p.1 #1 · img2nef - convert any image into a NIkon NEF raw
I've published my open-source img2nef utility, which converts any image file into a Nikon NEF lossless raw. The NEF can be used anywhere NEFs are supported, including in the camera itself. Here is the GitHub project page:
In addition to scientific/technical uses there are some practical applications as well. For example, Nikon MILCs have a multiple exposure feature that lets you specify an existing NEF as the first image of the composite. Normally the existing NEF would be an image taken with the camera but with img2nef you can use any image converted into a NEF, including computer-generated and AI images. Outside of the creative possibilities you can use this feature to create custom viewfinder overlays (ie, custom aspect ratio framing guides and/or display grids), where the "first" NEF of the composite is the overlay you create. This is because Nikon's feature lets you view the first NEF as an overlay while you're shooting, again as if you were creating a composite image.
I still need template NEFs for some models. Please see this thread to see if you can contribute:
To make it easy to create and use overlays I've written a utility named 'createoverlay' that lets you create any combination of aspect ratio framing guides and grid layouts as a PNG and then automatically convert that into an NEF for use in the camera. The documentation on my GitHub has all the details on how to use and apply these overlays. Here is a quick video showing an overlay in use:
In addition to scientific/technical uses there are some practical applications as well. For example, Nikon MILCs have a multiple exposure feature that lets you specify an existing NEF as the first image of the composite. Normally the existing NEF would be an image taken with the camera but with img2nef you can use any image converted into a NEF, including computer-generated and AI images. Outside of the creative possibilities you can use this feature to create custom viewfinder overlays (ie, custom aspect ratio framing guides and/or display grids), where the "first" NEF of the composite is the overlay you create. This is because Nikon's feature lets you view the first NEF as an overlay while you're shooting, again as if you were creating a composite image.
To make it easy to create and use overlays I've written a utility named 'createoverlay' that lets you create any combination of aspect ratio framing guides and grid layouts as a PNG and then automatically convert that into an NEF for use in the camera. The documentation on my GitHub has all the details on how to use and apply these overlays. Here is a quick video showing an overlay in use:
p.1 #3 · img2nef - convert any image into a NIkon NEF raw
EB-1 wrote:
Is there any chance that would work for Sony and Canon also?
EBH
I would have to write a different raw encoder for each of those systems, which I don't currently have plans to do. If I did, the supporting logic around the encoder could be reused though.
p.1 #4 · img2nef - convert any image into a NIkon NEF raw
This is super creative as always, Adam. The overlay feature is really useful, so useful in fact that Sony even charges extra for it as a separate add-on.
Out of curiosity, is there any other benefit to converting images to NEF RAW, or is it mainly for the overlay workflow?
p.1 #5 · img2nef - convert any image into a NIkon NEF raw
Fred Miranda wrote:
This is super creative as always, Adam. The overlay feature is really useful, so useful in fact that Sony even charges extra for it as a separate add-on.
Out of curiosity, is there any other benefit to converting images to NEF RAW, or is it mainly for the overlay workflow?
