OpenRAW

OpenRAW was a digital photography advocacy group that focused on promoting open standards and access to raw image data formats. The organization primarily advocated for camera manufacturers to release specifications of their proprietary raw file formats, allowing third-party developers to create and maintain software that could process these files. The goal was to ensure long-term access to and preservation of raw image data, preventing obsolescence caused by manufacturer-specific software becoming unavailable or unsupported. OpenRAW also aimed to encourage the development of open-source software solutions for handling raw image formats. The project was active primarily in the mid-2000s but is no longer actively maintained. Its website remains accessible as an archive of its work and advocacy. OpenRAW contributed to the broader discussion of digital preservation and the importance of open formats within the photography community and beyond.