I shoot exclusively in NEF-raw and have used PSE with Adobe Camera Raw for about 12 years. Never had an issue. There is a slight learning curve
but there are hundreds of You Tube articles on Photoshop Elements usage to help. There are other free photo editing packages. However, having
invested a lot of time into PSE, I'll continue to use it.
I shoot exclusively in raw mode on a Nikon D300. Have never had an issue. My method: transfer the raw (NEF) camera files using drag and drop with a cable hooked between your
pc's usb port and a camera port matching the opposite end of the cable. Usually, Nikon adds the required cable to the packaging accompanying the camera. You'll want to create a target folder
on your pc hard drive to contain the images. Using the drag n drop facility in Explorer, I than copy all the NEF camera files to the target folder on my hard drive. At this point you may choose
a host of editing software to create the jpeg images usually desired for viewing. In my case I use Photoshop Elements 9 containing ACR (Adobe Camera Raw). I'll not go into the details of the
the editing process as this could fill up a complete book. Basically, the PSE editing consists of two parts: (1) An ACR basic edit which does hi-level exposure, focusing and contrast and
(2) a detailed Photoshop edit which allows cropping, alignment, layering and numerous other functions. When all your edits are complete, you save the finished image as a jpeg in your hard
drive target folder. I'd encourage you to research raw processing topics found in YouTube or elsewhere on the internet.
Most will agree that the look of a final photo is very subjective. I personally, post edit to high-lite the single object which needs emphasis in the photo. I either blur or darken
the background. If this upsets the photography "puritanists" so be it.
Nikon 50mm 1.8. Most used lens in my collection. Can't be beat for the money paid.
If you go to the Holland America website, leave an email and snail mail address, indicate an interest in Alaska, you will soon be inundated with tons of brochures and email spam.
Holland is the largest tourist operator in Alaska. They've dumped many resources in this market. My wife and I have taken both the inside passage tour and the overland tour.
Both are very good. Holland sailings are designed more for the elderly crowd. If you're wanting something more active, shop around. As for photography, take plenty of cards
and a battery charger. Your camera will get a workout. You might consider a moderate zoom (50-200), particularly if you want wildlife. If your budget allows, request a cabin
with an outside balcony. You'll really enjoy it at Glacier Bay. Good luck!
My first dslr was a D50, purchased in 2006, a notch below your D60. I still have it as a backup. It has about 25% of the resolution as modern dslr bodies.
However, it can't be beat for learning dslr photo basics. Unless you plan on making large prints, stick with your D60. When you get to the point of wanting to try
low light or HDR photography, consider a slight upgrade. There are numerous Nikon bodies on the used market. Also retail prices drop for cameras 5-6
years old. If your budget allows, you might consider a pricier lens. Good luck!
I use a 1.4 TC on a 500 mm Nikon lens. Have had no issues with it other than losing a couple of f stops on exposure. Most of the problems I've heard about
involve usage of TC's on zoom lenses, especially 3rd party brands. Check with your photo buddies or your local camera club and I'm sure you'll get a lot of
other opinions and advise.
Like several others in this thread, I shoot raw, so there is always some photo editing required - white balance, sharpening, cropping and occasionally lightening or fine tuning skin tones.
I am strictly an amateur with no client base, so the amount of photo editing I do is strictly for my own taste. I you're in the position of getting paid for your shots, you'll obviously be
more discerning and mindful of the client's tastes. As is often the case, you can spend your time in shot preparation or photo editing. Often it's a combination of both. As someone said:
"less is more". If you've over edited, the experienced viewer will notice it.
I recently purchased a Samsung 32” WQHD LED Monitor from Amazon when my old Viewsonic bit the dust. This particular Samsung is a bit pricey, but it has
everything I need in a monitor. The large screen is really helpful while photo editing. The only caveat - it requires a hdmi cable to your pc. Check it out.
I shoot solely in raw. Like Linda, I use FastTone viewer to view the raw files and delete clunkers. The keepers are imported into PSE9 which has Adobe Camera Raw.
I save the finished product as a jpeg into a folder on my hard drive. There are numerous procedures and 3rd party software which can be used for post processing.
Choose whatever works for you.
check out dpreview.com on their camera comparison tab. It will give you all the specs on Nikons as well as other popular brands. As stated elsewhere in this thread,
dx models are slightly lighter, but there's a trade off vs full frame. Good luck!
You might check out fotki.com. Have used it for 10+ years w/good results. If you keep your uploads small, they won't charge you.
One of the most used prime lenses in my collection is the 50 1.8. For a relatively inexpensive lens, it never disappoints. If you have a friend who is a Nikon user, he'll have one. Ask him if you can take
a few shots with it. Almost every other prime that Nikon offers is pricier.
Search out any camera clubs near you. Lots of free helpful advice and many of the members will be happy to show you their gear and certainly
give you advice. Generally, the club has regularly scheduled meetings where they teach photography and offer critique on your photos. Do a google
search on used cameras and you'll find dozens for sale. As has been mentioned here, stick to an entry level of a major brand (Canon, Nikon, Sony).
A fellow camera club member probably has or knows someone who has a dslr body and lens for sale. Good luck!