Capture NX-D replaces Capture NX-2 and is not FREE

[BackdoorArts]

Saw on N-Photo that Nikon is replacing Capture NX-2 with an NX-D version that will be free. Capture was a far more powerful RAW editor than ViewNX but came at a price. So the fact that it's free is awesome, because you can't beat that. Unfortunately, likely due to Google now owning the U-point (Control Point) technology that made Capture something special, Nikon was likely required to pay to license the technology if they wanted to keep using it, so the new version will not have control points.

That said, hey, it's free, right?

The Beta version is now available for download. While I doubt I will find myself using it, I'll be grabbing it just to see what's what. If you're looking for a RAW editor, I suggest at least checking this out.

Nikon | Capture NX-D

No word on system requirements that I could find, and if you used Capture NX-2 and applied Control Points there seems to be an issue at present where you will not be able to open those files in NX-D.

 

[hark]

So I wonder how long it will take Nikon to switch their online class to the newer software?

How to Edit Photos | Photo Editing Tips & Training from Nikon | Capture NX 2 Training from Nikon

 

[Mike D90]

OS	Pre-installed versions of Windows® 8.1 (64-bit version) or Windows® 7 Service Pack 1 (Compatible with 64- and 32-bit versions)
	Runs as a native 64-bit application in 64-bit version
CPU	Pentium-compatible CPU (Core i5 or better recommended)
RAM	2 GB or more (4 GB or more recommended)
Hard disk	800 MB required for installation (2 GB or more recommended)
Monitor resolution	Resolution: 1280× 768 pixels or more
	Color: 32-bit color (True Color) or more
Miscellaneous	An Internet connection is required to run the beta version of this software Print preview may not be displayed properly with the print function
Image support	RAW (NEF-/NRW-format) images captured with Nikon digital cameras JPEG and TIFF images captured with Nikon digital cameras

 

[Mike D90]

I can't run it but I will download it just in case.

 

[Eduard]

OS	Pre-installed versions of Windows® 8.1 (64-bit version) or Windows® 7 Service Pack 1 (Compatible with 64- and 32-bit versions)
	Runs as a native 64-bit application in 64-bit version
CPU	Pentium-compatible CPU (Core i5 or better recommended)
RAM	2 GB or more (4 GB or more recommended)
Hard disk	800 MB required for installation (2 GB or more recommended)
Monitor resolution	Resolution: 1280× 768 pixels or more
	Color: 32-bit color (True Color) or more
Miscellaneous	An Internet connection is required to run the beta version of this software Print preview may not be displayed properly with the print function
Image support	RAW (NEF-/NRW-format) images captured with Nikon digital cameras JPEG and TIFF images captured with Nikon digital cameras

There is also a Mac version. I downloaded it, played with it for about a half hour and uninstalled it.

 

[BackdoorArts]

There is also a Mac version. I downloaded it, played with it for about a half hour and uninstalled it.

I stopped after 15 minutes. Too different from anything I'm using to want to bother to figure it out. Not a knock on the product as much as it is a lack of need or desire to figure this one out.

 

[Marcel]

I stopped after 15 minutes. Too different from anything I'm using to want to bother to figure it out. Not a knock on the product as much as it is a lack of need or desire to figure this one out.

I did two conversions and tried to edit... It's a mess as far as I'm concerned. It feels like nothing else and I really don't see the point in getting used to this sluggish piece of (insert your word of choice).

 

[BackdoorArts]

Exactly, Marcel. I hated GIMP for different reasons, but at least I could work in it fairly quickly. As free alternatives go, I'd rather use GIMP - or stick with ViewNX!!

 

[aroy]

I downloaded the beta version last week, and using it for my D3300 photos. As I have yet not tried any fancy stuff, this version is absolutely fine, meeting all my needs. What I have yet to figure out is how to selectively boost shadows without affecting the mid range or highs. That is without fiddling with response curves.

Normally I try to get it right in the camera itself. With these sensors having extended DR, recovering data from the dark areas of the sensor is what I need the software for (plus adjusting white balance and exposure compensation)

 

[LensWork]

I have worked with the beta a couple of times and really, really don't like it compared to Capture NX2. But then that is why it is a beta test and hopefully through user suggestions the final version will be something that is usable.

 

[Marcel]

After reading some more in some european forums that NX-2 is the best raw converter for NEF files, I'm ready to give this another trial. I'm doing comparisons between files converted with NX-2 and Camera Raw, and I have to admit that for noise reduction and sharpness, NX-2 is darn good.

To be followed.