DavidKennard

Not sure why you'd upload a RAW file to Gplus?

Even if people are uploading RAW files, surely extracting the embedded JPEG would be good enough for web size sharing, and give a result similar to...

Isn't that text Dutch, not German?

The main issue I have with GIMP is the lack of 16 bit support, adjustment layers, and smart objects. If they can get 16 bit support and node based editing it will be a real alternative to...

You could try using GIMP http://www.gimp.org/ It's free and supports layers and setting the opacity of each layer.

My suggestion would be to try the GIMP (free) and Photoshop Elements (not too expensive, 30 day free trial). Then see which one you like best.

Maybe try using a welding glass filter first (strong color cast but suitable for B&W and very cheap) to see how much you use it. There is also a no ND trick that is worth checking...

A good way (IMO) to see what your camera is capable of is to just do a flickr search and then order by 'interestingness': http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=HS20EXR&s=int In terms of your problems...

I have a folder of NEFs where the embedded JPEG previews seem to be corrupted, but the actual RAW data okay. (I didn't check all the files, but the ones I did try opened in ACR okay).I would like...