Unconverting a DNG file - is it possible?

I've read that Adobe's DNG format essentially embeds the original RAW file inside the DNG file. If that's truly the case I would think there would be a way to extract the original RAW file format back out of the DNG file - but I can't seem to find anything on that. Does anyone know if there's software available to pull the original RAW file out of a DNG file after it's been converted?

BackdoorHippie said:

I've read that Adobe's DNG format essentially embeds the original RAW file inside the DNG file. If that's truly the case I would think there would be a way to extract the original RAW file format back out of the DNG file - but I can't seem to find anything on that. Does anyone know if there's software available to pull the original RAW file out of a DNG file after it's been converted?

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When you converted to DNG, did you select the option to embed the original RAW file? In my Adobe conversion software, I don't have it checked so I don't know if that is the default or if I unchecked it. Sorry I don't know how to extract it though.

Here is a link I found that says to use the Adobe converter and select the DNG file. There is an option at the bottom to Extract (providing you selected the option to embed to start). Getting RAW image back from DNG - Photo.net Digital Darkroom Forum

Thanks. Alas, I didn't have the "Embed full file" option checked, so I'm hosed. Hopefully I won't need to supply the original (my reason for asking).

BackdoorHippie said:

Thanks. Alas, I didn't have the "Embed full file" option checked, so I'm hosed. Hopefully I won't need to supply the original (my reason for asking).

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I assume you already reformatted the card, too?

We're talking images from over a year ago. Long story to remain untold.

Aha....so we assume you do not have the NEF file anymore. I was going to ask why you would need the be able to pull out the original file if you had the NEF file but of course if you no longer have it...........

I convert on import and do not backup the original file - I simply confirm that all the conversions happen successfully. I've since stopped converting because, frankly, it takes too damn long on the bigger files and I've decided that I can always convert afterward if someone needs it in a compatible format. But alas, I've got 2+ years of back catalog that has no NEF equivalent, rendering them disqualified from entering into certain contests that might require the original RAW file for winner verification.

BackdoorHippie said:

I convert on import and do not backup the original file - I simply confirm that all the conversions happen successfully. I've since stopped converting because, frankly, it takes too damn long on the bigger files and I've decided that I can always convert afterward if someone needs it in a compatible format. But alas, I've got 2+ years of back catalog that has no NEF equivalent, rendering them disqualified from entering into certain contests that might require the original RAW file for winner verification.

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So DNG has it's drawbacks too... I guess nothing is perfect in this human world.

Please pardon my ignorance, but what is the main difference of a NEF and DNG other than software compatibility?

My Coolpix A NEF files requires DNG conversion since they are not compatible with Adobe CS5 windows 7.

I am wondering WHY Jake? or does your software not recognise the NEF files?

gqtuazon said:

Please pardon my ignorance, but what is the main difference of a NEF and DNG other than software compatibility?

My Coolpix A NEF files requires DNG conversion since they are not compatible with Adobe CS5 windows 7.

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Vixen said:

I am wondering WHY Jake? or does your software not recognise the NEF files?

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When I first started with Lightroom my brother recommended the Kelby/Kloskowski book to get me started. In it they talk about the the DNG file and the advantages of compatibility with various pieces of software, including backwards compatibility (i.e. buy a D810 and use CS5 and you know you can't get the last version of ACR that works with CS5 to open the NEF file, but convert to DNG with the latest and the old software will open it). So, I took their advice and converted on import. I've never had an issue doing so, and given that I'm shooting fairly new Nikons it's been advantageous a couple times since my brother is on an old version of Photoshop and when I've sent him files he's had no issue opening them (though he could have used the DNG converter). The version that does not embed the RAW file can also be slightly smaller, which has its advantages.

The real difference is purely format, and I've had zero issues with either format. The problem is that one site I frequent requires that images submitted for their contests there be verified against their original RAW file to insure that no illegal edits were done, and that they were taken during the appropriate set of dates. While a DNG file should surely suffice for that, it is technically an edit of the original RAW. Given the sloppy way they deal with other rules infractions it seems that this is a crazy thing to be a stickler about, but alas they are, and when they have challenges that allow you to dip into your back catalog it renders 95% of mine unusable because they're all DNG files.

I need to be clear, that's the only issue I have with them. That said, I stopped converting in May as I know I can always create a DNG file if needed from what I have.