What experience and comments do YOU have re using these three programs to post process files. I have a D300 and am using RAW at least as a second capture option. What do I gain from each of these and ... What do YOU think is the best system to use to process Nikon RAW files?
I don't know about Lightroom, but you will generally get the best conversions from NX2. The faster are from CS3. Since I do onsey - twoseys, when color / tonality are critical I do both and compare... There are times when CS3 comes out ahead. NX2 handles the highlights better than NX. Before NX2 I was still using CS3 when I was trying to recover highlights. Less so now.
Totally agree that NX2 will always yield the best possible RAW conversions of NEF files when compared to LR or ACR for the vast majority of images. (But the gap is getting closer with new calibration tools and presets in LR v2.) On the other hand I find working with Nikon software to be a less than enjoyable experience especially when dealing with large numbers of images. Like weddings, sports events, etc. The workflow and UI of LR is simply much more friendly and efficient IMO. In fact, since upgrading to LRv2, I now have to go to PS for very little work, maybe only 10% or so. If I am not satisfied with what I get from LR2, I will re-work the image in NX2.
Thanks
There is no "silver bullet" and your thoughts reinforce that.
It is good to hear different experiences as that helps to give direction. An informed decision is better than fretting and making none. One can always change as one might need.
Thanks
Martin
