What Software is Best?
Aug 28, 2011 13:50:36 #
I currently shot Raw files and use Nikon Capture Nx for editing. Inasmuch as it is the older version I looked into obtaining the upgrade. Nikon wants $130 for the upgrade (ouch). I can get Elements 9 at Costco for $79 and have been told Bibble Pro or Lite is also very good for editing Nikon raw files. Any recommendations?
Aug 28, 2011 17:10:09 #
I do not know your budget but in general I would say if price is an issure and you only need or want a program to edit RAW files I would suggest you look on sites such as Ebay for older version of programs that would do that. Elements for example is or has came out with version #10 which is why you are seeing at a discount. This, or older versions may be had for less.
Aug 28, 2011 18:05:35 #
I can afford to buy the upgrade for Capture NX, but thought "why spend almost double the price" if Elements 9 offered similar capabilities. Also, just about everything published in magazines uses CS and/or Elements for their tutorials. Almost never see anything about Capture NX. Didn't know Version 10 was out yet. Thanks for the tip.
Aug 29, 2011 06:45:04 #
If you able, look at an academic version of a software application. It is a lot cheaper. Also look at GIMP, it a free software, but not really sure if it can read RAW files. Their website is http://www.gimp.org. Also look on Ebay but be carefully that it is legitimate software.
Aug 29, 2011 07:45:54 #
I don't know about nikon but picasa is free and converts my raw files with canon files I think they would be the same but I could be wrong. (newest update of picasa)
Aug 29, 2011 08:56:53 #
Hi, you can convert Raw files in just about any Ps Elements program ,another free program that i have heard about is Rawtheapee,google it to download
Aug 29, 2011 09:27:17 #
I would think that a company manufacturing a product such as a digital camera would be the best choice for the software that goes with it. Who would know more about the needs for it than the people who designed it.
Cheap is good, just keep in mind you get what you pay for.
Cheap is good, just keep in mind you get what you pay for.
Aug 29, 2011 10:05:01 #
I recently purchased a Nikon D5100 and have their software View NX2, but to be honest, I prefer using Picasa to process my RAW pics and convert them - just my $.02 :)
Aug 29, 2011 11:16:53 #
Nikon NX Capture has always been an ill behaving nightmare . as I have tried using it with My Nikon N60 on more than one occasion...Stick with Picasa or one of the free programs do not waste your $$
Aug 29, 2011 12:08:10 #
I've been unhappy with Nikon's software - it definitely should be a better product. If you are a teacher or student, even part-time, or know one who can help, Adobe offers steep educational discounts. I bought Adobe Creative Suite 5.5 Design Standard for $299. It includes Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, & Acrobat X Pro. Photoshop includes Bridge, a truly wonderful photo organization program and Adobe Camera Raw, a really powerful tool for processing RAW files.
Aug 29, 2011 14:47:08 #
Aug 29, 2011 16:04:09 #
As a photographer, you can't go wrong with Photoshop Elements. It was designed for photographers and can do a whole more than just read Raw files. This is where I would spend my money.
Good luck.
Good luck.
Aug 29, 2011 22:49:54 #
I personally love the way PSe handles RAW. I have PSe6 and it the version of camera Raw that is in it works well.
Aug 30, 2011 14:55:10 #
Denise Jones
Loc: Lewes DE
Have used Nikon softwarea nd was impressed. Love the cameras but I would stick with Adobe either PSE10 or CS5. I just upgraded to CS5 for my complex and creative edits. I use PSE10 for quick editing and most shots that I don't want ot really do much with. PSE gives you 3 options for editing depending on whether you want quick, guided, or full editing. Also, check into the educational discounts ... see if you know a teacher or student who will use their academic credentials to purchase the software at steep discount. They can only buy one license for each title so make sure they don't need their own copy. Journey Ed is a good site to use for the academic/government/military discounts. I also like Lightroom 3.
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