Capture NX or Photoshop CS2?

[gleff]

Is there any advantage of using Capture NX over CS2? I already have CS2 but not Capture NX but I want to have total control over my raw images.

If Capture NX is better, anyone know of cost and where to get it?

Also, is Capture NX much better than Capture 4?

Thanks
Geoff

[Justin]

Check the bargains here - seems to be a reasonable price

[Alex]

Hi Geoff,

I don't know about the NX, but I use NC 4 in conjunction with PSCS. I do the initial raw-> jpg conversion in NC (exposure, WB, D-lighting) and then send it to PS to do other adjustments like curves, sharpening etc.

You can go with just the PS CS2 plus camera raw, but depends on your preference.

Alex

[Yi-P]

If you shoot RAW, then definately worth an investment into NC-NX

NC can deal with RAW files better and has more control over NEF files than CS2 can do IMO.

CS2 can open up the NEF and all that, but it is just too complicated to get a work around with.


Whereas NC has its limitation in manipulating images in different parts. Like CS2, it has capability to use layers and effects, while NC can only allow you to change the curves, white balance, exposure, saturation channels and other image/exposure/colour related edits.

Having them both, gives you the ultimate power of a RAW shooter. They both have their own place and functionality designed for.

[gleff]

Check the bargains here - seems to be a reasonable price

Where?? In the bargains section?

[gleff]

If you shoot RAW, then definately worth an investment into NC-NX

NC can deal with RAW files better and has more control over NEF files than CS2 can do IMO.

CS2 can open up the NEF and all that, but it is just too complicated to get a work around with.


Whereas NC has its limitation in manipulating images in different parts. Like CS2, it has capability to use layers and effects, while NC can only allow you to change the curves, white balance, exposure, saturation channels and other image/exposure/colour related edits.

Having them both, gives you the ultimate power of a RAW shooter. They both have their own place and functionality designed for.

Is there much difference between Capture 4 and Capture NX?

[Justin]

Where?? In the bargains section?

yes

[gleff]

Where?? In the bargains section?

yes

I must be going blind because I can't find anything in the bargains section pertaining to capture NX being for sale.

[Justin]

Accessories

.
.
.
Nikon capture 4 $***.**
Nikon capture NX $***.**
.
.

[Yi-P]

Is there much difference between Capture 4 and Capture NX?

I have no experience with NX. Still using NC4

By what I heard about, NX has some more advanced and more clumsy feature/controls and probably a 'faster' NEF process algorithm. I cant tell you if this is true.

NC4 is as much as I need to process D70 NEF files, but if the price is not too big between NC-NX and NC4 and you have a reasonably fast computer, then go with NC-NX

NC4 and NCNX is listed under "accessories" in the bargains.

[gleff]

Ahhh.. I was looking for a thread.. not going in via the link in the main page.

Sheeesh.. $200... I think i'll stick with CS2 for the time being.. I can't afford it at the moment.

Thanks heaps for your help.

Geoff

[Aussie Dave]

I'm with Alex. I often use NC to open the NEF's (as I find they seem to produce better images straight from the RAW file than ACR in PSCS2)....then continue the rest of my PP in PSCS2.

I have only recently started using NC NX and it is quite different to NC4. I haven't had an extensive play with it, though I am very comfortable in PSCS2 so I'm not sure I'd change to using NX exclusively.

I think they each have their merits.

Also, from what little I've used of NX, I haven't found it to be faster than NC4.

[digitor]

Sheeesh.. $200... I think i'll stick with CS2 for the time being.. I can't afford it at the moment.
Geoff

There's a free 30 day trial available for download, so you can give it a whirl to see if you like it.

Cheers

[Nnnnsic]

I've been trying out NX and for what it offers, it isn't bad.

The ability to control RAW functionality in areas of an individual image is quite nice, as is the ability to turn on and off some of the control you've been working on.

But I'm a Photoshop user for my RAW functionality and while Photoshop might not have individual area processing, it is a lot faster at processing the file.

[Justin]

And the prize for the FASTEST NEF processor goes to... Picasa2

Yup, it's unbelievably fast. You don't get any fancy exposure or WB control though...

[Geoff]

I am used to PS and am happy to continue using it - my theory is if it's not broken don't fix it.

[Nnnnsic]

my theory is if it's not broken don't fix it.

You should talk to Adobe about that policy. Every 2nd interval is usually crap compared to the last.

Photoshop 5 & 5.5 - Great.
Photoshop 6 - Evil.
Photoshop 7 - Great
Photoshop CS1 (8) - Meh. Interesting, but not that good.
Photoshop CS2 (9) - Much, better. Great software.

[digitor]

And the prize for the FASTEST NEF processor goes to... Picasa2
Yup, it's unbelievably fast.You don't get any fancy exposure or WB control though...

Not much point in shooting RAW then, really.....

A good thing about Capture is that it can apply or change all your in-camera settings, whereas most other converters don't do so. This is part of the reason for differences in conversion speed.

Cheers

[Raskill]

Heres another option: Bibble Pro.

Fast RAW handling, saves without touching original images. WB, Exposure etc etc. All for $120 U.S.

AND, because they are such nice folk, if you get to the end of your trial period, send them an email telling them you want to keep trying all the features, and they give you a 2 week extension.

I'm amazed at how good a program it is, and how little it costs!

[Justin]

Yeah, Picasa2 reads RAW files! It even applies your in-camera settings

[Matt. K]

Capture NX is an outstanding program for high quality RAW file enhancement. Is it better than CS2....for most things. Are you going to make 30 inch x 40 inch prints? If not...you don't need it. Download a free demo and play with the control points...they are magic. Read the manual and see what it has to offer. There is plenty there. If you play with the 30 day free demo you will want it.

[cawdor]

Whilst not an expert user with Photoshop CS2 or Capture NX, I found NX to be extremely powerful, much more so than NC4. The results I have gotten by playing around with control points are amazing.

The interface is no exactly great or customisable (I want to set a perm quality for jpg export, but I have to choose from a drop down list everytime) but the power over raw files you get with this makes up for it. I am yet to explore it fully, but I would currently prefer it over CS2, for the work I need done.