Nikon Capture NX 2 Full Version

I am learning to use Capture NX 2 after many years experience with Photoshop, and some experience with Adobe Camera RAW. This will do things that Camera RAW will not. Camera Raw will do things that NX 2 will not. You cannot jump between the two programs to use both tools on a single RAW file. However, it's worth the time for difficult shots to process the RAW and then convert the better result to TIFF. I have been working on scanned slides in TIFF format opening them in Capture NX 2 and only using Auto Exposure followed by D-Lighting in precision mode and then saving as a TIFF. I open the TIFF in Adobe Camera RAW, make some tweaks and then finish up in Photoshop. I am very impressed with Nik Software plug-ins for Photoshop, and NX 2 has some of the genius under the hood. I was thinking that it would be nice to have some of the features of NX 2 within Photoshop, so I bought Viveza 2 and it is wonderful. I also am very impressed with Nik's Color Efex Pro 3.0 Complete. The U-Point technology works well in these two plug-ins and in Capture NX 2. It gives you a different approach to applying effects to a particular area. I'm writing this review because the other reviews refer to mostly Photoshop Elements and not Adobe Camera RAW. Hope this helps. Update: Capture NX 2 allows me to correct the exposure/color balance automatically and bring details out of the shadows of scanned slides. It is very fast, easy, and effective. So, no, it's not just for Nikon cameras, and it's not just for RAW format. I think it does a better job than Adobe Camera Raw. Another Update: After using this for a few months, I've got into a workflow and suggest setting "Keep All Steps Active in Edit List" (if you have a fast computer). Then you can grab adjustment tools and go back and forth amongst settings to quickly perfect the image. My favorite tool is D-Lighting. Yet another update: It is amazing what can be coaxed out of an existing photo, even if its not in RAW format. You have a rich palette of tools to use. Amazing! --- Update 12/1/10 --- I am now moving to Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 3. This software does not play nice with the Adobe way of doing things. The problem is that Lightroom and Bridge do not read the adjustment data from Capture NX2, nor does Capture NX2 read from the "sidecar" files or Lightroom database. Lightroom has a great deal of capabilities not present in NX2 and cooperates not just with Photoshop but with plugins that formerly were used in Photoshop. I can send a RAW file to DxO for conversion to TIFF. I believe it does a more complete job than NX2. If I encounter a difficult photo, I might use this again, to convert RAW to TIFF, or to work on a TIFF created by Lightroom. But it is going from being a starter to sitting on the bench. --- Update 3/1/2011 --- I added Capture NX2 as an External Editor. Now I can do my original tweaks in Lightroom then edit in NX2 using the Lightroom (Edit using Lightroom Adjustments). This will create a TIFF file and open it in NX2. I had good luck in doing this: 1. Do some fiddling with the histogram in Quick Fix (don't spend much time here) 2. New Step: Light > Auto Levels (this often removes any color cast) 3. New Step: Light > Auto Levels (see if this makes a further improvement, if not delete) 4. New Step: Light > D-Lighting, Better Quality (leave sliders alone for now) 5. New Step: Light > Contrast/Brightness You can usually make adjustments of Brightness and Shadow Adjustment (step 4) and quickly find a good setting. Close the file and it will load back into Lightroom 3. I usually go to Photoshop from here using Edit Original. You might be able to make similar adjustments in Lightroom without NX2, but for me, it is faster to go to NX2. NX2 is terrific for bringing detail from shadows and for fixing blown-out skies. --- Update 4/27/2014 --- I now begin my post processing in Lightroom 5. I usually click Auto Tone, set Hightlights to -100, and Shadows to +100, then adjust exposure to center the histogram. I apply some noise reduction and lens correction, then I open the result with Lightroom adjustments in Capture NX2. By using just Auto Levels in Advanced mode, I can adjust the Correct Contrast each side of 50 looking for any improvement in highlights or shadow detail. Then I adjust the Correct Color Cast to tradeoff between any nice glow and color fidelity checking each side of 50. That one adjustment can make all the difference because it's adaptive. It looks at the photo. When I save the file from Capture NX2, I open the resulting "original" in Photoshop and complete my post processing there. I don't use Capture NX2 for much, but what it does is dramatic and realistic. This post processing works so well that I no longer use DxO Optics Pro 8, which does a lot of adaptive corrections.

Nikon Capture NX2 Photo Editing Software (CD-ROM) + Nikon Pro Cleaning Kit & Spudz + Blower for D3s, D3x, D3, D700, D300s, D300, D60, D40, D3000, D3100, D5000, D7000 & D90 Digital SLR Cameras This is a high quality software for realizing the full potential of images saved in RAW (NEF) format. >>However, this particular edition has one show-stopping flaw, it absolutely -WON'T- even open RAW (NEF) files created by a Nikon D7000. Yes, you read that right... * As background, I recently purchased a Nikon D7000, and one of the truly compelling features was its ability to record each image separately to both a JPEG and RAW (NEF) file. I had purchased CaptureNX2 on the direct recommendation of instructors at a recent Nikon digital photography course as being an ideal software to process my RAW (NEF) files. As always, Amazon shipping was extremely fast and well-package, and I happily installed my new CaptureNX2 software on my computer, only to find that while it would easily open and read routine JPEGS from any source, this right-out-of-the-box copy of CaptureNX2 absolutely would not open any NEF (RAW) files created by my Nikon D7000. Nothing I tried, such as additional file downloads from my memory cards, reinstall of the software, etc., would allow me to open my RAW files. * To resolve the problem, I also tried to use the "Update NX2..." option under the "Help" tab in the Capture NX2 software, thinking that perhaps there might be an update that fixes the problem. However, the "Help" tab repeatedly responded that there were "no updates available." * Truly exasperated, I eventually logged onto NikonUSA and described my problem through their Request for Technical Assistance feature. They quickly responded that I would have to download the new CaptureNX2 "2.2.6" release which has "now" has been updated to accept RAW (NEF) files created by a D7000. * Now just how in the world would a new user know to do that if they did not think (on their own) to bypass the software and go directly to Nikon and ask? * Lesson learned -- Go to the NikonUSA site and don't simply trust the software "Help" tab for accurate version update availability. Seriously? Nikon should be better than that... I would easily give CaptureNX2 a five-star rating if it actually -worked- for my RAW files right out of the box. It puzzles me that these true wizards would give so much creative thought to a truly outstanding software, then not even bother to be sure it actually works for new users with newer camera systems. Falsely reporting through the "Help" tab that there are no updates available would cause some users to simply throw up their hands in total disgust and simply return the software as being totally worthless for their intended purpose. This is a major quality control flaw that should be addressed. Now, after downloading the "secret" update, the software now works magnificently, and I am having a blast quickly working my way through the learning curve. But... I should not have had to go through all this to get it to open a simple RAW file in the first place. CHT - Disgusted in Virginia

OK, I am a Windows Developer so certain things drive me NUTS with Windows apps that don't follow the guidelines. Image window should close with Ctrl-F4 Tab should go in ORDER down a dialog box Maximize should bring entire window to full screen Hot Keys (like ALT-1) should work everywhere, I should not have to click on the background window for a hot key to be active I love the photo editor, and have gotten amazing results from this app. It is very fast and does a great job of keeping you out of trouble (for the most part). Take the time to follow some tutorials online and you will see that there is much more power here than on first glance. Since trying this software it is the only editor I use for my RAW images now (unless it is an HDR series, then I use PhotoMatix). This is such a great app, I just wish they would do the fit and finish of following the Windows Guidelines.

My Nikon D3200 included Nikon View NX2 v2.3.0, but I updated it with Nikon View NX2 v2.7.6 that I downloaded from Nikon into my Apple Mac Book Pro .... Next, I downloaded the Trial Version of Nikon Capture NX2 v2.4.3 full version from The Nikon Global Website and entered my Product Key to ACTIVATE and use it. In the process, I learned my Image profile is sRGB 4.0.0.3002 and so I synchronized this profile as The Color Profile to calibrate my Computer Monitor so that what you captured with your Nikon camera is a true representation of the Moment you captured and now in your Monitor and Prints. Please inquire and ask me questions because doing this properly will make a difference and you can not blame the Camera and Nikon CaptureNX2. And thank you Amazon.com for a job well done and make this come true. Second part: NCNX2 is a Masterpiece that allows you to transform your images to a Masterpiece. Simply follow the prescribed Workspace and Workflow and Edit List step by step. Your primary adjustments are White Balance & Color Style. Next adjust according to the Edit List step by step and your end result will be a Masterpiece. Ideal is to us a Nikon camera and shoot in RAW and adjust your in camera settings for a Masterpiece as this will make it easier when using NCNX2. Follow the Edit List and Adjustments step by step and you will see your Image transform into a Masterpiece. Work with RAW in your Nikon camera and NCNX2 and SAVE your adjustments in RAW FORMAT and as needed change by SAVE AS to jpeg or tiff format for printing. Above all READ your Camera manual and the NCNX2 Quick Start Guide and User's Manual. Good Luck making your pictures a Masterpiece by using a Masterpiece; Nikon Capture NX2 v2.4.3 ..... it may appear like you are reinventing the wheel, but that is OK, just don't get frustrated because you are spinning your wheel! Third part: I have the Nikon D3200 and shoot in Raw Format for best results. This Camera allows for "In Camera Image Post Processing" and most of my Images are post processed using the build in Camera Post Processing capability while I am on the go. The remainder 15% plus a special image or two I might want to super enlarge, I use Nikon Capture NX2 for post processing. This works for me; try what ever works for you. Good Luck! Do please inquire and ask questions.

I received the product within a few days of ordering. The box contains the DVD and several resource books. The software loaded quickly and easily on my Mac. I started with the "Quick Start Guide" and it allowed me to experience several of the unique program features (color control point, image enhancements, D-lighting, quick fix, selection control points, compare images, etc). These are very fast, uncomplicated, powerful features that are much harder to duplicate with other imaging software programs. I have been a faithful user of Photoshop (both full version and Elements) for years. NX2 has become my software of choice.... Update: I originally purchased this product 3/20/10 and it worked well on my older Mac for years. Just bought a new MacBook Pro (iOS Sierra, version 10.12.4) with external CD drive. Apparently, this software will not load or run on newer Mac operating systems. I am waiting for customer support for answers.

Maybe I bit off more than I can chew.. I've never taken a class for photography. I'm trying to decide why I even ordered it. Once I alter photos to my liking (light, contrast, ect..), I try to forward to a developing website. Doesn't seem so crisp once it appears on their website. I don't understand all the adjustments, either. I don't do my own printing. This software seems very advanced in reading the booklet. I believe it's great quality software that can produce amazing pictures - although, I couldn't believe it could get any better than what this Nikon camera does on it's own. I just think I could use a Nikon Capture For Dummies to go with it. Having trouble with the Nikon Transfer download... again, could be me. Nikon Capture NX 2 Full Version

As a long-time user of Photoshop, I was frequently disappointed with the colors in my digitally-manipulated photos. It's possible that it's because I'm not savvy at creating masks in Photoshop. After looking at demos on the Nikon website, I decided to give Capture NX2 a try and was very impressed with the color controls like D-lighting (simply shadows/highlights in Photoshop), and the ability to easily make local changes. One of the best features of Nikon Capture NX2 is the auto-retouch tool, which replaces a selection with something else in the picture with similar surroundings. I can't tell you how this has saved many wedding photos. To me, this feature alone is worth the purchase price. Although I like this program a lot, the interface is extremely clunky. It's hard to browse the edit list on the right-hand side as the list gets longer. Capture NX2 is slow, even on a powerful desktop. I can't see it becoming part of a regular workflow unless performance is improved. One of the nice things that it allows you to do is copy the edit list from one file and apply it to another, but this is also painfully slow. If you're looking to give this program a try, download the 60-day trial from Nikon before making a purchase decision since it won't appeal to everyone.

This product is not built for speed editing of hundreds of photographs, but for the Nikon photographer it offers a number of distinct advantages. Nikon D lighting is recognized and is a short cut way to make global adjustments that influence highlight and shadow details. U-point technique allows fine control over color,contrast,color temp and much more. It allows Nikon photographers to adjust portions of their raw files in post. Due to the specific nature of each edit, the adjustments do not translate well for working on large numbers of similar images. This product is powerful tool for Nikon photographers and should be used on your best images for final edits of raw files. Be careful to save result with separate name or the original raw file will be overwritten. Just a warning as many who have reviewed this product have complained about this aspect of the program. Image files I would recommend using this program for. Images with a wide contrast/exposure range. It helps restore shadow detail and control highlights Images with heavy back lighting. Again exposure balance and control Images with color cast. Use u-point locally or more globally to correct color Images that lack dynamic range. Local adjustments using u-points can add contrast and color for better definition. Happy editing!

After purchasing Capture NX2 I found it wouldn't open my NEF files. I contacted Nikon who with a speedy and efficient service, helped me update it. Now i wouldn't and couldn't be with out it. New to photography software, it took me a while, with the help of Youtube videos to flow with it but now it's second nature. I've tried a couple of others which I down loaded on a free trial but Capture does just what I want it to do and my pics look stunning. Friends think my skills have greatly improved but Capture is my secret.

I purchased a full version from Amazon however, the version is only good for my microsoft computer as most of my work is associated with my Mac I am somewhat disapointed that I would need to purchase two version. Louis LaPierre

Mistakenly I thought that this would be the 'bees knees' at raw conversion. It turned out that (for me) Photoshop seems ot do a better job. So I was disappointed. It does a good job, don;t get me wrong. It does what it says it will do but the interface is poor (no better than 10 years ago) and the results are surprisingly not quite as good as Photoshop ACR.