events (such as "the first X") and various counts of usage at the anniversaries of the launch (each 27 September).

Counts of products and companies that use DNG in some way are provided primarily for illustration. They are approximate, and include products that are no longer sold. The purpose is mainly to demonstrate that such products and companies exist, and to show trends. Convertible raw image formats (camera models whose raw images can be converted to DNG) only include official support by Adobe DNG converters; not unofficial support by Adobe products (sometimes reaching about 30), nor support by other DNG converters.<ref name="PEARSONhistory"/>
* ''2003, late'': Adobe started work on the DNG specification.<ref name="DMDkevinconnor"/>
* ''2004, early'': Adobe started talking to other companies about DNG.<ref name="DMDkevinconnor"/>
* '''Launch''''', 2004, 27 September'': Adobe launched DNG. Specification version 1.0.0.0 published.<ref name="adobe2004"/> Convertible raw image formats: 60+
* ''2005, February'': Specification version 1.1.0.0 published.
* ''2005, June'': First [[Digital camera back|digital back]] to write DNG, the Leica DMR (Digital Modul R) back for the [[Leica R8|R8]] and [[Leica R9|R9]].
* ''2005, July'': First camera manufacturer to provide a DNG converter for its own raw file formats - [[Hasselblad]]'s FlexColor.
* ''2005, July'': First genuine digital SLR camera to write DNG, [[Hasselblad#H2D|Hasselblad H2D]].
* '''1st anniversary''''', 2005, 27 September'': Camera manufacturers: 4. Camera models: 7. Software products: 70+. Convertible raw image formats: 70+.
* ''2005, October'': First compact camera to write DNG, [[Ricoh GR Digital]].
* ''2006, July'': First monochrome digital back to write DNG, [[MegaVision]] E Series MonoChrome.
* ''2006, September'': First rangefinder camera to write DNG, [[Leica M8]].
* ''2006, September'': First camera to offer the user a choice of proprietary raw or DNG, [[Pentax K10D]].
* '''2nd anniversary''''', 2006, 27 September'': Camera manufacturers: 8. Camera models: 9. Software products: 120+. Convertible raw image formats: 110+.
* ''2007, May'': First raw converter & photo-editor whose ''first'' raw-handling release only supported DNG, [[Pixelmator]].
* ''2007, July'': First underwater camera to write DNG, Sea&Sea DX-1G. (Based on [[Ricoh Caplio GX100]]).
* '''3rd anniversary''''', 2007, 27 September'': Camera manufacturers: 10. Camera models: 13. Software products: 170+. Convertible raw image formats: 160+.
* ''2007, October'': First digital scan back system and first 360-degree panorama system to write DNG, Seitz 6x17 Digital and Seitz Roundshot D3 with D3 digital scan back.<ref>Seitz Phototechnik: [http://www.roundshot.ch/xml_1/internet/de/application/d438/d925/f933.cfm Roundshot D3 with Seitz D3 digital scan back]</ref><ref>Seitz Phototechnik: [http://www.roundshot.ch/xml_1/internet/de/application/d438/d925/f934.cfm Seitz 6x17 Digital with Seitz D3 digital scan back] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070815221646/http://www.roundshot.ch/xml_1/internet/de/application/d438/d925/f934.cfm |date=2007-08-15 }}</ref>
* ''2008, February'': First software on a mobile phone to write DNG, Tea Vui Huang's "DNG Phone Camera" for Nokia.
* ''2008, April'': Adobe announces [[CinemaDNG]] initiative, using DNG as the basis for the individual raw images of a movie.
* ''2008, May'': Specification version 1.2.0.0 published.
* ''2008, September'': First movie camera to use DNG as a raw image format, Ikonoskop A-cam dII.<ref>Ikonoskop: [http://www.ikonoskop.com/dii/ Ikonoskop A-cam dII] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100202024139/http://www.ikonoskop.com/dii/ |date=2010-02-02 }}</ref>
* '''4th anniversary''''', 2008, 27 September'': Camera manufacturers: 13. Camera models: 29. Software products: 200+. Convertible raw image formats: 180+.
* ''2008, September'': First DNG converter running on [[Linux]] (among several other things), [[digiKam]].
* ''2009, spring/summer'': First digiscope with built-in camera to write DNG, Zeiss Photoscope 85 T* FL.<ref>Zeiss: [http://www.zeiss.de/c12567a80033f8e4/Contents-Frame/014594eb7a706cc4c12574c500452d24 PhotoScope 85 T* FL]</ref>
* ''2009, June'': Specification version 1.3.0.0 published.
* '''5th anniversary''''', 2009, 27 September'': Camera manufacturers: 14. Camera models: 38. Software products: 220+. Convertible raw image formats: 230+.
* ''2009, November'': First "interchangeable unit" camera to write DNG, [[Ricoh GXR]].<ref name="RicohGXR">Ricoh: [http://www.ricoh.com/r_dc/gxr/ Ricoh GXR] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160622155756/http://www.ricoh.com/r_dc/gxr/ |date=2016-06-22 }}</ref>
* ''2010, February'': First 3D movie camera to write DNG, Ikonoskop A-cam3D.<ref>Ikonoskop: [http://www.ikonoskop.com/blog/a-cam3d/ Ikonoskop A-cam3D] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100813021337/http://www.ikonoskop.com//blog/a-cam3d/ |date=2010-08-13 }}</ref>
* ''2010, March'': First medium format camera to offer the user a choice of proprietary raw or DNG, [[Pentax 645D]].
* '''6th anniversary''''', 2010, 27 September'': Camera manufacturers: 14. Camera models: 47. Software products: 240+. Convertible raw image formats: 290+.
* ''2012, September'': Specification version 1.4.0.0 published.
* ''2019, May'': Specification version 1.5.0.0 published.
* ''2021, December'': Specification version 1.6.0.0 published.
* ''2023, June'': Specification version 1.7.0.0 published. [[JPEG XL]] added as a compression method. In September, 1.7.1.0 was published as a minor refresh with additional compression parameters.

During the first 5 years when about 38 camera models were launched that wrote DNG, Adobe software added support for about 21 [[Canon (company)|Canon]] models, about 20 [[Nikon]] models, and about 22 [[Olympus Corporation|Olympus]] models.

==Reception==
The reaction to DNG has been mixed.<ref name = "PEARSONhistory" />  A few camera manufacturers stated their intention to use DNG at launch.  They first supported DNG about 9 months after launch. Several more niche and minority camera manufacturers added support after this (e.g. [[Leica Camera|Leica]]). The largest camera manufacturers have apparently never indicated an intention to use DNG (e.g. [[Nikon]] and [[Canon Inc.|Canon]]).{{Citation needed |date=December 2014}}

Some software products supported DNG within 5 months of launch, with many more following.  Some only support DNG from cameras writing DNG, or from cameras supported via native raw image formats.{{Citation needed |date=December 2014}}

[[OpenRAW]] was an advocacy and lobby group with the motto "Digital Image Preservation Through Open Documentation". They became [[OpenRAW#Limitation|opposed to DNG]].

Some photographic competitions do not accept converted files, and some do not accept DNG.<ref>{{cite web
|url=http://photo.net/digital-darkroom-forum/00Usgn
|title=Competition does not accept DNG
|last=Wadleigh
|first=John
|date=Oct 30, 2009
|access-date=3 January 2015}}</ref>

== DNG conversion ==
[[File:DNG Converter.png|thumb|118x118px|DNG Converter]]
"DNG conversion" refers to the process of generating a DNG file from a non-DNG image. (This is in contrast to "raw conversion", which typically refers to reading and processing a [[Raw image format|raw file]], which might be a DNG file, and generating some other type of output from it). DNG conversion is one of the sources of DNG files, the other being direct output from cameras and [[Digital camera back|digital backs]].

Several software products are able to do DNG conversion. The original such product is ''Adobe DNG Converter'' or ''DNG Converter'', a freely-available stand-alone utility from Adobe.<ref name="DNGmain"/> Other Adobe products such as the [[Adobe Photoshop#Plugins|ACR plugin to Photoshop]] or [[Adobe Photoshop Lightroom|Lightroom]] can also generate DNG files from other image files.

Most DNG converters are supplied by companies other than Adobe. For example:
* The software that [[Pentax]] supplies with all their dSLR cameras can convert PEF raw image files from Pentax cameras into DNG files.
* Flexcolor and Phocus from [[Hasselblad]] can convert 3FR raw image files from Hasselblad cameras and digital backs into DNG files.
* Capture One from [[Phase One (company)|Phase One]] is a raw converter that can process not only raw image files from Phase One digital backs, but also raw image files from many other cameras too. Capture One can save images from many of those cameras to DNG.
* [[KDE Image Plugin Interface]] is an [[application programming interface|API]] that can save the images it is processing to DNG. It can be used standalone or with any image processing applications of the [[KDE]] desktop environment under [[Linux]] and [[Windows]].
* A number of DNG converters have been developed by "amateurs" to enable raw images from their favored camera or digital back to be processed in a large range of raw converters. These include cases where cameras have been hacked to output raw images that have then been converted to DNG.

The process of DNG conversion involves extracting raw image data from the source file and assembling it according to the DNG specification into the required TIFF format. This optionally involves compressing it. Metadata as defined in the DNG specification is also put into that TIFF assembly. Some of this metadata is based on the characteristics of the camera, and especially of its sensor. Other metadata may be image-dependent or camera-setting dependent. A DNG converter must therefore have knowledge of the camera model concerned, and be able to process the source raw image file including key metadata. Optionally a JPEG preview is obtained and added. Finally, all of this is written as a DNG file.

DNG conversion typically leaves the original raw image file intact. For safety, many photographers retain the original raw image file on one medium while using the DNG file on another, enabling them to recover from a range of hardware, software and human failures and errors. For example, it has been reported in user forums that some versions of the Adobe DNG Converter don't preserve all the raw data from raw images from some camera models.<ref>Adobe-hosted User Forum: [http://forums.adobe.com/thread/528900?tstart=0 Reconvert with new DNG Converter?]</ref><ref>DPReview Forum: [http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1036&message=32904790 PROGRESS: version 0.9.0.0 now supports PEF files]</ref>

==Summary of products that support DNG in some way==
This section summarizes other more comprehensive lists.<ref name="DNGsupports">Adobe: [https://www.adobe.com/products/dng/supporters.html DNG hardware and software support]</ref><ref>Barry Pearson: [http://www.barrypearson.co.uk/articles/dng/products.htm Products that support DNG in some way] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120225230022/http://www.barrypearson.co.uk/articles/dng/products.htm |date=2012-02-25 }}</ref>

===Adobe products===
All raw image file handling products from Adobe now support DNG.<ref name = "PEARSONadobeproducts"/> ''Adobe DNG Converter'' was utility software published by [[Adobe Systems]] on September 27, 2004. It converts different camera raw format files into the Digital Negative (DNG) standard. It also supports [[lossless data compression]] when converting. The program is free of charge. It can be downloaded at Adobe's site (for [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]]<ref>{{Citation | title = DNG converter | contribution = MS Windows product download | publisher = Adobe | contribution-url = https://www.adobe.com/support/downloads/product.jsp?product=106&platform=Windows}}.</ref> and [[macOS]]<ref>{{Citation | title = DNG converter | contribution = Apple Mac product download | publisher = Adobe | contribution-url = https://www.adobe.com/support/downloads/product.jsp?product=106&platform=Macintosh}}.</ref>).

=== Digital cameras and related software ===
Use by camera manufacturers varies; there are about 15 camera manufacturers that use DNG, including a few that specialize in movie cameras:<ref name="PEARSONcameramakers" />
*Modern smartphone cameras using iOS 10,<ref>{{cite web|title=Camera app makers tap into RAW power with iOS, and look forward to dual lenses|url=http://www.macworld.com/article/3120658/ios/camera-app-makers-tap-into-raw-power-with-ios-and-look-forward-to-dual-lenses.html|access-date=29 May 2018}}</ref> Android 5 or Windows 10 Mobile that are capable of shooting RAW images typically use DNG (e.g. Samsung and Nokia).
** High-end Nokia (now Microsoft) Lumia smartphones like [[Nokia Lumia Icon]], [[Nokia Lumia 930|930]], [[Microsoft Lumia 950|950]], [[Nokia Lumia 1020|1020]] and [[Nokia Lumia 1520|1520]], were the first smartphone cameras to support DNG files.
**Samsung's high-end smartphones (Galaxy S6 or later) also uses DNG.
**[[Huawei]] Android phones using Leica-designed cameras (such as the Mate 9 and Mate 10 Pro) can save raw files to DNG format when shooting in "Pro" mode.
*Niche camera manufacturers typically use DNG in new cameras (including a [[Digiscoping|digiscope]], [[panorama]] cameras, and at least one movie camera). The article on [[raw image format]]s illustrates the complicated relationship between new raw image formats and third-party software developers. Using DNG provides immediate support for these cameras by a large range of software products.
* Some low market share but conventional camera manufacturers use DNG in new cameras. Camera manufacturers that do not supply their own software for processing raw images typically, but not always, use DNG.{{citation needed |date=May 2012}}
* [[Pentax]] typically offers users the option of whether to use Pentax's own raw image format (PEF) or DNG, but some, for example [[Pentax Q series|Pentax Q, Q10 and Q7]], do not support PEF. For example, the digital SLR Camera Pentax K-x does offer the ability to save PEF or DNG or even DNG+ which saves two files, a DNG and a separate JPEG file at the same time.
* If a camera uses DNG, and that camera manufacturer supplies software, it will support DNG. It may support DNG only from their own cameras, or support it more generically.
* [[Canon (company)|Canon]], [[Nikon]], [[Sony]], [[Panasonic]], [[Olympus Corporation|Olympus]] and [[Fujifilm|Fuji]] do not use DNG in their cameras. If a camera manufacturer's cameras do not use DNG, its software is unlikely to support DNG unless that software is also sold independently of the cameras.

Some [[digital camera]]s that support DNG:<ref name ="PEARSONcameramakers" />
* [[Casio]] supports DNG in their Exilim PRO EX-F1 and Exilim EX-FH25.
* [[DxO]] supports DNG in their DxO ONE camera (introduced 2015).
* [[Leica Camera|Leica]] has moved to the DNG format across its entire digital range including the [[Leica M|M]], [[Leica Q|Q]], and [[Leica SL|SL]] lines.
* [[MegaVision]] E Series Monochrome back.
* [[Panoscan]] MK-3 digital panoramic camera.
* [[Pentax]] supports DNG in their [[Pentax 645D|645D]], [[Pentax 645Z|645Z]], [[Pentax K10D|K10D]], [[Pentax K20D|K20D]], [[Pentax K200D|K200D]], [[Pentax K2000|K2000]], [[Pentax K-7|K-7]], [[Pentax K-x|K-x]], [[Pentax K-r|K-r]], [[Pentax K-5|K-5]], [[Pentax K-30|K-30]], [[Pentax K-5 II|K-5II(s)]], [[Pentax K-50|K-50]], [[Pentax K-50|K-500]], [[Pentax K-3|K-3]], [[Pentax K-3 II|K-3II]], [[Pentax K-S1|K-S1]], [[Pentax K-S2|K-S2]], [[Pentax K-70|K-70]], [[Pentax KP|KP]], KF and [[Pentax K-1|K-1]] DSLR cameras; alongside the [[Pentax K-01|K-01]], [[Pentax Q|Q]], [[Pentax Q10|Q10]], [[Pentax Q7|Q7]] and [[Pentax Q-S1|Q-S1]] mirrorless cameras.
* [[Ricoh]] supports DNG in the Ricoh Digital GR, considered a professional compact, and the Ricoh Caplio GX.
* [[Ricoh GXR]] [[mirrorless interchangeable lens camera]] unit use also DNG.<ref>{{Citation | newspaper = DPReview | url = http://www.dpreview.com/news/1008/10080606ricohp10review.asp | title = Ricoh GXR | type =quick review}}.</ref>
* [[Samsung]] supports DNG in their [[Samsung Pro815|Pro815]] "[[wikt:prosumer#Etymology 2|prosumer]]" camera and [[Samsung GX-10|GX-10]] and [[Samsung GX-20|GX-20]] DSLR cameras.
* Sea&Sea DX‐1G underwater camera.
* [[Seitz Phototechnik|Seitz]] Roundshot D3 digital back, used in cameras such as the  6×17.<ref>{{Citation | title = Round shot | url = http://www.roundshot.ch/xml_1/internet/de/application/d438/d925/f934.cfm | place = [[Switzerland|CH]] | access-date = 2007-07-31 | archive-date = 2007-08-15 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070815221646/http://www.roundshot.ch/xml_1/internet/de/application/d438/d925/f934.cfm | url-status = dead }}.</ref>
*[[Sigma Corporation|Sigma]] FP Native support, SD Quattro cameras support DNG but may require a firmware update.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://petapixel.com/2017/04/05/sigma-firmware-update-adds-dng-raw-support-sd-quattro-cameras/|title=Sigma Firmware Update Adds DNG RAW Support to sd Quattro Cameras|website=petapixel.com|date=5 April 2017 |access-date=2019-04-22}}</ref>
* [[Silicon Imaging]] Silicon Imaging Digital Cinema SI-1920HDVR.
* [[Sinar]] now uses DNG as the [[raw image format|raw]] file standard for their eMotion series of digital backs.
* Kron Technologies supports DNG in their Chronos 1.4 and Chronos 2.1-HD high speed cameras.

[[Apple Inc.|Apple]]'s [[iPhones]] and other [[iOS]] devices expose an API for third-party apps such as Halide or Lightroom CC to capture DNG images. The native Camera app processes to [[JPEG]] or [[HEIF]] by default. The [[IPhone 12 Pro|iPhone 12 Pro/Pro Max]] and subsequent Pro and Pro Max models running [[IOS 14|iOS 14.3]] or later have the option to shoot pictures in DNG natively through ProRaw.<ref>{{Cite web |title=About Apple ProRAW |url=https://support.apple.com/en-us/119916 |access-date=2024-10-03 |website=Apple Support |language=en}}</ref>

Some of the Canon cameras can shoot as DNG using additional free software [[CHDK]].

The built-in camera function in the Adobe Lightroom Mobile app saves to DNG format.

[[DJI]] supports DNG in its middle to high-end drones.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Support|first=D. J. I.|date=2017-08-24|title=JPEG vs RAW - What's the difference?|url=https://store.dji.com/guides/jpeg-vs-raw-what-is-the-difference/|access-date=2021-07-07|website=DJI Guides|language=en-US}}</ref>

===Third-party software===
Support by software suppliers varies; there are of the order of 200 software products that use DNG.<ref name="DNGsupports"/><ref>Barry Pearson: [http://www.barrypearson.co.uk/articles/dng/products_y7.htm#converters Software products that support DNG in some way]</ref>

The majority of raw handling software products support DNG. Most provide generic support, while a few support it only if it is output directly from a camera. The type of support varies considerably. There appear to be very few third-party software products that process raw images but don't support DNG. This may reflect the difficulty of discovering all of those that do not.<ref name="PEARSONnotyet">Barry Pearson: [http://www.barrypearson.co.uk/articles/dng/not_yet.htm Products without explicit DNG support]</ref>

==Versions of the specification==
All versions of the specification remain valid, in the sense that DNG files conforming to old versions should still be read and processed by DNG readers capable of processing later versions. DNG has a version scheme built into it that allows the DNG specification, DNG writers, and DNG readers, to evolve at their own paces.<ref name="Version control in DNG files">Barry Pearson: [http://www.barrypearson.co.uk/articles/dng/specification.htm#versions Version control in DNG files]</ref> Each version of the specification describes its compatibility with previous versions.<ref name="DNGspecification"/>

;1.0.0.0, published September 2004: This version accompanied the launch of DNG and related products. It was a rare, possibly unique, example of a raw image format specification published by its owner. It was adequate for representing typical images, but it had a few errors and deficiencies (specifically the lack of support of "masked pixels" and an inadvertent deviation from the JPEG specification) that required it soon to be replaced by the next version.
;1.1.0.0, published February 2005: This version corrected the flaws in the first version. It has proved capable of representing raw images for a large variety of cameras (both when written in-camera or via conversion from other raw image formats) for a few years, and it is the version still typically written in-camera.
;1.2.0.0, published May 2008: This version was based on experience and feedback from other companies about DNG since its launch. It introduced many new features, especially several new options for color specification under the general heading of "Camera Profiles". These are mainly of value to software products wanting their own flavor of color handling. This version permits administrative control of Camera Profiles, including calibration signatures and copyright information.
;1.3.0.0, published June 2009: This version added various improvements, but the major change was to introduce "Opcodes". An Opcode is an algorithm to be applied to some or all of the image data, described in the specification, and (optionally) implemented in the product that reads and processes the DNG file. The DNG file itself holds lists of Opcodes to be executed, together with the parameters to be applied on execution. In effect, the DNG file can contain lists of "function calls" to be executed at various stages in the raw conversion process. For example, the ''WarpRectilinear'' Opcode "applies a warp to an image and can be used to correct geometric distortion and lateral (transverse) chromatic aberration for rectilinear lenses". This is an example of an algorithm that cannot be applied to the raw image data itself before it is placed into the DNG file, because it should be executed ''after'' [[demosaicing]]. There are 13 Opcodes described in this version, and each Opcode is accompanied by a specification version so that more can be added in future.
;1.4.0.0, published September 2012: This version added Floating Point Image Data, Transparent Pixels, Proxy DNG Files, and additional tags. It also added SampleFormat and Predictor.
;1.5.0.0, published May 2019: This version added Depth Maps and processed Enhanced Image Data that can be stored alongside the raw image, with some details of the processing performed.
;1.6.0.0, published December 2021: This version added large file support (64-bit [[TIFF#BigTIFF|BigTIFF]] extension), Semantic Masks, triple-illuminant calibration profiles, and more. 
;1.7.0.0, published June 2023: This version adds support for [[JPEG XL]] as a compression method.<ref name="DNGspecification"/> In September, 1.7.1.0 was published as a minor refresh with additional compression parameters.


;CinemaDNG, published September 2009: [[CinemaDNG]] is a derivative of DNG with additional tags specifically for frames of movie clips (''TimeCodes'' and ''FrameRate''.<ref name="CinemaDNGspecification">Adobe Labs: [http://download.macromedia.com/pub/labs/cinemadng/cinemadng_p1_spec_091009.pdf CinemaDNG - Image Data Format Specification (Version 1.0.0.0)] (PDF)</ref> It is not clear whether these tags will be added to a later version of the DNG specification, or will remain separately described only in the CinemaDNG specification.

==Standardization==
DNG is not a standard format, but is based on several [[open format]]s or [[Open standard|standards]] and is being used by ISO in its revision of [[Tag Image File Format / Electronic Photography|TIFF/EP]]. A timeline:
* ''2001'': The ISO standard raw image format, ISO 12234-2, better known as TIFF/EP, was ratified and published.  It also supports "non-raw", or "processed", images. TIFF/EP provided a basis for the raw image formats of a number of cameras, but they typically added their own proprietary data. Some cameras have sensors that cannot be described by that version of TIFF/EP.
* ''2004, September'': Adobe launched DNG.  Its specification states it "is compatible with the TIFF-EP standard".<ref name = "DNGspecification"/>  It is a TIFF/EP extension with considerably more specified metadata, brought up-to-date and made fit for purpose.  DNG also exploits various other [[open format]]s and [[Open standard|standards]], including [[Exchangeable image file format|Exif metadata]], [[Extensible Metadata Platform|XMP metadata]], [[International Press Telecommunications Council|IPTC metadata]], [[CIE 1931 color space|CIE XYZ coordinates]], [[ICC profile]]s, and [[JPEG]].<ref name="PEARSONstandards">Barry Pearson: [http://www.barrypearson.co.uk/articles/dng/specification.htm#standards DNG's relationship to standards]</ref><ref name = " DNGspecification" /> Although DNG supports more sensor configurations than TIFF/EP (for example, cameras from [[Fujifilm]] using [[Super CCD]] sensors), it still doesn't support all sensor types as raw images, especially those using the [[Foveon X3 sensor]] or similar, hence especially [[Sigma Corporation|Sigma]] cameras.
* ''2006'': TIFF/EP began its 5-year revision cycle.
* ''2006 to 2007'': Adobe offered the DNG specification to ISO to be part of ISO's revised TIFF/EP standard.<ref name = "DPReviewISO">{{Citation | date = May 15, 2008 | access-date = December 11, 2014 | quote = Adobe is submitting its DNG 'universal RAW' format to the International Standard's Organization (ISO), in a move aimed at increasing acceptance and usage. The format is being proposed as part of ISO's TIFF/EP (electronic photography), standard. | newspaper = DPReview | url = http://www.dpreview.com/news/0805/08051503adobeDNG.asp | title=Adobe seeks International recognition for DNG | author=dpreview staff }}.</ref><ref>{{Citation | format = archive | type = mailing list | title = Digikam-devel | date = 26 April 2007 | url = http://mail.kde.org/pipermail/digikam-devel/2007-April/012129.html | author = A member of the ISO TC42 (technical committee for photography) working group 18 (electronic imaging) standards group}}.</ref>
* ''2008, September & October'': Minutes of ISO/TC 130/WG2 — Prepress Data Exchange, 37th Meeting: "WG 18 is revising the two-part standard (ISO 12234), which addresses digital camera removable memory. The revision of... Part 2 will add DNG into TIFF/EP." A progress report from ISO about the revision of TIFF/EP stated that the revision "...currently includes two "interoperability-profiles," "IP 1" for processed image data, using ".TIF" extension, and "IP 2" for "raw" image data, ".DNG" extension".<ref>{{Citation | publisher = I3A (International Imaging Industry Association) | url = http://www.i3a.org/news/newsletters/eye-on-standards/eye-on-standards-october-2008/#working_group_reports | date = October 2008 | type = working group report | newspaper = Eye on standards | title = ISO 12234 Part 2 – TIFF/EP | at = down a bit | url-status = usurped | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20081023232343/http://www.i3a.org/news/newsletters/eye-on-standards/eye-on-standards-october-2008/#working_group_reports | archive-date = 2008-10-23 }}.</ref>
* ''2009, September'': Minutes of ISO/TC 130/WG2 — Prepress Data Exchange, 39th Meeting: the revision of TIFF/EP "is comprehensive to support many different use cases, including backward compatibility with current TIFF readers and support of Adobe DNG... Profile 2 (proposed extension .dng, if Adobe is in agreement) is intended for camera raw images, including un-demosaiced images... This format will be similar to DNG 1.3, which serves as the starting point for development."<ref>{{Citation | publisher = NPES | url = http://www.npes.org/pdf/TC130WG2N1363_Minutes-Beijing-Sept09.pdf | date = September 2009 | place = Peking, China | title = Minutes of ISO/TC 130/WG2, 39th Meeting | at = 14f | access-date = 2009-11-06 | archive-date = 2012-01-11 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120111151106/http://www.npes.org/pdf/TC130WG2N1363_Minutes-Beijing-Sept09.pdf | url-status = dead }}.</ref>

== Patent status ==
In 2004, Adobe published a "patent license" for DNG that allows everyone to exploit DNG,<ref name = "DNHlicense">{{Citation | publisher = Adobe | contribution-url = https://www.adobe.com/products/dng/license.html | title = Digital Negative (DNG) | contribution = Specification Patent License|date=2005}}</ref> on the condition that the licensee prominently displays text saying it is licensed from Adobe in source and documentation, and that the license may be revoked if the licensee brings any patent action against Adobe or its affiliates related to the reading or writing of files that comply with the DNG Specification. The license does not name any patent linked to DNG, however.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://helpx.adobe.com/photoshop/digital-negative.html#dng|title=Digital Negative (DNG)|publisher=Adobe Systems Incorporated.|access-date=2018-07-30}}</ref>

In 2009, Adobe states that there are no known intellectual property encumbrances or license requirements for CinemaDNG, a superset of DNG.<ref name="CinemaDNGnoencumbrance"/> Adobe also stated that if there were a consensus that DNG should be controlled by a [[Standards organization|standards body]], they were open to the idea.<ref name = "DMDkevinconnor">{{Citation | newspaper = Digital Media Designer | url = http://mediadesigner.digitalmedianet.com/articles/viewarticle.jsp?id=28283 | publisher = Digital Media net | title = Adobe's Kevin Connor Speaks on Adobe's DNG Specification | access-date = 2009-09-20 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151208052412/http://mediadesigner.digitalmedianet.com/articles/viewarticle.jsp?id=28283 | archive-date = 2015-12-08 | url-status = dead }}.</ref> Even though the "patent license" now grants rights for no known patents, Adobe has not removed the patent license: as of August 2023, it remains on the Adobe website.<ref name = "DNHlicense"/>

==See also==
* [[Comparison of image viewers]]
* [[DNxHD codec]]
* [[dcraw]]
* [[LibRaw]]

==References==
{{Reflist|2}}

{{Graphics file formats}}
{{Adobe Systems}}
{{photography subject}}

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[[Category:Computer-related introductions in 2004]]
[[Category:Digital photography]]
[[Category:Graphics file formats]]