Previewing NEF Raw Files - DPChallenge Forums

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED

05/30/2009 10:30:33 PM · #1

OK- so I am slow to change. I find something that works, get familiar with it and decide to stay with it. It is easy and comfortable. I have had my Nikon D80 since it came out and still shoot in Jpeg yet everybody says shoot in raw and keep your details better. One reason I have not made the change is because I used to primarily use Photoshop Elements 3.0 and still use it to download photos from my camera. It (as far as I know) does not give a preview (or can it even view?) raw files. What I like to do is to preview all the files and delete the ones I do not like without having to open each one. I do not have Capture NX (Nikon's software) but do have Photoshop CS4 now. Is there an easy way to preview all my Raw files (if I start shooting them) where I can preview them and delete all the ones I do not want? I have not learned how to use anything in Adobe Bridge yet either if that is what you can use. Thenk you for any help you can give a lazy editor. I don't mind spending time editing one photo but like a quick way to get to the ones I want to work on. Raw plus Jpeg uses up a lot of memory which I would prefer to avoid for now. I also have Nikon Picture Project 1.7 which came with the camera but never installed it on my computer.

cdrice

Nikon D7000

05/30/2009 11:39:22 PM · #2

I'll have to leave it to someone else to explain how to (as a direct answer to your question) do this via CS4/Bridge/etc...

But I'll take the opportunity to suggest or recommend -- if you're already going to have to change your process, why not take the opportunity to move to a workflow tool like Lightroom, which was specifically made to do "things" exactly like what you're asking, especially for managing raw files. It's another chunk of money to throw out there, I know... But there is a free 30 day preview if you want to play; and I think once you've played, you'll never want to go back.

Just an idea, if you have the $$$ and/or want to give it a try.

yakatme

Lytro Illum Light Field Digital

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED

05/31/2009 07:25:06 AM · #3

If you don't want to get anymore software (I highly recommend Capture NX, but not for previewing) then try what I do:

I shoot in RAW and jpeg basic. After downloading my images I go to the bar at the top of the page and click on "View" and choose "Thumbnails". Then, also under view, I choose "Arrange icons by type". This seperates the jpegs from the RAW. I then use Window Picture and Fax Viewer to preview the jpegs. I've already chosen to make double click (the mouse) open in that program.

I use post-it notes to keep track of what images I want to process.

It's archaic, but it works for me.

see

Canon PowerShot S95

05/31/2009 08:06:26 AM · #4

I have CS3 with a Canon, but things should be similar.
Open your CS4, in the upper right side you will see what appears to be a folder with a magnifying glass with Br on it, click it and it will open Bridge. On the left side of Bridge double click on my computer then open the drive your card is located. Your raw files should be viewable.

05/31/2009 09:54:27 PM · #5

Thanks for the suggestions. I guess I will have to get out and shoot some Raw files to try some of them out.

Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 80-200mm f/2.8D ED

06/01/2009 01:07:23 AM · #6

Going to give Lightroom a try. Downloaded the demo. Now I need some raw shots to try it with. I have heard a lot of good things about the program.

mileskea

Nikon D700

06/01/2009 02:51:08 AM · #7

To look at RAW files I use Instant Jpeg from RAW.

It's a great free utility and quick. I use it to preview my shots before plunging into CS3. It creates jpgs in a separate folder and you can then use your standard picture viewer of choice to view your masterpieces. :)