question regarding raw files and viewnx

<p>hi,<br>

I believe there's something strange happening to raw files in viewnx/capture nx2 (no matter what version). Here's the situation:<br>

Let's assume that my camera (either d200 or d700) is set to capture images in Raw + fine jpeg. Raw files may be compressed or not - doesn't matter. When I open both files in view nx - they look identical (contrast, saturation - everything). However - when I try to edit/convert the raw file using viewnx's adjustment menu (let's say I want to crop the file and press Start (<em>but don't actually do anything</em>)) - the raw image changes. It becomes somewhat more contrasty, some previously visible details in the shadows are lost, and colours shift slightly. Even if I decide not to change anything/revert all changes - the file is already different from its accompanying jpeg. same in capture nx2. No such changes occur with jpeg image when I edit it using the available adjustment options. It seems that the change is mostly affecting darker parts of the pictures and for me (I am a theatre photographer) this means fairly visible reduction in shadow details, losing even more of the the already poorly lit backgrounds. <br>

The point is - sometimes I really prefer the original look of the file, with its somewhat lower contrast and out of camera colours, all other settings adjusted in camera - that's why I use ViewNX/Capture vs. Photoshop.<br>

attached are two images illustrating the situation I am talking about. Note the increased contrast/loss of shadow detail (like wrinkles on the sleeve) in the second image. I am working with a crt monitor, which pretty well handles the entire range of tones from pure black to pure white, so for me the difference between two images is quite obvious.<br>

Is there any way to avoid this raw file change or is it the way Nikon's raw viewers/converters work? Thanks<br>

<img src="http://img189.imageshack.us/img189/3438/ma20198.jpg" alt="" width="569" height="396" /></p>

 

<p>If you have the button RAW enabled that is visible on the top-left above the image window, the RAW preview will be updated a bit after opening the file, and at that moment the selected Picture Style will be applied. If you want to keep the original colours, select the Neutral picture style.</p>

<p>I would be surprised if there are detectable colour changes in the D700 raw files, while they should happen with the D200. These changes also happen in the D60 that I own (same sensor as the D200). <br>

It turns out Nikon changed the colour processing for the 2007 generation, which you can see by comparing the colour profile options in your D700 and D200. When you process the D200 raw files in ViewNX, any other than "original" will process the colour information using the newer algorithms. Essentially, it'd be like processing the raw files using a different raw converter.<br>

<br />Finally, be aware the shadows will be more blocky and possibly slightly lighter on the JPEG due to the lossy compression applied.</p>

<p>RAW files are originally displayed with the in camera settings. It sounds like those setting are somehow being turned off and you are seeing the 'raw' raw file. I cannot duplicate what you are experiencing so this is only a guess.</p>

<p>well, it seems that wouter is right about the raw button updating the image, although I still do not understand why it works like this. I mean - all of the camera's (in this case d700) picture style settings are set to defaults, so, I would assume that view nx should see them exactly the way they come out of the camera, like in the case with jpegs? I tried that today - standard picture style, raw+jpeg. until I try to do anything with the raw file - the two are identical. if I press the raw button or change/revert change to the file - it changes. Haven't tried neutral though, but I think it will be the same. <br /> Miguel - files from d700 are changed as well. I understand that d200 did not use picture styles - but I am not changing those in PP neither for d200, nor for d700 (I prefer to set all settings in-camera, to reduce post processing steps), I simply try to do minimal adjustments to the raw file and even if I revert any changes - the file is different. <br /> If you have any spare time and interest - take a picture (raw+jpeg) of dark and contrasty scenes, where some detail is still present in the shadows, with standard in-camera PS settings. afterwards open the raw file in view nx and open the adjustments section on the right. press Start near the Crop section... Did the file change or not? Another way was suggested by wouter - simply press the raw button at the top left corner of the image window. I would be grateful for that.<br /> Maybe it is common with dark scenes only. In my case - I often underexpose the shadows, to retain detail in the brightest areas (spot-lighted faces/bodies of artists, against the dark background).<br /> <br />Elliot, maybe you are right about the compression... does that mean that view nx opens only the preview of the raw files? Cause if I convert the raw file to jpeg without any changes - it is still different from the jpeg originally taken with that raw file.</p>

<p>or, it might be some sort of bug, like the one where you open the raw file in capture nx, edit it, but cannot use the convert file command of view nx afterwards. only files edited in view nx can be converted. on the other hand - the program perfectly handles the files edited in both programs when "email" option is selected (which is a conversion as well)</p>

<p>sorry, it was Miguel, who wrote about compression... <br /> anyway, just tried it with the first raw file on hand. until I press the Raw button - it looks ok, just like I want. I press the button - it gets more contrasty. and that can be seen on an lcd as well.</p>

<p>NEF files have full size basic quality jpegs (and smaller preview images) embedded in them, even when you shoot NEF only. Since they are created in-camera, they'll look exactly like any other in-camera jpegs. Once you let NX do its thing, you'll see its interpretation of the raw data instead, which may differ from the original embedded jpeg(s) displayed initially. I'm guessing this is what you are seeing.</p>

<p>If you haven't shot a separate jpeg, it's possible to extract the embedded jpeg(s), e.g. using exiftool:<br /> http://regex.info/blog/2006-12-08/303<br /> http://owl.phy.queensu.ca/~phil/exiftool/</p>

<p>You can look at the embedded jpeg(s) by uploading a file here:<br /> http://regex.info/exif.cgi</p>

<p> </p>

<p>Hi all, <br /> I'm quite experience with digital imaging and I'm noticing this same problem with an old D200. Nikon software seems to like to change the gamma curve to the NEF files in a different way the camera does.<br /> I was curious to see if this was a problem with the newer versions of Capture NX 2, so I tried installing 2005 software to see if back in the days this same problem happen. And indeed it happened. Once the NEF files are loaded and even if you don't change a thing, the blacks get crushed. I've tried 3 different Nikon applications and they all do the same thing. So I wonder why no one else noticed this, and if there is a way to avoid it.</p>