Red Sky At Night

What a great idea. We have a university 10 minutes from here. I would never have thought of that.

Bill_de Loc: US

If you are using Elements 18 you are good to go. In the future you may or may not want software with more features.

As mentioned you can also download Nikon Capture NX-d for free from Nikon.

Many will say you need to jump in with more advanced software to start with. Just remember that when you follow the masses, sometimes the m is silent.

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Notorious T.O.D. Loc: Harrisburg, North Carolina

I will suggest that you investigate the ColorChecker Passport. Best $100 I ever spent on photography. YouTube videos on it by Mark Wallace and Joe Brady. Certainly worth looking into no matter what camera or PP software you are using to shoot RAW.

Best,
Todd Ferguson

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

Only one thing is needed to develop RAW files and it is an editing software that will allow so. Expertise in editing those files is also very important or otherwise the full potential of a RAW file will never be achieved.
If you do not have the experience my advise is that you use JPEG files till you have gained enough confidence to begin editing RAW. If you are not happy with your JPEG images believe me, you will not be either with your RAW files.
You do not have a modern camera but modern cameras have excellent JPEG engines. The D750 and D850 are both full frame cameras and keep in mind that your present lenses will fit those bodies but the cameras will not be working to full potential. You need FX lenses for those bodies. Let me repeat it once again, if you are not happy with the photographs you make with your D70 do not expect miracles with the more sophisticated cameras. Cameras and lenses are only tools.

Notorious T.O.D. Loc: Harrisburg, North Carolina

I personally think that people make the basic editing of RAW files seem too complicated. Sure you and spend hours and hours doing very complicated manipulations in Photoshop if that is your thing. But basic edits to produce a nice image in Lightroom generally only take a few clicks and you can set up, use existing or buy presets that can be used to process images. You can also apply image profiles like the ColorChecker Passport or even the Picture Styles that are used in camera to process your JPEG files. It is fine to shoot both RAW and JPEG, but don't let it be a deterrent to actually getting on with using RAW if that is ultimately where you want to get to ultimately.

Best,
Todd Ferguson

Hal731

When I decided to shoot in RAW, the best program available was Lightroom. I bought Scott Kelby's book on lightroom and I watched Anthony Morganti's Youtube instructions. These made it possible for me to use what was, to me, a very daunting task. When you use Kelby's book, you do not read it from front to back, you use it as a manual for what you are doing at the time. Both of these men are excellent teachers and will save you countless hours of learning.

Hal

BobHartung Loc: Bettendorf, IA

Camera, computer, etc. Others can guide you to a minimal system that will handle what you need. My preference today would be an iMac stuffed full of RAM and a USB-C external drive set up on which to store all my photos.

I would also strongly suggest The Digital Negative and The Digital Print by Jeff Schewe. These two paper bound or Kindle books have a ton of information.

gvarner Loc: Central Oregon Coast

Since you already have Elements 2018, you can process RAW. When you open a RAW file in the Editor it will open the RAW processing part of the program first for your edits. You then have several options to stop there or send the file to the main Editor program for more processing. Sounds like you need to take a basic lesson in how to use Elements. If your computer doesn't have 16 MB of RAM you may want to consider upgrading it.

Ooops, that should be 16 gig of RAM.

Notorious T.O.D. Loc: Harrisburg, North Carolina

You made me chuckle when I saw 16mb of RAM... I am sure you meant 16gb. It brings to mind my 256mb CF cards from 15 years ago. I could shoot over a 100 photos on those cards back with the old Digital Rebel. Today I could get maybe 9 or 10 RAW files on them... The times they have changed...

Best,
Todd Ferguson

chcollinsjr

Allow me to piggyback on this question, please. I am still seeking port processing software and, owing to their reprehensible treatment of customers, have sworn off Adobe. Can any of you help my research? I use a robust PC with Windows 10 Pro.

SalvageDiver Loc: Huntington Beach CA

Your PSE 18 will process your raw images just fine.

Highly likely, your existing computer is just fine. Try it first. Don't fix it if its not broke. Only modify your hardware if you want/need more speed. GAS (Gear Acquisition Syndrome) isn't just for photo gear.

Notorious T.O.D. Loc: Harrisburg, North Carolina

There are tons of options for PP software, both free and paid. I don't know about Port Processing though... Search the postings and you will find number of threads about PP software options. I personally use Adobe and am happy with it... Capture One was another that I considered. The free Canon DPP software does many basic PP things too and I used to use that as well. Depends on what you are looking to do and what you want and need. No one solution fits everyone.

Best,
Todd Ferguson

jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ

You need a modern computer. Either an Apple or a PC. The faster the better but it doesn't absolutely have to be the fastest computer. The more RAM it has the better too. And . . . last but not least, you'll need some editing software. Adobe Photoshop CC for photographers is the best and it's a good deal at $9.99/month.

Martino Loc: Northwest Florida

At the risk of upsetting the conventional ‘big powerful computer’ argument, you can process RAW files on an iPad using Lightroom mobile, Affinity Photos and even Apple Photos. You can upload to cloud storage too.

I think the best advice at this stage is to get some training or join a club.

SusanFromVermont Loc: Southwest corner of Vermont

Computers and software are very important. But when purchasing a new camera you also have to consider the lenses you will use. Any FX lens will work well on these cameras, but you need to consider their compatibility as to features like AF. Some older lenses will only work in manual on newer cameras. Nikon has information on compatability on their website, and if you look at B&H's website, a lot of the newer cameras have a list in the Specifications tab of compatible lenses. Technology has advanced so that you need to look for this kind of information. Also, in order to get the most out of these fine cameras, you need to have the best lenses. Especially with the D850!

Since you are starting your RAW adventure with the D70, you can plan out how you are going to make sure you are ready for the upgrade. Depending on how patient you can be, this can take place in steps over time. Also depends on your budget! Unfortunately buying the camera is not necessarily the first step, because in order to use it to the fullest possible level, there are other factors to consider.

Upgrading the computer is definitely a necessary move if your current one does not meet the specifications for photo editing. That can be minimally expensive or more so, depending on what you need. A large monitor [no smaller than 24", larger is better] is also great for editing. Some of the FX lenses are pricey, but with the right ones you can start out with as few as two or three which will cover the focal lengths you use the most. And purchasing pre-owned or refurbished will save some money, but you need to make sure you buy from a trusted vendor. B&H, Adorama, Cameta, and KEH [also Nikon's website for refurbished] are the most recommended sites on UHH. Honest evaluation of used gear, good prices, excellent return policies and customer service.

Almost forgot to mention a tripod! If you prefer hand-held and do not have any very long telephoto lenses, that will work just fine. And be aware that a good tripod is not going to be inexpensive. There are threads on UHH dealing with all of the peripherals you need to consider, so do some research and then come back with more questions.

Hope this helps.
Susan