Nef files: Direct to Elements or Nikon Capture ex D70?

[Roy]

Hi

I'm trying to decide whether it is better to process images from the Nikon D70 via Nikon Capture and then saving the Nef files as TIFF's to Elements?

Or is better to simply save as TIFF's direct to Elements?

I am considering buying Nikon Capture but not sure whether it is worth the investment?

Would appreciate if someone could comment.

Thanks
Roy

[Grant]

Roy

If you are not sure it is probably not worth buying. Nikon Capture is a very fine tool with certain advantages over Elements but, to paraphrase an old come back, if you have to ask what they are then you don't need them.

Grant

[drwatson]

I have both Nikon Capture 4.2 and Elements 3.0 which includes ACR (v2.4). Though it is quite subjective, I think you should save your money and process raw using ACR. You can always download an evaluation of Nikon Capture to satisify your decision process. Here are my pro's and con's of each:

Nikon Caputure 4.2

Pro:
-Excellant color reproduction
-Very good demosiac algorithm.
-Curves allows fine tuning of tonal range.
-DDE delivers excellant shadow detail.

Cons:
-Slow processing.
-Controls not as intuitive as ACR.
-DDE does not deliver the same level of highlight control as Elements shadow/highlight feature.

ACR (2.4)

Pro:
-Accurate color, though may seem too neutral (compared to capture) at default settings.
-Excellant extraction of dynamic range; the highlight recovery feature seems to work well up to 1.5 stops.
-Ultra fast processing (real time updates).
-Slider control allows more intuitive control over the 5-point curve.
-Real time shadow/highlight warnings help determine channel clipping.
-Sharpening algorithm delivers very clean artifact free results.

Cons:
-Skin Tones and Reds may require tweaking (defaults are pale).
-No Curve control for advanced tonal range editing.

[Roy]

Hi,

Sorry for belated reply. (drwatson)

I've been a little busy with work and on top of this illness of late.

Thanks for your response on Nikon Cature 4.2 & ACR (2.4).

I have studied the D70 and am finally picking up "my own" next week.

I'll trial Nikon Capture 4 and then evaluate. I get the impression from reading your remarks, that ACR 2.4 is better value for money. The pros certainly appear to favour it.

I'm off on holiday with the family for 5 weeks in a fortnight to the U.S. , Canada & Hawaii. So on my return I'll be doing a "little editing". Will post a response on this subject in about a couple of months time!

Much appreciate your comments.

Regards from "Down under"
Roy.