p.1 #1 · Aperture 3 vs Nikon View NX2 - Problem? or Quirk?
For years now I have used Aperture to do all of my editing. I think its a superb package and makes editing very simple for even people like me. I have always imported my images straight from the card (NEF) straight into Aperture and started editing that way, i.e no other software package was used for processing the NEF files before importing them into Aperture
However, after I downloaded the latest version of Aperture, some time ago now, I noticed that when I imported an image it would show what I would consider the proper RAW file to be, and then seems to carry out a slight amount of editing/processing on its own before presenting me with the RAW file to start editing.
To test this theory I actually installed Nikons ViewNX2 and loaded the same NEF files into Aperture and ViewNX2 to see how the RAW files look. Here is a quick comparison...
The top image is from ViewnX2 and is much more natural looking to how the actual scene is. I have not applied any adjustments whatsoever in either package but Aperture seems to slightly tweak the image before I even touch it. To start with the image looked like that from ViewNX2 but then the image blurs and then jumps back to focus and the you can see that the pinks are much more saturated and harsh, and the image has an overall darker look to it. Look specifically at the pink in the ear hole of the toy.
Does anyone here know what may be going on? Are there maybe some settings you can adjust in Aperture that are like pre-adjustments that occur to all images? You can imagine the effect this has on skin tones, something I had noticed but hadn't really questioned properly until now.
Would really welcome your views on this one peeps.
p.1 #2 · Aperture 3 vs Nikon View NX2 - Problem? or Quirk?
Check Preferences > Import. Make sure Standard Previews is selected, not Camera Previews. If the later, you're seeing the settings applied to the jpg preview in camera.
p.1 #3 · Aperture 3 vs Nikon View NX2 - Problem? or Quirk?
JonCanfield wrote:
Check Preferences > Import. Make sure Standard Previews is selected, not Camera Previews. If the later, you're seeing the settings applied to the jpg preview in camera.
Thank you. I have changed this but the problem persists. You can even see the image load into the preview bar in the normal, accurate colours, then it suddenly changes to the more saturated, darker file.
p.1 #5 · Aperture 3 vs Nikon View NX2 - Problem? or Quirk?
Bruce Sawle wrote:
I dont have aperature but check the color profile setting that aperature is using. Make sure there is no Auto setting that applies changes.
I can't see any settings in regards to colour profiles.
I have noticed also that the original image, before Aperture does its unrequested tweaking, is not only more natural in colour but is also sharper. This would make me think it is more to do with the in camera settings but I have adjusted the picture style so that everything is set to its lowest. This is very odd.
p.1 #6 · Aperture 3 vs Nikon View NX2 - Problem? or Quirk?
I see the change but I'm not really worried about it as I'm adjusting it any ways. For the most part Aperture has been doing a decent job at organizing and dealing with the simple edits that I need.
p.1 #7 · Aperture 3 vs Nikon View NX2 - Problem? or Quirk?
ct8282 wrote:
Thank you. I have changed this but the problem persists. You can even see the image load into the preview bar in the normal, accurate colours, then it suddenly changes to the more saturated, darker file.
Any other suggestions?
Have had the same result after the update. Like you, I have checked to make sure Standard Previews was selected (it was) and the change still takes place. My feeling is that it's more a quirk than a problem. YMMV
p.1 #9 · Aperture 3 vs Nikon View NX2 - Problem? or Quirk?
ct8282 wrote:
Thanks guys. At least it's a consistent thing and not something I've accidentally configured or needs adjusting.
Yes. I found the same issue. I am finding more saturation in AP 3.4 vs. LR/NX2. The colors are very saturated compared to real life. I also note that LR retains more detail compared to AP.
p.1 #11 · Aperture 3 vs Nikon View NX2 - Problem? or Quirk?
+1
Not too happy with Aperture's Raw conversions. Colors are an issue (especially reds as above), CA doesn't get fixed, detail is not as good, a few others. You would expect Nikon's own software to get the most from a NEF, so no surprise that NX does a better job, but AP is disappointing. I just do the conversions in NX then move on.
I have noticed in the metadata that NEF files show adobeRGB as the profile where jpg files show the sRGB that I have the camera set to. There does not seem to be any way to set the AP converter to use sRGB on import. You can set the viewer to screen proof in sRGB, but that doesn't seem to fix the too red reds.
p.1 #12 · Aperture 3 vs Nikon View NX2 - Problem? or Quirk?
I tried different monitor settings and not much difference. Interesting that many use AP. That it is sold as a professional program without much support as LR. Especially from Apple themselves. I have asked Apple about this issue to no avail. I think it occurred with Lion's upgrade. IMO it has to do with some older video cards and that is why it is not consistent.
CNX2 is good if you have the time and get good at their way of using the controls. Printing from the program is not user friendly.
As for LR, I use different camera calibrations depending on the file. Hugh difference in editing benefits. And recently w 7.3 CR I use Adobe Standard often for my NEFs. Just my two cents.
