As mentionned before, I am exploring the extra possibilities that the NEF files are offering over the jpeg formats.
Now I am facing a substantial problem: I am using Net Image, DXO Optics Pro and Photoshop CS. In each case I would like to keep working with the raw file, which is obviousely not possible as both Net Images and DXO Optics Pro can only save in DNG format, which Photoshop CS does not recognize (D2X files).
1- So I would be glad to know what is the RAW workflow you guys are following. Would that make sense to work on lens corrections first, then moving to noise removal (in case of shooting high ISO), then working on image settings under Photoshop (white balance, framing if necessary...), then finally sharpening?
2- I need also to determine what my options are: upgrade to CS2 to be able to work under Photoshop with DNG formats seems like the choice no.1, but I would like to have your view.
Many thanks in advance.
(a) shoot in RAW, uncompressed, sharpening off, auto white balance, no other color correction applied in camera.
(b) import from the CF card onto the laptop (or desktop as the case may be) using VIEW.
(c) use VIEW to rotate as required
(d) pick a representative shot from a set of similarly lit/composed images and using CAPTURE:
(1) apply whatever exposure changes are needed
(2) apply whatever white balance is appropriate (instead of auto)
(3) change sharpening from "none" to "normal"
(4) make other wholesale changes as needed (curves, colors, etc.)
(e) apply those changes to the others in the set using CAPTURE's batch processing
Do that to the whole shoot and then save to CD-R/DVD as needed.
Then, using Nikon's RAW converter (not Adobe Camera RAW's plugin) I import the image into Photoshop and do whatever I'm going to do that way. From there, save it as a .psd file.
It's relatively simple and others have found (and I agree) that the best conversions from RAW seem to come with Nikon's plug-in instead of ACR's.
I have Photoshop CS, I was reading some info on their website about downloading a raw converter for the D2X & putting it in a directory within CS2. I decided to try it on CS & it works fine. I process my D2X files in CS no problem.
I went back to Adobe's site & they say Raw converter 3.1 is not compatible with any versions of Photoshop prior to CS2. I guess it's good I didn't read that, because it works for me...
These are their directions, I just did it to CS instead of CS2. If it doesn't work for you, just copy the old file back into that directory.
1. Exit Photoshop CS2.
2. Open My Computer.
3. Double-click Local Disk (C.
4. Navigate to Program Files/Common Files/Adobe/Plug-Ins/CS2/File Formats.
5. Move the existing Camera Raw.8bi plug-in to another location (for example, a new folder on your
desktop). Ensure you keep this version in case you need to revert back.
6. Copy the Camera Raw plug-in, Camera Raw.8bi, from the download into the same folder as Step 4.
7. Launch Photoshop CS2 or Adobe Bridge.
I have the problem with ACR also, shooting the D70S and having PS8. I download to my desktop, then run it all through Adobe DNG converter. From there, it's all ACR->Photoshop. I find Nikon Capture to be way too slow on the Mac - even an up-to-date G5 - so I use it only when absolutely necessary. Nikon Capture doesn't deal with noise as well, either, IMHO.
I think you'll find that PSCS2 works best (including the ACR 3.1 plugin) for doing all of your work....from start to finish.
From my experience with NC so far, it's a powerful tool for the $100 you spend....it's worth having around, but you have to expect it's quirks. For example, it often throws up a Windows error when I'm quickly looking through the days shots using the Multi-Image window. I have a 1.8Ghz machine with 2Gb of ram and NC still makes my system chug.
My suggestion: Keep/Buy NikonCapture for the $100. It's worth that for the few times you'll need it....but rely on CS2 for all of your workflow.
Thanks for your feed back...what I will ikely do then: upgrade to CS2 (already ordered). So I will open DXO Optics Pro for the lens corrections, save as DNG I will open in CS2, from where I can do everything else I believe (I also have the NetImage Pro plug in, so do not need to get out again).
Many thanks again to all.
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