Nikon tries (and fails) to respond to RAW WB concerns

Nikon recently has been getting some well-deserved grief about their decision to restrict access to their "NEF" digital camera file format (which is a variety of RAW output -- that is, the raw data captured by the camera with no in-camera processing applied). Today on the esteemed DP Review, Nikon tries to spin the damage.

I haven't looked at the SDK or its license, so I can't comment on that, but the press release is full of red flags:

Through use of the Nikon Software Developer Kit, authorized developers can produce software [...]

[...] application for the Nikon SDK is possible for bona fide software companies that send Nikon a written application for the SDK. [...]

Nikon has provided its confidential SDK software to many software developers. [...]

As a proprietary format, Nikon secures NEF’s structure and processing through various technologies. Securing this structure is intended for the photographer’s benefit, and dedicated to ensuring faithful reproduction of the photographer’s creative intentions through consistent performance and rendition of the images. Discussions propagated on the internet suggesting otherwise are misinformed about the unique structure of NEF. [...]

Nikon continues to welcome dialogue with bona fide software developers.

[Emphasis added throughout.]

Wow. I'm a bona fide software developer, buddy. I got my bona fides right here.

This stinks to high heaven. Here's a thought experiment that suffices as proof: go through that release and substitute "NEF" with "the negative," and "SDK" with "enlarger." Makes you wish you'd never bought that Nikon, huh?

Nikon's spin tactics aren't going to work, at least not on me. As it happens, I'm in the market for a digital SLR right now, and the reviews of the Nikon D70 have definitely been bending my ear. But Nikon is clearly stating that they want only authorized, legally-bound developers -- working in "bona fide software companies" -- to be able to produce tools for me to modify my digital negatives. That means something very simple: I won't get the best software if I buy a Nikon. My choices will be limited to the companies with which Nikon chooses to do business, leaving out competitors, open source developers, and anyone else Nikon decides they don't like. I certainly won't be taking honeymoon pictures with a camera like that.

So, Canon, get on it -- tell us all about how you're the open camera company. I've got more than US$1,000.00 with your name on it if you do.