Nikon guys, what's with the NEF format?

[NateNLogansDad]

I wanted to try out shooting in RAW but everything keeps comming out wit a NEF extension on it. I just got the D5000 and am still fumbling around. I know it's easier to just shoot JPG's but I'd like to play around and experiment as much as I can. I have Adobe 7.0 (which doesn't understand NEF) but that's really about it. I loaded the Nikon ViewNX software but it doesn't seem like it is made for edits. Any push in the right direction would really be appreciated!

 

[annnewjerz]

That's Nikon's file extension for RAW files.

Edited to add: To edit RAW in Adobe Photoshop Elements (I have 6)---you have to download Adobe Camera Raw. IMO it's a great RAW editing tool considering it's free with Elements, so I'd definitely look into downloading it. I'm sure someone else can provide more info on that, I don't remember how to do it anymore---it's been too long!

 

[wenrob]

You should have a very basic toned down version of Capture NX along w/View NX. For the life of me I can't remember the actual name but it's probably on the same CD as View NX. You can also download trials of NX2, Lightroom et all. When you say you have Photo Shop 7 do you actually mean Photo Shop 7 (a very, very old version of Photo Shop) or PS Elements 7? If it's elements you should be able to get updates to make it work. The D5000 if very new though so some software may not have updates yet. When I got my D90 it took awhile for updated software. PSP still doesn't support it as far as I know. I know for sure Light Room does support the D5000 though.

 

[GrillMouster]

You stated that you installed ViewNX. With that you can perform basic edits, such as White Balance and exposure and export the edited images as jpg or tiff.

 

[GvilleDisneyDad]

Download ACR 5.4 (free) and you will be able to edit your D5000's RAW/NEF files in PSE 7.

http://www.adobe.com/support/downloads/detail.jsp?ftpID=4524

 

[GrillMouster]

I wanted to try out shooting in RAW but everything keeps comming out wit a NEF extension on it...

I imagine you said to yourself, "What the NEF?".

 

[YesDear]

I just went to Adobe's site and the D5000 is listed on the supported list of camera's for version 7. You might want to go to their site and make sure you have the most up to date version of camera raw.

NEF. Nikon Electronic Format.

 

[GvilleDisneyDad]

That's correct. I have a D5000 and PSE 7. I had to download the newest version of ACR that supports the D5000. No problems from there!

 

[NateNLogansDad]

Well, I feel about 6 inches high. I've been using Photoshop 7 the old old old version like WenRob pointed out. I've never needed anything more up till now I guess. In my mind I figured I needed to convert NEF to RAW before being able to edit the file.

I didn't realize other software (besides Nikon's software) recognizes the NEF
format. I still have so much to learn. I guess it's time to get up to date also.

Told you I was new to this!

Thanks for bearing with me and sorry for wasting your time. Off to Best Buy!

 

[wenrob]

Well, I feel about 6 inches high. I've been using Photoshop 7 the old old old version like WenRob pointed out. I've never needed anything more up till now I guess. In my mind I figured I needed to convert NEF to RAW before being able to edit the file.

I didn't realize other software (besides Nikon's software) recognizes the NEF
format. I still have so much to learn. I guess it's time to get up to date also.

Told you I was new to this!

Thanks for bearing with me and sorry for wasting your time. Off to Best Buy!

How would you know unless you ask? No worries, I doubt anyone feels they wasted their time. So what are ya getting at Best Buy? Elements?

 

[NateNLogansDad]

OMG I just looked it up on Amazon and the version I have came out in 2002! Time flies when you are having fun! I got this when it was brand new an it's served me good all these years. I'm looking forward to seeing how much things have changed, guess it's one more thing to learn

 

[NateNLogansDad]

How would you know unless you ask? No worries, I doubt anyone feels they wasted their time. So what are ya getting at Best Buy? Elements?

I was thinking about it. Should I start with Elements or go another route?

 

[annnewjerz]

I was thinking about it. Should I start with Elements or go another route?

I like Elements, but have also been thinking about LR. Apparently if you have a child in school, you can get LR for like $99 which is a steal. Having never used LR, I can tell you that I am very happy with Elements. There is a bit of a learning curve (I'm not all that savy when it comes to editing) but the learning curve is probably nowhere as steep as with the whole Photoshop suite, like CS4.

With Elements you can download actions that will edit your photo in a certain way with a double-click (like adding a vignette, making it look vintage, converting it to b&w, etc.) and my favorite part is that it's pretty cheap. You can get PE6 right now on Amazon.com for like $45 with free shipping.

My thought would be to start with a program that edits RAW but is still more basic like Elements and then after you really learn the ins and outs of editing, levels, curves, etc. etc. you can go ahead and upgrade to something that suits you better.

I've had Elements for a year and I still have a lot to learn. IMO, it's worth a shot.

 

[wenrob]

Me personally, I'd download the trials of various programs and try each of them before buying. Elements, Lightroom and CS4 have 30day trials and Capture NX2 has a 60 day trial. You can get a feel for what you like and go from there. Are your boys in school? If they are k-12 you can get big discounts at an academic store. I got LR for $100 and it's usually $200, CS4 for $398 and it starts around $700-$800. I know Elements is a very toned down version of Photoshop. A lot of people feel it's all they need. If you felt it wasn't enough you could always upgrade to CS4 at a discount. Like I said, try 'em all!

 

[JoeDif]

I was thinking about it. Should I start with Elements or go another route?

Depending on what you want to spend, one of the best alternative for working with RAW files is Adobe Lightroom. You can download a free 30 day trial directly from Adobe. If you decide you like it and want to purchase it and you have students at home you can get it for a discounted price of about $100 at academicsuperstore.

BTW....former Glenolden resident myself

 

[spinetnglr]

I used PSE6 before purchasing Lightroom2.0 and I Lightroom so much more than Elements. Elements for me was kind of klunky in learning to do just the basics to my photos. Lightroom is designed specifically for editing and cataloging photos. The basic adjustment such as exposure comp, white balance, etc. are so easy with Lightroom. And as Ann said if you know a student or teacher you can get it for $99 as opposed to the $299 retail sticker price. I got mine from AcademicSuperstore.com and its very easy to qualify a student or teacher in order to get the discount. A recent report card is the only thing you need from one of your children. There are lots of tutorials for LR and also several free Podcasts available on iTunes with lots of tips and tricks.

 

[NateNLogansDad]

Depending on what you want to spend, one of the best alternative for working with RAW files is Adobe Lightroom. You can download a free 30 day trial directly from Adobe. If you decide you like it and want to purchase it and you have students at home you can get it for a discounted price of about $100 at academicsuperstore.

BTW....former Glenolden resident myself

Thank you for the heads up! I just watched a couple of youtube video's and I think that might be exactly what I do. I have a few things on my plate that will keep me extremely busy for the next few weeks but when I get the chance, I will try the demo and make sure I like it than order the full version through the" academicsuperstore."

I'm going to write to the white house and see if we can't get a few more hrs in the day so I can get more done before it get's cold out again.

B/T/W We may be following you to DE in a few yrs. Taxes keep going up and the services keep going down! Good move

 

[NateNLogansDad]

I used PSE6 before purchasing Lightroom2.0 and I Lightroom so much more than Elements. Elements for me was kind of klunky in learning to do just the basics to my photos. Lightroom is designed specifically for editing and cataloging photos. The basic adjustment such as exposure comp, white balance, etc. are so easy with Lightroom. And as Ann said if you know a student or teacher you can get it for $99 as opposed to the $299 retail sticker price. I got mine from AcademicSuperstore.com and its very easy to qualify a student or teacher in order to get the discount. A recent report card is the only thing you need from one of your children. There are lots of tutorials for LR and also several free Podcasts available on iTunes with lots of tips and tricks.

Thanks for the heads up! I hadn't even thought of the podcasts. My wife is currently a student at DCCC so that shouldn't be a problem. Maybe I'll throw it out there for her to get me as a B-day present soon. That way I get what I want and she doesn't have to guess

 

[ukcatfan]

One thing that I have not seen mentioned is that RAW processing software is not editing software. For example, you cannot use the RAW software to add text, clone out objects, selective coloring, etc. So, you do not eliminate your need for an editing program by getting a good RAW program.

 

[NateNLogansDad]

One thing that I have not seen mentioned is that RAW processing software is not editing software. For example, you cannot use the RAW software to add text, clone out objects, selective coloring, etc. So, you do not eliminate your need for an editing program by getting a good RAW program.

I'm so glad you posted this. I'm staring to see the light....it's still dim, but it's there!