Greetings all! I'm seeking some informed advice from NPN's post-processing wizards.
I've just purchased a Nikon D7000 (very pleased so far!), but the RAW files don't play with my CS4. I wasn't planning to upgrade till CS6, and there are a number of reasons I'd like to stick to that schedule. I'm also disinclined to use Nikon's software, inasmuch as I'm familiar with ACR and my computer has enough clutter as it is. So I'm wondering about the costs and benefits of my remaining options.
1. Convert to DNG till CS6 is out. This has the major advantage of being free. What are the downsides here, other than the extra workflow step? Do I need to be seriously concerned about possible losses in quality or compatibility?
2. Get the latest version of ACR by buying PSE9. If this is the way to go, I can afford it. But do I need to worry about any compatibility or workflow complications from having that newer software installed on the same machine as my CS4 and Bridge? Is it possible to install ACR alone without the rest of Elements? I do a lot of my processing with Tony Kuyper's actions, so CS4 is not a tool I want any trouble with.
Many thanks for any advice!
Posted by Luke Ormand on January 28, 2011 at 2:20 PM
Keep it simple and free by going the .DNG route. When I bought my D300s I had the same problem with CS3 - eventually I upgraded to CS5 but for a while I was using the .dng process which is simple except that you for the time involved in the additional step.
As far as I know, .DNG is lossless and I never noticed an ounce of difference in quality. There are some folks who will also make the arguement that .DNG is something everyone should do as it is a more "stable" format than Nikon or Canon's formats (that is to say it's likely future software will read .DNG but may not read .NEF for example).
Another plus to the .DNG route is you can convert them and keep the existing .NEF files. So when CS6 does roll around you still have all of your .NEF files that you can process if you choose.
- Luke
Posted by John Mumaw on January 28, 2011 at 5:30 PM
ACR in PS Elements is not nearly as robust as the version in full PS, so you don't want to go that route.
Thanks guys! I had heard some folks on other sites say that Elements was a good way to get ACR, so that's really helpful information, John. Pretty much settles it, in fact. Free is good, and I won't worry about it any more!
Posted by Andy Richards on January 31, 2011 at 12:40 PM
Jackson, the only "downside" to the dng route is a "workflow" issue. I have converted my NEF files to dng for several years now. It does add another step to the workflow. And it MAY add yet another step. I recently spoke to a magazine editor about their submission requirements. This particular magazine asks for a small jpeg and the raw image. When I inquired re: whether they would accept the dng format, they indicated that they required whatever raw image the camera brand produces. Thus, for the submitted images, I had to "unwind" the dng files to extract the original NEF format. Not a big deal IMO, but worth noting.
If you go the dng route, I highly recommend that you EMBED the NEF format. FWIW, you may find that you like the dng format anyway, even after you upgrade to the then-current PS. I like the fact that the dng format doesn't have those separate "sidecar" files.
Discussion
5 repliesI've just purchased a Nikon D7000 (very pleased so far!), but the RAW files don't play with my CS4. I wasn't planning to upgrade till CS6, and there are a number of reasons I'd like to stick to that schedule. I'm also disinclined to use Nikon's software, inasmuch as I'm familiar with ACR and my computer has enough clutter as it is. So I'm wondering about the costs and benefits of my remaining options.
1. Convert to DNG till CS6 is out. This has the major advantage of being free. What are the downsides here, other than the extra workflow step? Do I need to be seriously concerned about possible losses in quality or compatibility?
2. Get the latest version of ACR by buying PSE9. If this is the way to go, I can afford it. But do I need to worry about any compatibility or workflow complications from having that newer software installed on the same machine as my CS4 and Bridge? Is it possible to install ACR alone without the rest of Elements? I do a lot of my processing with Tony Kuyper's actions, so CS4 is not a tool I want any trouble with.
Many thanks for any advice!
As far as I know, .DNG is lossless and I never noticed an ounce of difference in quality. There are some folks who will also make the arguement that .DNG is something everyone should do as it is a more "stable" format than Nikon or Canon's formats (that is to say it's likely future software will read .DNG but may not read .NEF for example).
Another plus to the .DNG route is you can convert them and keep the existing .NEF files. So when CS6 does roll around you still have all of your .NEF files that you can process if you choose.
- Luke
If you go the dng route, I highly recommend that you EMBED the NEF format. FWIW, you may find that you like the dng format anyway, even after you upgrade to the then-current PS. I like the fact that the dng format doesn't have those separate "sidecar" files.