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04/28/2009 06:08:27 PM · #1 |
I have a Nikon D50 and am just begining to shoot in RAW (or as Nikon calls it NEF). I have photoshop CS and can't figure out for the life of me where exactly to find the darn plugin. I've been to NikonUSA and Adobe and yet everything I read says everyone has a problem with it, or only works with CS4 but I can't even get to the page that has the download for CS.
Could someone please help a fool through the process of setting up his photoshop CS to edit NEF files?
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04/28/2009 06:17:56 PM · #2 |
I don't think Photoshop CS has the capability of dealing with NEF files. You need to upgrade to CS3 or 4 for that, I think. You can get a third-party RAW converter for free that will turn your NEF files into TIFF files, which CS can handle.
You can download Rawstudio for free here: I haven't used it, but I've seen good reviews.
R. |
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04/28/2009 06:34:46 PM · #3 |
It appears that the D50 requires Adobe Camera RAW 3.3 or higher. The 3.3 version of ACR is not compatible with CS, but is compatible with CS2. Apparently, there is a Nikon plugin which you already have on the disk which came with your D50 that will enable RAW compatibility with Ps 7.0 and up, however it is reportedly not nearly as powerful as ACR. You might just look at upgrading to CS4 at this point. I believe you can still make the upgrade from CS...
ETA: Yes, you can upgrade for $199 from CS. CS is the earliest version from which you can upgrade to CS4.
Message edited by author 2009-04-28 18:36:59. |
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04/28/2009 07:35:11 PM · #4 |
| Welcome to the shot-gun Adobe upgrade path :-/ |
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04/28/2009 07:57:14 PM · #5 |
Originally posted by robs:
Welcome to the shot-gun Adobe upgrade path :-/ |
Yeah, you drop hundreds on their software and get support only until the next version comes out, then you're told to pony up again. (I'm bitter because stupid CS3 won't update to read my G10's RAW files...after spending $300, I really think I ought to be covered for at least another version.)
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04/28/2009 08:14:58 PM · #6 |
If I've posted this once, I've posted it a dozen times... it's not (just) Adobe, it's (mostly) the camera manufacturers, who refuse to adopt standardized formats to make it easier for developers to create RAW conversion software. If you were in Adobe's shoes, would you develop multiple RAW converts for every single camera that comes out to be compatible with all your previous software? No, you would not.
When you upgrade cameras, *expect* that you will need the latest 3rd party RAW converters to read the new, proprietary RAW format.
Now that said, I do wish that Adobe would update ACR for their previous version for just a year or so to give their customers a little breather. But I understand why they do not.
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04/28/2009 08:17:14 PM · #7 |
Originally posted by kirbic:
If I've posted this once, I've posted it a dozen times... it's not (just) Adobe, it's (mostly) the camera manufacturers, who refuse to adopt standardized formats to make it easier for developers to create RAW conversion software. If you were in Adobe's shoes, would you develop multiple RAW converts for every single camera that comes out to be compatible with all your previous software? No, you would not.
When you upgrade cameras, *expect* that you will need the latest 3rd party RAW converters to read the new, proprietary RAW format.
Now that said, I do wish that Adobe would update ACR for their previous version for just a year or so to give their customers a little breather. But I understand why they do not. |
I'm not arguing with your point here,  kirbic. I'm just saying, like you did yourself, that it would be much nicer if there was a longer period of updates, especially considering the large price tag on the software. Let's face it, the GIMP is free - so when you buy Photoshop, you're really paying extra for certain features, one of which is ACR. It'd be nice if they only stuck it to you every other version.
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04/28/2009 08:19:37 PM · #8 |
Originally posted by OdysseyF22:
...It'd be nice if they only stuck it to you every other version. |
I could not agree more!
So often, though, we stick it to ourselves by buying new hardware before thinking about how our software will handle it! |
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04/28/2009 09:29:12 PM · #9 |
Originally posted by kirbic:
So often, though, we stick it to ourselves by buying new hardware before thinking about how our software will handle it! |
This sounds like it is closer to the problem. How may forum posts have you seen where someone upgraded their camera only to find their current version of PS/ACR did not support the RAW format and when they posted the question why their RAW files weren't showing up they were told to UPDATE or UPGRADE (depending on current version and camera upgraded to since certain RAW formats are only available if you have CS4, etc.)?
Message edited by author 2009-04-28 21:29:37. |
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04/28/2009 09:54:07 PM · #10 |
Just out of curiosity, can you convert it to a DNG format? If so, you may then be able to open it in ACR. But, my guess is that if you can't view it in ACR, then you won't be able to convert it to DNG with the adobe converter. Is there another converter out there?
Just an idea...... |
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04/28/2009 10:07:28 PM · #11 |
Originally posted by PGerst:
Just out of curiosity, can you convert it to a DNG format? If so, you may then be able to open it in ACR. But, my guess is that if you can't view it in ACR, then you won't be able to convert it to DNG with the adobe converter. Is there another converter out there?
Just an idea...... |
There is a free Adobe DNG converter. I don't have the exact link on hand, but I do use the converter. Once converted, DNG files run just like RAW files. It's just another time-consuming processing step you have to take - but at least it works and is free!
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04/28/2009 11:35:17 PM · #12 |
Perhaps, but the DNG format is supposed to be more universal.
Originally posted by OdysseyF22:
It's just another time-consuming processing step you have to take - but at least it works and is free! |
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04/29/2009 12:34:03 AM · #13 |
Originally posted by kirbic:
If you were in Adobe's shoes, would you develop multiple RAW converts for every single camera that comes out to be compatible with all your previous software? No, you would not. |
I basically agree but to jump on the other side... The RAW engine is a shared component of at least ACR & LR for some time now and possibly elements not sure.... I think it's not an unreasonable customer position to expect that the current and immediate past versions are supported for RAW formats baring some software conflict which is rarely the case.
Besides... Look left at the camera I use.... Ya cannot get me on frenetic body upgrades :-) |
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04/29/2009 09:16:13 AM · #14 |
Your best option, without upgrading, is the DNG route
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04/30/2009 09:03:18 AM · #15 |
It's worth a shot with the DNG path. I don't feel like dropping the money just yet when CS works just fine for my level of photography. When I become a pro at CS i'll upgrade to CS4. Though I tried to download the DNG converter and it does not work with my windows XP, it needs vista. I think the forces are working against me here. Could anyone make my life a bit easier by posting a link to one that works with XP?
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04/30/2009 09:17:29 AM · #16 |
Here is a link to the DNG downloads for Windows.
//www.adobe.com/support/downloads/product.jsp?product=106&platform=Windows
from what I just read, you should be able to use the newest DNG converter (5.2 or maybe 5.3), no matter XP or not. But I AM a Mac guy....sooooooo....
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04/30/2009 09:37:42 AM · #17 |
Originally posted by LaMas:
I don't feel like dropping the money just yet when CS works just fine for my level of photography. When I become a pro at CS i'll upgrade to CS4. |
Keep in mind though that you are three versions back... if Adobe decides to move the upgrade cutoff forward with the next revision, you'll be in a *much* more expensive upgrade position. |
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05/14/2009 08:14:50 PM · #18 |
Thank you guys for your help. Fortunately, I may be getting CS4 very soon. I still am having trouble with the NEF-RAW conversions for now, but I really do appreciate you guys taking the time to try and help me out. Thanks again!!!
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05/14/2009 10:16:15 PM · #19 |
Originally posted by LaMas:
Thank you guys for your help. Fortunately, I may be getting CS4 very soon. I still am having trouble with the NEF-RAW conversions for now, but I really do appreciate you guys taking the time to try and help me out. Thanks again!!! |
Elements converts RAW from my D70s......$79.99
I just grabbed a trial version a couple weeks ago.....go to their site and see what you think. |
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05/14/2009 10:46:14 PM · #20 |
There's another option that hasn't been mentioned yet...get Nikon Capture NX. It's a fantastic program that I find extremely useful beyond just the RAW conversion.
I believe that they came out with a newer and better version last year too. I'll have to look into that and I'll almost definitely get it when I do. |
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05/14/2009 10:46:48 PM · #21 |
Originally posted by LaMas:
Thank you guys for your help. Fortunately, I may be getting CS4 very soon. I still am having trouble with the NEF-RAW conversions for now, but I really do appreciate you guys taking the time to try and help me out. Thanks again!!! |
[ dons Lightroom evangelist hat ]
Have you considered using Lightroom? Free 30 day trail there, too. It (actually ACR, included with it) can handle all your raw developing, and you can easily round-trip to Photoshop if/when you need to. You can easily upgrade your Photoshop "behind" LR any time, and your primary workflow would stay the same. Especially if you're moving to an all-raw workflow (which is sounds like from your OP, you are considering), you'd be doing yourself a big favor at least checking it out.
[ returns Lightroom evangelist hat to hat-stand ] ;)
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05/15/2009 07:35:54 AM · #22 |
Originally posted by LaMas:
Thank you guys for your help. Fortunately, I may be getting CS4 very soon. I still am having trouble with the NEF-RAW conversions for now, but I really do appreciate you guys taking the time to try and help me out. Thanks again!!! |
The CD-ROM that comes with the D50 contains a copy of Nikon View. This is a very simple program which allows you to view NEF files and convert them to JPG - It offers some basic RAW adjustment, not as advanced as PS, but at least you'll be able to do the conversion. |
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05/15/2009 09:05:50 AM · #23 |
Originally posted by LaMas:
I have a Nikon D50 and am just begining to shoot in RAW (or as Nikon calls it NEF). I have photoshop CS and can't figure out for the life of me where exactly to find the darn plugin. I've been to NikonUSA and Adobe and yet everything I read says everyone has a problem with it, or only works with CS4 but I can't even get to the page that has the download for CS.
Could someone please help a fool through the process of setting up his photoshop CS to edit NEF files? |
With my D50, I used Raw Shooter Esentials. It's free and it works great. When I got my D300, it didn't work for the new format and I couldn't afford lightroom or NX2 so I went to "Raw Therapee" which is also free. |
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05/15/2009 09:46:13 AM · #24 |
Originally posted by LaMas:
I have a Nikon D50 and am just begining to shoot in RAW (or as Nikon calls it NEF). I have photoshop CS and can't figure out for the life of me where exactly to find the darn plugin. I've been to NikonUSA and Adobe and yet everything I read says everyone has a problem with it, or only works with CS4 but I can't even get to the page that has the download for CS.
Could someone please help a fool through the process of setting up his photoshop CS to edit NEF files? |
Do you mean you can't find it on your system? If so try:
c:\program files\common files\adobe\plug-ins\cs\file formats. I originally had CS and it worked out of the box with my D50. Nikon did have a plugin for PS but I ended up going back to ACR.
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05/16/2009 01:37:32 AM · #25 |
I'm not shooting RAW at all because it takes too much space on my memory cards.
Cheers!
Captain Kimo |
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