How to open RAW files taken with a nikon D3000?

Question

My girlfriend just got this camera for Christmas but she cannot figure out how to open the NEF/RAW files on her computer. She claims the software that came with the camera will only allow her to transfer pictures to the computer and that's it.

So what is the best route to take to view and edit these files? Prefer a free way or a software that is good and for a decent price. I've seen people say certain photoshop versions can open it with extensions. But I don't see the point in paying hundreds for software just to have to pay for the extensions too.

Answer 1

The software that comes with the D3000 should be able to open RAW files. Otherwise, Microsoft has a RAW viewer for XP here....



http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyId=D48E808E-B10D-4CE4-A141-5866FD4A3286&displaylang=en



And this will also work (and is free)



http://www.irfanview.com/

Answer 2

If you do not already own Adobe Photoshop or Adboe Elements then I would get one of those programs. Element is only about $80? Both of these programs have plug-ins and if they can not open the Nikon D3000 RAW files then you just go to Adobe.com and download the latest "camera RAW" plug-in file and install the update to your Adobe Photoshop or Element software and you are on your way.



Hope this helps.



Mark

Answer 3

This was long a sticking point about Nikon DSLRS...Capture NX2 is their native NEF/RAW editing software but, only a trial license is included in the purchase of their cameras. The software must otherwise be purchased separately at additional cost. As for free editing software, you may want to see if Google's Picasa has been updated to support the Nikon D3000. It's not as advanced as Capture NX2, Photoshop or Photoshop Elements but, you can certainly crop and tweak your photos easily in addition to applying special effects. Google's Picasa photo sharing site is also integrated into the software.

Answer 4

The installation disk should also have a copy of ViewNX. If not, you can download this from Nikon's site for free.

http://support.nikontech.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/61

This will allow you to save the image out as a JPEG or TIFF (16-bit or 8-bit per color). I believe it has rudimentary editing features like level control.



Unfortunately, Nikon wants you to buy CaptureNX for $150. It is a horrible piece of software. Better to buy Photoshop Elements for $80 and use the included Adobe Camera Raw to manipulate the raw formatted images.



If you want to edit raw, you need a good program. Adobe Camera Raw is very good. To take advantage of raw format, you also need a 16-bit image editor like Photoshop or The Gimp. ACR will only take you so far in editing. The Gimp is free, but not a pleasant user experience compared to Photoshop.



Unless you really need to shoot in raw mode, shoot in JPEG. You can still edit JPEG images, but you won't have the latitude of a 16-bit raw image. If all this sounds like mumbo jumbo, you really shouldn't be shooting raw until you understand the work flow of raw image processing.

Answer 5

I am fairly sure your gf can't find the right software on the disk that the camera came with... all manufacturers include an application that lets you open, tweak and save RAW files into JPEG format. i don't know what Nikon calls that software as I shoot with a Sony, but put the CD that came with the camera into your laptop/desktop, look around what apps it has, and install them... there is a program that will let you deal with it... D3000 is made to be a "beginner friendly" camera, they would never exclude RAW-software out of the box or no one would ever buy it, just look for it better...

Answer 6

There are some files that require a plug-in that you need to buy but RAW is not one of them. Photoshop will open RAW files. You can always buy the Elements version for about $60.