Nikon NEF image handcuffs

Nikon recently released a new digital SLR camera named the D2X. They have their own RAW file format named NEF which can be used to save images with no loss of quality, allowing the photographer greater control of the photo once it’s on his computer. Nikon provides software to load NEF files, but only for the Windows platform. The NEF file format has since been reverse engineered by various people, which allows the use of it in other non-Nikon and non-Windows software.

Nikon did something underhand with this new camera. They now encrypt the white balance data in the NEF file, the intention being to prevent reverse engineering. Remember, this is meta-data about photos taken by the photographer; the creator and copyright holder of the photo. Nikon seem to think they own it this meta-data.

Predictably, the encryption was cracked and now we can read the file format anyway. Except, because it’s encryption, it’s actually illegal to circumvent it in the USA due to the DMCA. This basically means the biggest companies (ones more likely to be sued by Nikon, such as Adobe) can’t add support to their products without using Nikons (windows only) SDK.

This profit addicted idiot Mark Peters who writes for the online magazine LetsGoDigital, which may as well be called LetsParrotTheAdvertisersLies, tries to set the record straight. In doing so he demonstrates his bias.

“The purpose of this advisory is to clarify this matter with facts and explanations” he states. He then goes on to explain nothing clearly and states no facts.

UPDATE: I had additional complaints about this article but further Googling found the entire text of this article to be a copy and past of Nikon’s press release. Go journalism go!

Basically though, the press release is just wordy bullshit. They say “Securing this [NEF] structure is intended for the photographer’s benefit” but this technology does nothing but restrict the photographer.

If you’re a photographer who uses the NEF file format, you must understand that Nikon is at war with you. Nikon wants to restrict what you do with your photos. Nikon doesn’t care that if in 50 years time they no longer make their NEF reading software, and you’ve lost your original CD, you want to access your old photo collection. Remember, NEF is only a Nikon standard, it lives and will die with them if they have their way, and your image files will be useless to you.

I’d recommend that you don’t buy a D2X, and that you write to Nikon and tell them why. And along with your letter, include a jiffy bad of your own faeces. (though to be honest, I regard this as standard practice whenever corresponding with big companies who hate you)