The Encryption Question - Reply from Maxwells

[Greg B]

This is a follow up to this thread:-

http://www.d70users.com/viewtopic.php?t=5506

entitled "Does the D70s have WB encryption?"

I have received a response from the Managing Director of Maxwells.

Firstly, John has apologised for the delay in responding and explained the reasons which I accept.

Secondly, he has given me some background information not for publication.

Thirdly, he has replied to the specific queries as follows:-

1. Will the WB data (or any other data) on the NEF files from the D70S be encrypted?
A: No, this is no different from the D70 implementation. The firmware changes and improves AF accuracy and response in two ways and the menu display graphics are altered.


2. Will the WB data (or any other data) on the NEF files from the D50 be encrypted?
A: This product is not commercially released yet, although announced, and Nikon has not yet provided any data on the NEF format in the camera.That does not mean it will change; it means we do not have any information either way to provide an answer.

3. Will the forthcoming firmware update for the D70 cause the encryption of any data which is not currently encrypted.
A: No, not to our knowledge. Those that have made the update have not reported any changes, nor have we found any in our own implementation of this firmware update on company cameras.

Personally, I think they are direct answers, and I consider this is very much to Maxwells' credit.

(PS - I haven't sent the letter to Nikon, Rosanne was going to post it tomorrow. I won't send it now)

cheers

[KerryPierce]

Good on ya, Greg. At least you got a response and it is quite nice to get a direct answer to a direct question.

It's unfortunate that the background info couldn't be made public as well.

I'm still waiting for an answer to questions....

[horstflotow]

This is a follow up to this thread:-

http://www.d70users.com/viewtopic.php?t=5506

entitled "Does the D70s have WB encryption?"

I have received a response from the Managing Director of Maxwells.

Firstly, John has apologised for the delay in responding and explained the reasons which I accept.

Secondly, he has given me some background information not for publication.

Thirdly, he has replied to the specific queries as follows:-

1. Will the WB data (or any other data) on the NEF files from the D70S be encrypted?
A: No, this is no different from the D70 implementation. The firmware changes and improves AF accuracy and response in two ways and the menu display graphics are altered.


2. Will the WB data (or any other data) on the NEF files from the D50 be encrypted?
A: This product is not commercially released yet, although announced, and Nikon has not yet provided any data on the NEF format in the camera.That does not mean it will change; it means we do not have any information either way to provide an answer.

3. Will the forthcoming firmware update for the D70 cause the encryption of any data which is not currently encrypted.
A: No, not to our knowledge. Those that have made the update have not reported any changes, nor have we found any in our own implementation of this firmware update on company cameras.

Personally, I think they are direct answers, and I consider this is very much to Maxwells' credit.

(PS - I haven't sent the letter to Nikon, Rosanne was going to post it tomorrow. I won't send it now)

cheers

Although not a direct followup to your post, I've found the following to be an interesting take on this whole issue of proprietary (encrypted) raw file data.
http://luminous-landscape.com/essays/raw-law.shtml

Also see http://luminous-landscape.com/ for additional essays etc on this topic.

Regards

Horst

[darb]

he would do well to maybe discuss this feed back with his other counterparts ... the fact its nigh impossible to get straight answers, and most of us installed the firmware with a "oh well i guess we'll find out now" mentality is shocking.

[stubbsy]

To Maxwells credit they at least answered the questions. While we might not like the answers they are to be congratulated for at least engaing in a dialog.

Well done Greg for your persistence.

[stubbsy]

Although not a direct followup to your post, I've found the following to be an interesting take on this whole issue of proprietary (encrypted) raw file data.
http://luminous-landscape.com/essays/raw-law.shtml

Also see http://luminous-landscape.com/ for additional essays etc on this topic.

Regards

Horst

Thanks for that link Horst. It makes very interestingh reading.

[Aussie Dave]

on behalf of everyone here Greg, thank you for taking the time to follow up Maxwells/Nikon for answers. It is people like yourself that are a credit to this wonderful forum !!!

Admittedly, it is to Maxwells credit that they responded with reasonable answers, although one would hope that companies like Maxwells would not need several emails to respond, before they actually do so.

Nikon would do well to take note that all this mysterious hype about their products is not a sound business practice. I'm sure all major corporations have their internal problems and this is something they should be looking to improve !

Enough on the soapbox.....someone else's turn

[gstark]

It's to Maxwell's credit that they have responded in a friendly and professional manner, complete with an apology for the initial failure to promptly respond to Greg's query.

One can only hope that the underlying message has been recieved in Japan, and that Nikon Corp fully understands the seriousness of the plight they potentially risk getting themselves into.

[birddog114]

I'm sure it's not the answer from John @ Maxwell but surely, it's the answer from Nikon Japan, John is on behalf and relayed the message back to GregB.
The delay in answering was: waiting for Nikon Japan to authorise.