Hi Connecticut! Knowledge comes in many forms, so don't be afraid to share just because you don't have an answer to a specific question. Everyone learns on a different way and you never know what might make someone's light come on.

I appreciate your input as well, Joe. It's coming to me slowly but I hope to be able to improve my photographic skills as well as have the ability to tweak them. To borrow a phrase from the Beatles, I get by with a little help from my friends...

Thanks for your input Dave. I spent some time on Adobe's website last night and came to the conclusion that Camera Raw doesn't care who's format it's in. There is a guy at work who has CS5 and I think Some further investigation is necessary. For now, I will have to stick with less expensive alternatives but eventually my creative side will need to be released.

If I can swing Lightroom, I will give it a shot but given the fact that we have 11 kids, there are long periods of time when I can't afford to pay attention. Lol. Thanks to everyone for the suggestions.

Mike

Thanks Rex. I will definitely check it out. The other alternative is Nikon's Capture 2 NX which would still be almost $200.

I just discovered Uhh and would like to know if anyone out there has experience with Photoshop and Nikon Raw files? I have a D5000 and would like to know if I can manipulate my photos before laying out a lot of cash on a program I can't use.

:-)