Editing RAW files: I have only edited jpeg files and I think I’d like to try working with RAW files...or NEF for my Nikon. I’ve seen Lightroom, Photoshop, GIMP and several others but...

phlkrg

I have only edited jpeg files and I think I’d like to try working with RAW files...or NEF for my Nikon.
I’ve seen Lightroom, Photoshop, GIMP and several others but they are either a monthly fee, steep learning curve or just too many unknowns.
I’d appreciate it if you can give me a recommendation. Somewhat computer savvy but PS is a challenge.
Thanks in advance...

mwsilvers Loc: Central New Jersey

For starters why not use the free raw software supplied by Nikon?

Ysarex Loc: St. Louis

phlkrg wrote:

I have only edited jpeg files and I think I’d like to try working with RAW files...or NEF for my Nikon.
I’ve seen Lightroom, Photoshop, GIMP and several others but they are either a monthly fee, steep learning curve or just too many unknowns.
I’d appreciate it if you can give me a recommendation. Somewhat computer savvy but PS is a challenge.
Thanks in advance...

One way or the other you're going to have to bite the learning curve. LR is one of the easier learning curves, but if you don't like the subscription there are alternatives. Start with the software provided to you free from Nikon -- Capture NX -- it's good quality, gets you started and you already paid for it when you bought the camera.

Joe

CPR Loc: Nature Coast of Florida

Photoshop has many complex features But it has easy to use features also, just like Lightroom. If you get a subscription you get them both so can do just about anything that comes up, including videos.

phlkrg

I have the CD but haven’t figured out how to install it...very frustrated with that.
I’ll give it another shot...thanks.

ClarkG Loc: Southern Indiana USA

Try Affinty Photo. It’s great! One time $49 price and FREE lifetime updates! NO monthly subscription. It IS as good as Photo Shop. Free trial for download. Many YouTube videos to learn from. I use it exclusively. 👍

DirtFarmer Loc: Escaped from the NYC area, back to MA

phlkrg wrote:

I have the CD but haven’t figured out how to install it...very frustrated with that.
I’ll give it another shot...thanks.

Forget the CD. THey're usually an old version anyway.

Go to the Nikon website and download the program from there. They will have instructions on the website on how to install it.

https://nikonimglib.com/nvnxi/

Lknack Loc: NOCO

I use Affinity Photo and paid $49 for it. About 20 minutes after I purchased it it went on sale for 1/2 off. It does way more than I can do. They also have a free trial and lots of pretty good tutorial videos. Sign up for the free trial and they will send an ad for a sale soon.

phlkrg

Ok, it’s installed. Now I have to learn how to use it...thanks everyone.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

When you become a RAW photographer, you become the decision maker for these considerations in post processing, where many had been decided by the camera for the JPEG:

1. Sharpening
2. Noise Reduction
3. Color Saturation
4. Exposure adjustments, general
5. Contrast, general
6. Highlights and shadows
7. White Balance
8. Lens corrections
9. Color space
10. Pixel resolution for target image share platforms

You don't have to understand all these issues, but when you do, you'll be much more successful as a RAW photographer.

phlkrg

Lots to learn...thanks.

BebuLamar

phlkrg wrote:

I have only edited jpeg files and I think I’d like to try working with RAW files...or NEF for my Nikon.
I’ve seen Lightroom, Photoshop, GIMP and several others but they are either a monthly fee, steep learning curve or just too many unknowns.
I’d appreciate it if you can give me a recommendation. Somewhat computer savvy but PS is a challenge.
Thanks in advance...

What did you use to edit the JPEG? Use the same software. Use the RAW converter from Nikon.

BlueMorel Loc: Southwest Michigan

Lightroom Classic. I found it intuitive to learn on. Also, Adobe programs have tons of support, both by Adobe and by many other sources. Start with the tutorials right at the start to learn the file management basics, then in short order go on to the processing. Photoshop will be easier once you've learned LR.

tcthome Loc: NJ

CHG_CANON wrote:

When you become a RAW photographer, you become the... (show quote)

You can start off by making a copy of the pictures your going to edit if they are important to you, then edit the copy. Have fun.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

tcthome wrote:

You can start off by making a copy of the pictures your going to edit if they are important to you, then edit the copy. Have fun.

I guess that could be item #11 on 'understanding RAW' as you cannot corrupt a RAW file via editing. Creating a back-up copy of a RAW file is unnecessary for purposes of edit recovery. You need a back-up only for disaster recovery only, where the file is accidentally deleted.