Capture NX

[Al D.]

I have the trial version of NX that came with my D300. Does anyone know 1) how long that is good for and 2) can a regular version be downloaded from Nikon annd, if so, where?

[cyclohexane]

The trial version is good for 30 days.

The trial version and regular version are the same download. You need to enter a CD key to keep using it though.

[Al D.]

Thanks for the reply. My opening screen says it is registered to me and also displays a 20 digit code. I have been using it for more than 30 days (I think). Is it possible that I have a gift from NIkon?

[cyclohexane]

Is it possible that I have a gift from NIkon?

Nikon threw in free Capture NX license keys with the first D300's shipped. Yes, you have a free gift from Nikon.

[radicalwillie]

Anyone know what the cost is to purchase this key code? Also, is it worth the cost or are there other competitively priced products that people prefer to use?

[excia]

I've become quite happy with Adobe Lightroom.

For Capture NX users, is there anything in it that stands out beyond Lightroom?

[Tom Swaman]

Capture NX and ACR do not produce identical image files when these converters open an NEF file. The results vary because an NEF is a Nikon proprietary format. From my experience, there are pros and cons to both converters depending upon the source NEF and the desired results. Both can work very well.

Tom

[eClix]

From using the trial I liked what results I got from capture NX, definitely worth $149

[drichi]

Originally Posted by radicalwillie

Anyone know what the cost is to purchase this key code? Also, is it worth the cost or are there other competitively priced products that people prefer to use?

Best thing to do is download and try it. If it can be installed and runs on your particular pc, then you can decide if it is worth it. I have had endless problems with Nikon software (and software support) and have removed it from my pc and swear never to use anymore of it. The free copy of NX which came with my D300 for example, crashed every time I as much put the cursor over a D300 NEF. Nikon US refused support as I am in Japan, so I had to go through Nikon Japan in Japanese. The support there consisted of asking me to do the same thing over and over and hoping for different results....

[cyclohexane]

I hated Nikon software on Windows XP. Gave me so much trouble I just gave up on it as a whole. Never tried running any of it on Vista.

So far I haven't had any problems on Mac, but I'm left wondering how long that'll last... =)

------------------

Unfortunately, the best results from NEF processing still come from Nikon Capture NX, though with some work ACR and other products can get pretty close.

[Bonner]

O K guys...I got my free copy, downloaded it and played with it for a while. I have no use for RAW, what else does it do that Adobe isn't presently doing for me?

On the discussion of Nikon software, I tried out the Camera Control Pro 2 and works nicely for me. It is my 3rd version of software from Nikon to shoot directly to my PC. It seems faster and has more options in the Viewer. The speed may be an improvement in the camera's processor.

Thank, in advance,

Jim

[RickC]

Originally Posted by cyclohexane

Unfortunately, the best results from NEF processing still come from Nikon Capture NX, though with some work ACR and other products can get pretty close.

Not sure why it's "unfortunate"? I received a copy of Capture NX with my D300 and believe it's the best software to convert NEF files and I have used ARC. It's a very intuitive software, and there are reference books out there for additional guidance. I believe Nikon did their camera users well with this software.

And about a speed issue related to the software some opine about....they must have PC's with 1 gb memory or something. Heck, upgrade your RAM, I have 4 gb and Capture NX runs fine. And, again, RAM doesn't cost much nowadays, much like memory cards. I bought a 4gb CF card at Costco for $29.

[cyclohexane]

Not sure why it's "unfortunate"?

I find the interface a little bothersome, and it doesn't fit into my workflow particularly well, though I've reworked it in an effort to solve the problem.

t's a very intuitive software, and there are reference books out there for additional guidance.

Intuitive? You're the second person I've met that finds Capture NX intuitive. I need to pick up one of the books on it when I'm done with my backlog of reading.

I'm too used to everything in my workflow working exactly the same... i.e. Photoshop to Flash to whatever else.

NX works well enough, but I found making adjustments incredibly cumbersome. Apparently, I can finally move the tool windows around in the latest versions! I was an early adopter, using version 1.0 (and buying 1.1B, or whichever update that was). Hard for me to change sometimes, LOL.

I also have 4 GB RAM.

RAM doesn't cost much nowadays, much like memory cards.

Heheh, no kidding. I gave away 2 GB worth of old RAM the other day because it just wasn't worth attempting to resell.

[Pixart]

Originally Posted by cyclohexane

I hated Nikon software on Windows XP. Gave me so much trouble I just gave up on it as a whole. Never tried running any of it on Vista.

So far I haven't had any problems on Mac, but I'm left wondering how long that'll last... =)

------------------

Unfortunately, the best results from NEF processing still come from Nikon Capture NX, though with some work ACR and other products can get pretty close.

OMG, as much as I liked it, I had so much trouble with Capture... crashing, freezing... and duh, even though I've signed up for their mailing list a dozen times, I found out on some forum somewhere that they had upgraded Capture NX back in November or something. I just updated a couple weeks ago and it's a world of difference. Fast. (almost) no crashing. It saves to the previous directory you used. IPTC data works now too. I'm annoyed I didn't find out sooner though.

[gpf]

The automatic updater just raised my version to 1.3.2 this evening. Anyone know what changed? The last update was a major change to just about everything, but this looks just like a bug fix.

Just checked. Here's a cut and paste of the UK website.

"Changes in this version
- Support for RAW pictures taken with the D60 has been added.
- When exposure compensation was adjusted from Base Adjustments>RAW Adjustments>Exposure Compensation while Picture Control settings were applied from Base Adjustments>Camera Adjustments>Picture Control, the sharpening effect was cancelled. This issue has been resolved.
- When images are captured with the D1 and AI AF Fisheye Nikkor 16mm f/2.8D lens, the Fisheye lens could not be selected from Base Adjustments>Lens Adjustments. This issue has been resolved.
- An issue that prevented accurate display of some items in the Camera Settings palette has been resolved."