Software with built-in RAW decoders?

07/31/2007 08:22:28 AM · #1

I noticed that CS2 or WinXP cannot open NEF format files. However, Picasa2 can open them fine.

WinXP and CS2 can only open them when I've installed Nikon PictureProject. Does installing PictureProject install the decoder dlls for Windows to use or something? - And howcome a freebie program like Picasa has the decoders as standard, and yet WinXP and CS2 don't?

goc

Apple iPhone 4

07/31/2007 08:31:25 AM · #2

for CS2|3 you have to install Adobe Camera Raw AFAIK
//download.adobe.com/pub/adobe/photoshop/cameraraw/win/4.x/DNG_Camera_Raw_4_1.zip

07/31/2007 08:45:31 AM · #3

"Camera Raw 4.0 and greater is not compatible with Photoshop CS2" - hmmm... I think I'll just install Nikon PictureProject and let it do whatever it does.

I was just confused as to what gets installed where, howcome when I install PictureProject it gives CS2 the ability to open raw files. (I get a basic dialog in CS2 when I open a NEF raw file which lets me adjust exposure and white balance)

07/31/2007 08:45:41 AM · #4

Originally posted by goc:

for CS2|3 you have to install Adobe Camera Raw AFAIK
//download.adobe.com/pub/adobe/photoshop/cameraraw/win/4.x/DNG_Camera_Raw_4_1.zip

CS2 you have to download ACR 3.7. This can be dont automaticly throught he adobe updater or manually. 4.0 / 4.1 only works on CS3. In fact you should run adobe updater and get the other updates too!

For the record it will open NEF, files. But you have to have a version that can open YOU CAMERA's NEF files every camera model's raw files are different. Newer version open newer camera's files.

Message edited by author 2007-07-31 08:48:11.

07/31/2007 08:49:25 AM · #5

Edit to add the Nikon D40 was added to Photoshop in ACR 3.7 the latest update for CS2. So download it here - //www.adobe.com/support/downloads/detail.jsp?ftpID=3587

goc

Apple iPhone 4

07/31/2007 08:52:59 AM · #6

aaaa. sorry

Samsung Galaxy S25, S25+, S25 Ultra

07/31/2007 09:03:49 AM · #7

Ah, my mistake - I'm on version 8 of PS, which is CS, not CS2.

I tried the 3.7 version and I can get the preview thumbs, but it can't open them. The older CS compatible versions don't support the D40.

Not to worry, I can install picture project and let it provide the drivers.

Tiberius

Panasonic Lumix G 14mm F2.5 ASPH

07/31/2007 09:33:35 AM · #8

Win Build in RAW viewer

Works fine.

Samsung Galaxy S25, S25+, S25 Ultra

07/31/2007 09:38:32 AM · #9

Originally posted by Tiberius:

Win Build in RAW viewer

Works fine.

He doesnt need to see the files, he also needs to open them and edit them, although the thumbnailer is nice to have. He needed a raw converter not the same thing.

Message edited by author 2007-07-31 09:38:57.

Tiberius

Panasonic Lumix G 14mm F2.5 ASPH

07/31/2007 09:40:55 AM · #10

Originally posted by RainMotorsports:

Originally posted by Tiberius:
Win Build in RAW viewer

Works fine.

He doesnt need to see the files, he also needs to open them and edit them, although the thumbnailer is nice to have. He needed a raw converter not the same thing.

Ups. Sorry...

07/31/2007 09:59:58 AM · #11

Nothing to be sorry about. If he doesnt have it he shoul dget it also. I use windows picture and fax viewer to preview stuff all the time. So its great to have the thumbnail/viewer for windows xp.

07/31/2007 12:43:08 PM · #12

Well, I've answered one part of my question. When I install PictureProject it installs the Nikon NEF plug-in into "C:\Program Files\Adobe\Photoshop CS\Plug-Ins\Adobe Photoshop Only\File Formats" which gives me some rudimentary ability to import raw files into photoshop CS.

I suspect it also adds an 'NEF' codec into the WinXP os at the same time, to allow me to view NEF files in standard windows screens.

07/31/2007 08:36:09 PM · #13

Okay, forget everything I just said.

I installed the 30 day trial of Nikon Capture NX... and it's just mindblowing what you can do with it, and so easy as well.

At last I can see what all the fuss was about when it comes to shooting RAW.