I can't quite judge all of this, perhaps you're right.
Perhaps. Let's look at the reality here. A camera manufacture creates a new raw file (tiny from the last but different). No one else can understand the data until they get a file, hack it if you will, then update their products. We in agreement thus far?
There are two options here:
1. Manufacture provides raw under NDA days/weeks/months prior to release. All 3rd party raw software manufactures hack the format, test, update the software. The facts are, there is a tiny window of time when only the camera manufacture understands the file, then anyone can once they get the file.
2. Manufacturer provides a plug-in to convert the data 'on the fly ala DNG'. After camera is released, option #1 above takes place, this plug-in is worthless.
Which scenario above do you suspect is the most cost effective? I'd say door #1.
Now none of this is an issue with the new cameras JPEG and we both know why. Both options above are necessary because of a silly practice of changing the data structure but the burden is on the customer who buys before the 3rd party company's raw converter HE PREFERS before either take place. Option 1 at least fixes that issue. It doesn't fix the issue of everyone having to hack the new format and update their software unlike the JPEG.
The raw is always eventually understood. So do tell us
why on Earth the camera manufacturers continue to avoid either a standard raw format, a switch to produce a DNG if selected, or just a practice of
providing the raw to anyone who signs an NDA prior to release so they can update their software when the camera ships.
On the Adobe side, they no longer have to worry about upgrading each time an important camera is released, and small/new camera manufacturers will be able to provide Adobe support with relative ease as well, because i doubt if cameramanufacturer noname comes to Adobe, that any updates by Adobe will be released in timely matter, if at all.
Yes they do have to worry! Yes they do have to upgrade their products. Or you've been told by the Adobe engineering teams for ACR/LR that isn't the case and Adobe just likes to sit ideal and let it's customers wait on the new camera file support. They had the file for months, decided to let the customers wait while they watch a golf game at the Presidents club?
ANY camera manufacturer
can provide Adobe and other's support. Early on, so they can have the support done when the camera ships (again, this is all a silly exercise anyway). So you know they are doing this and most if not all 3rd party manufactures just take their time updating their products OR perhaps, maybe, they don't get the new camera raw file until the camera ships; which sounds more reasonable?
You're a smart fellow I think; do I really have to point out this is
all political and
not a technological issue? We can get a camera that produces a JPEG and access that data the day it ships but we can't with the raw because of a technological issue? No!