PS vs Nikon Capture 4.4.

I own a few days ago my first DSLR, a Nikon D70s and I am still in

testing adjastments period.I try manipulating RAW files using PS CS2

and Nikon Camera 4.4.My first impression is that PS2 is better but I

would like opinion of an expert.

 

Thanks in advance.

Here's an A-B comparison of Adobe Camera Raw 3.3 with Capture 4.4, albiet with the D200:

 

 

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikond200/page20.asp

I use both and strongly agree with Peter's comments above. In fact, I only used PS until I spent a day in a Nikon Workshop and got to see the relative merits of each program and how often they complement each other depending on the task. I then got a copy of Capture to round out my toolbox.

Peter and Steven,

 

Can you detail what you've each found to be the relative stregnths of each program?

Sorry, Stephen, I didn't look well...

Depends on what you want to accomplish. For straightforward NEF conversions with basic tweaks for color and exposure, the output quality from Nikon's own software is hard to beat.

 

Bibble Pro, especially the most recent version with Noise Ninja, also produces excellent results and is easy to work with. Like Capture it enables tethered operation of the camera via the computer.

 

Neither is a full fledged image editor. If you need to work with layers, merge multiple images, clone from other images, etc., you'll need a more generalized image editor. Photoshop Elements, Paint Shop Pro, Picture Window Pro and a couple others can fill in those gaps.

I use Capture 4.4 and PS CS2. I couldn't do my editing work without both tools. I'm a RAW shooter and use Capture to adjust contrast, exposure values, white balance and minor color correction. Then I load the folders for batch coonversions to JPEGs.

 

I use PS to crop, add art details, convert to b&w or sepia tone (or a list of about a gazillion other actions) and sharpen.