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Why use Capture NX?
I use the following steps to process my pictures from Nikon D60 which saves the images in NEF format.
(1) I upload pcitures from camera to PC using Nikon Transfer; then
(2) Adjust the NEF in Picasa for exposure, colour etc; then
(3) Convert the tweaked pictures to jpeg in Picasa.
However, I read an article today which says that Picasa does not render NEF pictures correctly in terms of colour balance and contrast (http://karlo.org/weblog/archives/2005/03/picasa_and_nef.html).
Instead of Picasa, would yoou recommend an alternative software to view and edit NEFS and convert them to jpegs? Would you recommed Photoshop above Nikon Capture NX?
(1) I upload pcitures from camera to PC using Nikon Transfer; then
(2) Adjust the NEF in Picasa for exposure, colour etc; then
(3) Convert the tweaked pictures to jpeg in Picasa.
However, I read an article today which says that Picasa does not render NEF pictures correctly in terms of colour balance and contrast (http://karlo.org/weblog/archives/2005/03/picasa_and_nef.html).
Instead of Picasa, would yoou recommend an alternative software to view and edit NEFS and convert them to jpegs? Would you recommed Photoshop above Nikon Capture NX?
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by TheStan on -
Hi there
It's a fact that you can be sure to get the very best results out of your cam when you use Capture NX. Although the program ist not the fastest it has several benefits of a raw-developing program others do not have:
- NX 'knows' the exact algorithms Nikon uses to produce nef-pictures and so it can handle them best (compared to Pixmantec Raw Shooter, Lightroom, etc)
- NX has an automated lense adaption (for Nikkor lenses only). So, if you have a Nikkor lense mounted NX detects this automatically and computes any distortions, vignettes, etc 'away' (at least it reduces them)
- NX is non- destructive (ok others aren't, neither :) )
Regarding your worklflow, this is mine:
1. Import picture in CNX
2. Basic adjustments (WB, white/black level, contrast, light, saturation)
Here my workflow splits
I. No more adjustments needed to open it in PS
3. After sharpening (GUM or any other way) I save it as tiff or jpg
II. More adjustment is needed
3. Save the file as tiff (16bit) and open it in PS
4. In PS I do all the adjustments (filters, etc) I want to, afterwards
5. Sharpening and saving the file as tif again
Finally I would suggest to have a try regarding CNX! You will be astonished, what great results you can get :)
Greetings
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Permalink Reply by Suresh on -
Thanks Stan. I have been reading up on Capture NX and it seems to be the best solution for basic editing of photographs.
What software do you use for inventorising and browsing your pictures. I have been using Picasa to rate (stars) my pictures. I am reluctant to move to another application as I am not sure how the transfer the rating from Picasa.
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