How important is the software that comes with a camera: I am looking at a used camera because of the good price--NikonD3100 there is no software CD with the camera. I am not really...

4ellen4 Loc: GTA--Ontario

I am looking at a used camera because of the good price--NikonD3100 there is no software CD with the camera.
I am not really sure what the software CD is for except that it has something to do with downloading from camera to computer.
Have Elements 10 and so can I import directly into Elements from camera with out the software.
Person at the shop told me that it was not necessary to have the software.
Thank you for all replies
ellen

les_stockton Loc: Eastern Oklahoma

It's good to keep the software just in case you really need it in the future. For example, there might come a time when you would want tethered use. Depending upon what other software you have, the manufacturer's software might be the only thing you have that provides this functionality.
Also, remote control of the camera via pc. I don't have any software other than the stuff supplied with the camera, that does this. I know I can buy software to do this, but what I have works if I ever want to use that feature.
There has been cases where I wanted to do HDR exposures that were bracketed for more than 3 shots. In fact, I wanted about 7. That's pretty easily done from PC control, so the stuff supplied with the camera would do that. Nothing else I have will.

So, depending upon what software you have, you might want to keep the software (even if you don't install it), just in case.

rpavich Loc: West Virginia

4ellen4 wrote:

I am looking at a used camera because of the good price--NikonD3100 there is no software CD with the camera.
I am not really sure what the software CD is for except that it has something to do with downloading from camera to computer.
Have Elements 10 and so can I import directly into Elements from camera with out the software.
Person at the shop told me that it was not necessary to have the software.
Thank you for all replies
ellen

I don't have a Nikon, but in my opinion, it's not necessary. You can get software to do many jobs from many different places.

You can download your images without having extra software...

Someone who is Nikon-specific can chime in in a more detailed way.

MWAC Loc: Somewhere East Of Crazy

Not really important, I have never downloaded the software that came with my 40D. Plus if you really need it, I think it might be avaialbe from Nikon.com as a free download (someone will know that for sure).

PrairieSeasons Loc: Red River of the North

http://www.nikonusa.com/Service-And-Support/Download-Center.page

donrent Loc: Punta Gorda , Fl

Not important at all.... If you have windows, when you plug in the camera to computer for download, a box opens up asking what you want to do. I don't even use one anymore...

Linden

MWAC wrote:

Not really important, I have never downloaded the software that came with my 40D. Plus if you really need it, I think it might be avaialbe from Nikon.com as a free download (someone will know that for sure).

The Nikon cd's usually contain ViewNX2, the Nikon transferring utility and editing software. You can do it in Elements but the features are worth checking out. The other software is the user manual, which is way more comprehensive than the printed version that packs with the camera. It's a must. Both are available at Nikon.com for down load.

BboH Loc: s of 2/21, Ellicott City, MD

I think the purpose is that the camera manufacturers are taking the position that this is the first DSLR the buyer has owned and consequently knows nothing about how to view their images. Thus, they are giving a minimal interface to their images, assunming the buyer has a computer. Its kinda of in the same vein as "This is how to use the card reader"

hj Loc: Florida

I have never loaded and used the software for any of the two dozen + cameras I own or have owned.... but I insist on having & keeping them and the original box in the event I sell the camera. Buyers often expect them.

skidooman Loc: Minnesota

Canons come with some editing software like DPP, so if you don't have PS or Lightroom, the software may be of interest to you. Nikon must come with some too I would think.

weebit Loc: earth

I often wondered about this myself considering that Canon's software doesn't even work on my computer even though it is installed I have never gotten the option to use it unless I am missing something. Never worked nada. I had heard the top camera makers make good software. Some is worth checking out. I can't tell.

PNagy Loc: Missouri City, Texas

4ellen4 wrote:

I am looking at a used camera because of the good price--NikonD3100 there is no software CD with the camera.
I am not really sure what the software CD is for except that it has something to do with downloading from camera to computer.
Have Elements 10 and so can I import directly into Elements from camera with out the software.
Person at the shop told me that it was not necessary to have the software.
Thank you for all replies
ellen

Although I use Canon, not Nikon, I have never used the included software for anything. Instead, I process all my images on Photoshop CS5.

skidooman Loc: Minnesota

weebit wrote:

I often wondered about this myself considering that Canon's software doesn't even work on my computer even though it is installed I have never gotten the option to use it unless I am missing something. Never worked nada. I had heard the top camera makers make good software. Some is worth checking out. I can't tell.

It installed but you can't open it or use it? Odd. I wonder if your OS isn't compatable with the version Canon provided, but if that's the case I don't think it would've installed. Might be worth an email or call to Canon customer service. But if your not going to use it anyway, I wouldn't spend the time. I've used Canons software in the past, it can do alot. But since I've got LR and CS5, I removed it.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

I used to install the camera's software, but I seldom used it. Now I never bother to install it. As others have said, you can always download it from the manufacturer's site.

darkmanCANADA Loc: Calgary, AB Canada

donrent wrote:

Not important at all.... If you have windows, when you plug in the camera to computer for download, a box opens up asking what you want to do. I don't even use one anymore...

If you are using Windows 7 it now has support for RAW files. You can download it here:

http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=26829

I also use the Nikon View NX which you can download here:

http://www.nikonusa.com/Nikon-Products/Product/Imaging-Software/NVNX/ViewNX.html

I will be using these until I actually get some time to sit down with real software.