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michael_rubin1

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Posts posted by michael_rubin1

    Using Nikon Capture NX-2 and Lightroom 2 together?

    in The Digital Darkroom: Process, Technique & Printing

    Posted

    <p>Hi there,<br>

    I've read some speculative and unfortunately misinformation in this thread. Due to confidentiality agreements the most I can say is that the support of Picture Controls in LR is no accident.<br>

    As far as Capture NX 2, it has improved in functionality and we are working on batch functions as I type this.<br>

    I would recommend you try Nikon ViewNX--a no-charge RAW processor and browser which allows you to make mass changes in RAW to hundreds of images and features 90% of Capture NX 2 controls and 100% of in-camera settings. The engine is the same as Capture NX 2. Further it can make the changes (including XMP inside the NEF) and output JPEG & TIF faster than ANY other RAW processor from start to finish (finish being 16 bit TIFFs or 8 bit TIFF or JPEG files).<br>

    Best,<br>

    Michael<br>

    mrubin@nikon.net<br>

    P.S. The non-destructive selective editing and masking of NX 2 is well worth the price.</p>

    <p> </p>

    Nikon Capture NX and the Art of Sharpening

    in Nikon

    Posted

    NO! NO! NO! NO! NO!

     

    Please bare with me and my rant.

     

    NEVER turn in-camera sharpening off. That is part of the problem with your soft images.

     

    Eric Hyman (of Bibble) and I explained this on another forum a few months ago.

     

    The in-camera sharpening-regardless of brand-is essential to your image capture.

     

    All digital SLR cameras (not just Nikon) today have what is called an Optical Low Pass Filter; this filter sits on the sensor. It is designed to reduce moire patterns (curved lines that appear that are caused by intersecting near perpendicular straight lines).

     

    These filters slightly soften the image. The in-camera sharpening is designed to counter that softening during the raw processing. So if you have a JPEG, keep it on. If you have a RAW file-keep it on too.

     

    The settings you use are up to you, but since you shoot RAW, you can change them later; the advantage of having it on is:

     

    a) your images will be sharp even when RAW out of the camera.

    b) you will save time as you won't have to turn on in-camera sharpening or change as many settings later when you convert or print the image

     

    Now as far as sharpening with Unsharp Mask (USM) or High-Pass (my personal favorite since it sharpens Luminance (lightness) rather than color, should be done last, before JPEG conversion, after any resizing and before any printing.

     

    But please do not confuse In-Camera Sharpening (Base Adjustments in Capture NX; in camera setting for the actual camera model) with sharpening for output.

     

    These are 2 completely separate processes.

     

    In-Camera sharpening should be done and should be first.

     

    Output sharpening should be done last.

     

     

    Personally I use lower In-Camera sharpening for portraits, higher for more detailed or high contrast subjects (unless I want to reduce contrast).

     

    I hope this clarifies this misinformation on the Internet.

     

     

    Best,

     

    Michael Rubin, Nikon Inc.

     

    mrubin (at) nikon (dot) net

    Does the EH-5 AC Power Adapter still exist?

    in Nikon

    Posted

    Hi Javan,

     

    I can only answer for the U.S. Market which I am responsible for.

     

    We are awaiting a shipment of EH-5's right now to fulfill existing orders. If you don't have an order in now for one, you may not get one.

     

    It will come to the end of its life shortly and will be replaced by the EH-5a in the U.S. market.

     

    The EH-5a works with the new D300 and will work with the D100. It is slightly smaller and will cost about the same, probably exactly the same price as the current EH-5 in the U.S.

     

    I cannot speak for any other markets or regions.

     

    Best,

     

    Michael Rubin, Nikon Inc.

     

    mrubin (at) nikon (dot) net

    Problem with Capture NX

    in Nikon

    Posted

    Hi David,

     

    First I want to make sure you have version 1.2 installed.

     

    Second, please run an uninstall of Capture NX, be sure to remove Cache files when you run the uninstall.

     

    Third, Reboot.

     

    Fourth, Reinstall version 1.2

     

    Finally, let me know how it works. If you are in the U.S. you can call 800-Nikon-UX and ask to elevate the call.

     

    Feel free to contact me: mrubin (at) nikon (dot) net

     

    Best,

     

    Michael Rubin

    Nikon Inc. (US)

    mrubin (at) nikon (dot) net

    Capture NX with Nikon Coolscan "NEF" files?

    in The Digital Darkroom: Process, Technique & Printing

    Posted

    Please allow me to add some clarity.

     

    A "NEF" file is not necessarily a RAW file. All Nikon RAW files are, however, NEF files.

     

    NEF=Nikon Electronic Format.

     

    The architecture of said file format is a base image (comprised of either RAW, JPEG or TIF data) plus a single or multiple instruction sets.

     

    Many Nikon Digital Cameras produce RAW data (mostly); Nikon Scanners do not. Nikon Scan NEF files are just TIFs with additional instructions (any of the post-scan applications such as levels and curves); a Nikon Scan NEF is designed so that in Nikon Scan, you could go back and make quick changes to your settings.

     

    If you open a Nikon Scan NEF in Capture NX, it is treated as a TIF plus instructions (if you had a levels and curves adjustment it should populate in the Base Adjustments); you won't be able to adjust exposure or white balance because neither of these are post-scan functions.

     

    I hope that makes it a little more clear.

     

    Nikon Capture from at least version 3 onwards to NX allows JPEGs & TIF files to be saved as NEF files with the instruction sets appended. What has changed radically in Capture NX from prior versions are all of the additional tools and adjustments that Capture NX offers. As such the non-destructive nature of a NEF file really goes a long way with a JPEF or TIF file in Capture NX.

     

    Best,

     

    Michael

     

    mrubin (at) nikon (dot) net

    Capture NX on DVD

    in Nikon

    Posted

    Having watched all 3, I think the first 2 discs are best on a TV as many have already said.

     

    Disc 3 is the real hands on (screen on? pen on?) and is best for following along and pausing. That is shot at actual res.

     

    Michael Rubin, Nikon Inc.

     

    mrubin (at) nikon (dot) net

    BGLOD Problem on my D70s

    in Nikon

    Posted

    Hi Sam,

     

    Good catch.

     

    If it is indeed a D70s, then it is a completely different problem and requires service-or it could be an incompatible card.

     

    Since it was refurbished, it only carries a 90 day warranty to the original purchaser. I'd recommend contacting the dealer who sold it.

     

    Best,

     

    Michael

    How much RAM does Nikon Capture NX *really* need?

    in The Digital Darkroom: Process, Technique & Printing

    Posted

    Here is an excerpt of what I posted in another thread:

     

    These tests were done by Nikon B.V. (Europe) and published in "Nikon Pro" magazine, April 2007 Edition, which is only available in Europe.

     

    They compare a Pentium 4 HT 2.6 GHz with 1 GB vs. 2 GB vs. Pentium Core 2 Duo E6600, 2GB RAM, Radeon(which coincidentally I use for all my trade show demonstrations (with 2GB and no HT) except MacWorld)

     

    The following is Copyright Cedar Communications Ltd. 2007 from Nikon Pro Magazine 2007, Author: Michael Burnhill:

     

    Test PC 1: Dell Dimension 8300-Intel Pentium 4 HT 2.6 GHz, 1 GB RAM, Radeon Graphics Card

     

    Test PC 2: Same as above with 2 GB

     

    Test PC 3: Dell Dimension 9200-Intel Pentium Core 2 Duo E6600, 2 GB RAM, Radeon Graphics Card

     

    Open NX: PC1: 20 sec.; PC2: 15 Sec.; PC3: 5 Sec.

     

    Open 1 D200 NEF: PC1: 9 Sec; PC2: 8.4 Sec.; PC3: 2.2 Sec.

     

    Open 10 D200 NEF: PC1: 1.47 Minutes; PC2: 1.24 Minutes; PC3: 35 Seconds

     

    Save NEF as NEF: PC1: 1.3 Sec.; PC2: 1 Sec; PC3: 0.8 Sec.

     

    Batch process 100 D200 NEFs to JPEG with Sharpening: PC1: Not Tested; PC2: 27.32 Min. PC3: 9.55 Min.

     

    -------------------------------

     

    As you can see, speed changes radically as memory is increased and with faster processors. Personally I think this mirrors the Mac G4 vs. G5 vs. Intel pretty well in my own personal experience.

     

    Feel free to ask me any questions or post here.

     

    Michael D. Rubin Sr. Manager, Product & Software Nikon Inc. (US) mrubin (at) nikon (dot) net

    BGLOD Problem on my D70s

    in Nikon

    Posted

    Ben,

     

    If you are in the U.S. and the camera is U.S. warranted, please follow the link posted by Michael S. and follow the instructions to send the camera in for service.

     

    If you are outside the U.S., please check with your local distributor.

     

    Please follow the instructions exactly as they are written and refer to the FAQ for more details.

     

    Thank you,

     

    Michael D. Rubin

    Nikon Inc. (US)

    mrubin (at) nikon (dot) net

    Best Raw Converter for My Needs

    in Nikon

    Posted

    Hi DH,

     

    I'll try to answer as succinctly and honestly as I can but first can you provide some more details...

     

    What computer: Processor(s), Memory (RAM), Storage (1 drive, 2, capacities, etc.)

     

    Do you have a USB 2 port and a spare CompactFlash or SD Card of 1GB or greater?

     

    -----------

     

    Now some quick tips/news/etc. on Capture NX...

     

    We are, as always, working on the next update where speed is further increased. The early Beta I am running on My PowerBook G4 1.67 GHz, 2GB RAM is running considerably faster in all operations.

     

    The current version is 1.1-please upgrade if you have not already-it has a big speed increase since 1.0 and 1.0.1.

     

    I strongly recommend 2GB RAM, regardless of OS/Processor. Sorry if that is a RAM upgrade suggestion but we are dealing with file sizes (16 bit decompressed) of roughly 60 MB for a D80/D200, 72 MB for a single D2Xs image. When you consider that XP and OS X typically grab 512 MB-1 GB of RAM just to run (if you run 512 MB, your hard drive takes a beating with lots of swap files), 1.5 GB-2 GB is truly the minimum to do heavy processing.

     

    Everytime you make NEF adjustments you have to decompress and re-render each step as if it was in the camera. Thus the quality. That is why, whenever possible, I don't adjust Base Adjustments (NEF/RAW Adjustments) unless I absolutely have to. This saves the majority of time.

     

    I strongly recommend using a second drive for temp and cache files; that is where even a USB 2 or FireWire card reader and 1GB or larger memory card can be used. This alone will increase overall operation.

     

    I shoot RAW + JPG on a D2Xs primarily; I only edit my RAW files as needed and archive them all to DVD and a network storage area. If I am shooting sports, or any time-critical event, I shoot JPG Fine and make any necessary tweaks in NX. I try to get my best exposure possible no matter whether I am shooting NEF or JPG. I let Auto-Sharpness run as well as AUTO-Tone. Further, I use noise reduction on higher-ISO.

     

    All of these steps in NEF reduce the editing time I spend on any image; on JPEGs I trust the camera to do its job.

     

    ============================

     

    Now I'll give you an idea of speeds on a Windows XP SP2 setup...

     

    These tests were done by Nikon B.V. (Europe) and published in "Nikon Pro" magazine, April 2007 Edition, which is only available in Europe.

     

    They compare a Pentium 4 HT 2.6 GHz with 1 GB vs. 2 GB vs. Pentium Core 2 Duo E6600, 2GB RAM, Radeon(which coincidentally I use for all my trade show demonstrations (with 2GB and no HT) except MacWorld)

     

    The following is Copyright Cedar Communications Ltd. 2007 from Nikon Pro Magazine 2007, Author: Michael Burnhill:

     

    Test PC 1: Dell Dimension 8300-Intel Pentium 4 HT 2.6 GHz, 1 GB RAM, Radeon Graphics Card

     

    Test PC 2: Same as above with 2 GB

     

    Test PC 3: Dell Dimension 9200-Intel Pentium Core 2 Duo E6600, 2 GB RAM, Radeon Graphics Card

     

     

    Open NX: PC1: 20 sec.; PC2: 15 Sec.; PC3: 5 Sec.

     

    Open 1 D200 NEF: PC1: 9 Sec; PC2: 8.4 Sec.; PC3: 2.2 Sec.

     

    Open 10 D200 NEF: PC1: 1.47 Minutes; PC2: 1.24 Minutes; PC3: 35 Seconds

     

    Save NEF as NEF: PC1: 1.3 Sec.; PC2: 1 Sec; PC3: 0.8 Sec.

     

    Batch process 100 D200 NEFs to JPEG with Sharpening:

    PC1: Not Tested; PC2: 27.32 Min. PC3: 9.55 Min.

     

     

    -------------------------------

     

    As you can see, speed changes radically as memory is increased and with faster processors. Personally I think this mirrors the Mac G4 vs. G5 vs. Intel pretty well in my own personal experience.

     

     

     

    Feel free to ask me any questions or post here.

     

     

    Michael D. Rubin

    Sr. Manager, Product & Software

    Nikon Inc. (US)

    mrubin (at) nikon (dot) net

    Nikon Capture NX / Photoship CS2 / Photoshop Element

    in Nikon

    Posted

    Hi Mike,

     

    I run both NX & CS2 om my PowerMac G4 and my Pentium 4 2.8GHz single processor.

     

    The PC is slow due to 512MB RAM but the Mac they both work fine together, CS2.

     

    Both want memory but they will co-exist-just a lot of swap drive action...

     

    What machine do you have? It may just take a memory upgrade to make it fly-although with today's prices for new PCs, sometimes memory cost as much as a new one!

     

    Best,

     

    Michael

     

    mrubin (at) nikon (dot) net

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