The Problem With RAW

I have discovered my RAW files are entirely dependent on Nikon's PictureProject software. Another software I have installed will not accept the NEF (RAW) files even though it is designed specifically to accept RAW. When I transfer my RAW images to a disc I first have to return them to the PictureProject software before I can send them as TIFF files to my editing software such as Adobe or Capture NX. In order for them to accept the TIFF files I have to convert the files to RGB 8-bit color. I am not sure I like my files to be at the whim and existence of a single manufacturer. This article I found will tell you more:

http://www.openraw.org/info/

What are your thoughts and feelings about all this?

Thank you for your replies.

Will
Edmonton, Alberta
Canada

Yikes, Will, that's a TREMENDOUS amount of rigamarole.

Will Adobe DNG convert them? It converts all Canon camera RAW files I've tried from four different cameras. If it'll do yours, then they'll open in Adobe programs, just as though they were camera RAW images, and with all the same capabilities of adjustment. Adobe maintains they'll keep going with their DNG coverter. I totally favor an open RAW policy.

Steve, I don't have Adobe DNG but I do have Adobe Photoshop Elements, Corel Paint Shop Pro X, RawShooter Essentials 2005, and Capture NX. None of these will convert the NEF/RAW files. Although I read in other threads that Capture NX can. Likely I am doing something wrong but I haven't discovered what. Yet.

Will
Edmonton, Alberta
Canada

Will, something here doesn't make sense. What is the other software you mentioned? Perhaps the problem isn't with the RAW files but with the software not supporting your camera. If this is the case it might require just a simple software version update or upgrade. I shoot NEF as well and have never had any problems with any RAW converter opening them.

Please give us a little more information - which cemera you shoot (and which firmware version), which software (and version), etc.

Perhaps the problem isn't with the RAW files but with the software not supporting your camera.>>>
I agree. I also own D80 and do not have this problem.

Will, it sounds to me that you must update your software. For instance, Raw Shooter Essentials is now available in version 2006. Adobe Camera Raw (ACR) is, I believe, up to version 3.7. If you use PhotoShop Elements 3.0 or later there is some functionality with 16 bit files. You will need CS2 to have complete 16 bit functionality.

So, I would suggest you open your software and check for updates. This should solve your issue.

I can transfer the NEF files to PictureProject 1.7 only. To send them from there to Capture NX, or any of the others I have to convert them to TIFF and once there reduce them to 8-bit RGB. At least Capture NX should be up to date since I bought it at the same time as the Nikon D80. I find it kind of silly to use two softwares to transfer and edit my files from the camera to the computer. Of all the software I mentioned surely the Capture NX should be more supportive. What software are you using, Prashant?

Thank you.

You may not be able to use the latest ACR with Elements 3. I know you can't with Photoshop CS. Nikon Capture NX should work, and as others have said, perhaps updating will help. I use Nikon View to transfer files from a D200 to computer, and use it as a browser. I can then open NEF files directly into Nikon Capture 4.4. I don't have NX, but tried it and could do the same thing with that.

Well, William, it really does sound like a software upgrade issue to me, too. Meanwhile, the Adobe DNG converter is a free download from www.adobe.com.

I'm using a Nikon D200 and do not have the difficulties you describe. I'm using both Photoshop Elements 4.0 and Photoshop PS2. Have you downloaded the Adobe plugin for NEF files? Neither Elements nor PS2 will open the NEF file without this free download.

Thank you for the great response. I e-mailed Nion directly with my problem so I expect to have the issue resolved.

At least I can get my images into the computer even if it is a bit more complicated. I will let you know how the problem is solved as soon as it is solved

Capture NX claims it will accept NEF/RAW files and it is darn well going to

Will
Edmonton, Alberta
Canada

I would bet your software just needs updating. Even if you bought it at the same time as your camera, that doesn't mean it wasn't sitting on the shelf for quite a while. I would look at it to see what version it is, then pull up Nikon's site to see if ther'e a later version.

To see what version you have just open NX, go to HELP > ABOUT CAPTURE NX.

If it needs updating, you should be able to do that from the HELP menu as well.

Bill, I did as you suggested. Before downloading or updating I had to register with an account (User ID, Password, E-mail address etc). This has proved impossible because it rejects my every attempt. Nikon says they have my E-mail on their database and that is as far as I can get. I am awaiting the reply from Nikon. I could go to the store where I bought the NX software and see if they have an updated version.

Will
Edmonton, Alberta
Canada

Will, I don't think going to the store to get an updated version will solve your problem. SW changes too fast for the merchants to keep the latest versions in stock. This is why the SW manufactures all suggest doing an immediate search for upgrades as soon as you do the install. Try doing what Bill suggested and go to the Help menu and select check for updates or what ever exact verbiage they have.

Will, go into NX and let us know what version it is. I just downloaded NX today, and it is Nikon NX version 1.1.0. Is that the same as yours?

Bill, it says Capture NX version 1.0-14668, spm version 1.0.0. So it seems the same as yours. Thank you.

Will
Edmonton, Alberta
Canada

Will - if yours is 1.0, then it's not the same as mine. You will need the update to bring it to 1.1.0. You can download that update from HERE Good luck, and let us know how it works.

I think manufacturers need the freedom to create the kind of file that they deem best suited to recording their sensor's output. Nevertheless, it is a bit annoying. I had to buy software to get the best out of my D200 RAW files. You shouldn't have to go through all THAT rigmarole though!

Pete D.
... and we should all speak Esperanto, but it ain't gonna happen.

Thank you, Bill. I haven't downloaded the newer version yet, but I have managed to streamline my rigamarole to tolerable levels. I still have to download my images from the SD card in the camera to PictureProject. From there I send them as TIFF files to Capture NX where I save them as NEF files. Capture NX accepts those NEF files.

Can you download your images directly from your camera to your updated Capture NX software, Bill?

Thanks again to all.

Will
Edmonton, Alberta
Canada

I found PictureProject to be a pain in the a** and dumped it within days of installation. Nikon View (free download) is a much better program for viewing and downloading NEF files. Using Nikon View I've experienced no problems opening NEF files in Nikon Capture 4.4.2, Capture NX or ACR. I think the key is making sure you have a current enough version of whatever program you use so that it supports your particular camera model.