Nikon NEF (Raw) Files - Best Software to open and edit them?

The best is Photoshop but there are others that are less expensive and easier to use. Start with the free software that came with your camera. ViewNX2. It will do a nice job till you know more about what you want


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dramtastic

Senior Member
Photoshop is the best but you cannot buy an individual license for this software any more. That's why I went with the latest version of Lightroom. You can do free 1mth trials on these products from the Adobe website. I agree with starting with ViewNX2 then moving up later.
 
Photoshop is the best but you cannot buy an individual license for this software any more. That's why I went with the latest version of Lightroom. You can do free 1mth trials on these products from the Adobe website. I agree with starting with ViewNX2 then moving up later.

You can still buy Photoshop CS6 and not go the CC route.

Amazon.com: Adobe Photoshop CS6 [LEGACY VERSION]: Software

There are a number of places that still sell it. I bought the Teacher/Student version this summer because I did not want to rent my software.
 

BackdoorArts

Senior Member
I'm going to go against the grain and say that while Photoshop is likely the most complete set of software for image post-processing it may not always be the "best", as that qualification depends largely on your personal needs. I heartily recommend Lightroom (current version 5) for anyone who is just starting down the road to the digital darkroom. It's extremely simple to use, more intuitive than PS, and is starting to get the tools to make it a real competitor with PS for the amateur photographer. I would venture to say that I could live with Lightroom alone for 90% of my post processing. I've found easier and quicker ways to do things in other software (spot adjustments, noise reduction and sharpening), but if I had to I could do it in LR alone.

It's also a great organization and workflow management tool. I say start with that and then see where you might want to go that you can't and tack on the appropriate additional software then. Photoshop as a first stop can, and almost always will be very daunting.
 

stmv

Senior Member
I like Adobe CS6,, and really am sad to think that Adobe is going to the monthly rental system.. get CS6 while you can!!!
 

Mark F

Senior Member
DXO Pro is also good to use for a RAW converter. Its set of presets are really good to prepare the image into an editor for final adjustments.
DXO pro uses presets that reflect camera/lens used in the shot
 
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