How to Determine what Raw Software & Workflow

[Mystery member]

You all have been very helpful with your replies. I appreciate them. I had to start somewhere and your advice really opens some avenues to explore before I make the decision.

I recently purchased a new Dell laptop and am having issues just getting to view RAW images straight from a folder! I have it updated with correct download that contained the RAW viewer as well ad have the Windows RAW app. Very frustrating.

What are the specifications of your Dell? Do you have a data backup plan?

There are many programs that will allow you to browse RAW without the frustrations of Windows defaults. Also note that Windows "Photos" is best avoided, or uninstalled.

Some programs will give a confusing response when opening RAW files... A dull image, followed by a more normal looking image; the second image is an embedded JPEG that the camera has used for housekeeping operations.

BTW, I see no objection to using uppercase for RAW, particularly when discussing RAW vs. JPEG matters.

 

[davidedric]

You all have been very helpful with your replies. I appreciate them. I had to start somewhere and your advice really opens some avenues to explore before I make the decision.

I recently purchased a new Dell laptop and am having issues just getting to view RAW images straight from a folder! I have it updated with correct download that contained the RAW viewer as well ad have the Windows RAW app. Very frustrating.

What are the specifications of your Dell? Do you have a data backup plan?

There are many programs that will allow you to browse RAW without the frustrations of Windows defaults. Also note that Windows "Photos" is best avoided, or uninstalled.

Some programs will give a confusing response when opening RAW files... A dull image, followed by a more normal looking image; the second image is an embedded JPEG that the camera has used for housekeeping operations.

BTW, I see no objection to using uppercase for RAW, particularly when discussing RAW vs. JPEG matters.

RAW or raw. We all know what it means, so it doesn't matter. At all.

 

[Mystery member]

You all have been very helpful with your replies. I appreciate them. I had to start somewhere and your advice really opens some avenues to explore before I make the decision.

I recently purchased a new Dell laptop and am having issues just getting to view RAW images straight from a folder! I have it updated with correct download that contained the RAW viewer as well ad have the Windows RAW app. Very frustrating.

What are the specifications of your Dell? Do you have a data backup plan?

There are many programs that will allow you to browse RAW without the frustrations of Windows defaults. Also note that Windows "Photos" is best avoided, or uninstalled.

Some programs will give a confusing response when opening RAW files... A dull image, followed by a more normal looking image; the second image is an embedded JPEG that the camera has used for housekeeping operations.

BTW, I see no objection to using uppercase for RAW, particularly when discussing RAW vs. JPEG matters.

RAW or raw. We all know what it means, so it doesn't matter. At all.

So don't comment?

 

[davidedric]

You all have been very helpful with your replies. I appreciate them. I had to start somewhere and your advice really opens some avenues to explore before I make the decision.

I recently purchased a new Dell laptop and am having issues just getting to view RAW images straight from a folder! I have it updated with correct download that contained the RAW viewer as well ad have the Windows RAW app. Very frustrating.

What are the specifications of your Dell? Do you have a data backup plan?

There are many programs that will allow you to browse RAW without the frustrations of Windows defaults. Also note that Windows "Photos" is best avoided, or uninstalled.

Some programs will give a confusing response when opening RAW files... A dull image, followed by a more normal looking image; the second image is an embedded JPEG that the camera has used for housekeeping operations.

BTW, I see no objection to using uppercase for RAW, particularly when discussing RAW vs. JPEG matters.

RAW or raw. We all know what it means, so it doesn't matter. At all.

So don't comment?

No! I was agreeing with you! Oh dear.

 

[bobn2]

BTW, I see no objection to using uppercase for RAW, particularly when discussing RAW vs. JPEG matters.

Well, it's not a major issue but it is very irritating. 'Raw' is just an adjective. So should be written just like any other adjective. It isn't an acronym, it isn't a filename extension. Writing it in capitals just creates confusion about what the word is and what it means. Write it as 'raw' and the message is just that it is a file that hasn't been 'cooked'. Write it as 'RAW' and it suggests that it is some particular file format, which it isn't. So, when you write 'RAW', you then have to explain that 'RAW' is actually 'NEF' or 'CR2' or 'ORF'. So, why did you write 'RAW' if it was actually one of those things? In the interests of spreading least confusion, just write it as a normal adjective, which is what it is.

 

[bobn2]

You all have been very helpful with your replies. I appreciate them. I had to start somewhere and your advice really opens some avenues to explore before I make the decision.

I recently purchased a new Dell laptop and am having issues just getting to view RAW images straight from a folder! I have it updated with correct download that contained the RAW viewer as well ad have the Windows RAW app. Very frustrating.

What are the specifications of your Dell? Do you have a data backup plan?

There are many programs that will allow you to browse RAW without the frustrations of Windows defaults. Also note that Windows "Photos" is best avoided, or uninstalled.

Some programs will give a confusing response when opening RAW files... A dull image, followed by a more normal looking image; the second image is an embedded JPEG that the camera has used for housekeeping operations.

BTW, I see no objection to using uppercase for RAW, particularly when discussing RAW vs. JPEG matters.

RAW or raw. We all know what it means, so it doesn't matter. At all.

It matters. A bit. Because if you write 'RAW' people wrongly think it's a file format, or a file extension. People are enough confused about what a raw file is in any case.

 

[MyReality]

I shoot Jpegs+RAW, but edit the jpegs with Photoshop elements and use the RAW's as backups. It is nonsense to say jpegs can not be edit well enough to make 20x30 prints that sell(I have). Photo content will trump PP every time.

Ken Rockwell says he only shoots Jpegs and edits them. He has done well enough to get published, sell to clients like Disneyland with relatively inexpensive equipment and win contests.

Editing RAW's is more of a crapshoot, because there are so many different subjective opinions of what is a "proper" PP "development". All the results are correct, because it is art, until you show it to another PP'r. I am sure there is a person doing post processing on this forum who thinks he could have done better than Ansel Adams.

 

[BrownieVet]

Re: How to Determine what Raw Software & Workflow

Since you have D859, Z6 & Z7, what do you currently use to view the shots you have taken?
You specified Raw software, do you only shot in raw?
I don't know if Nikon still provide DVD with every high-end camera they sell. Mine came with two DVD (for each DSLR) one DVD is Nikon Capture and Nikon View. Both can also be downloaded for FREE.

 

[davidedric]

You all have been very helpful with your replies. I appreciate them. I had to start somewhere and your advice really opens some avenues to explore before I make the decision.

I recently purchased a new Dell laptop and am having issues just getting to view RAW images straight from a folder! I have it updated with correct download that contained the RAW viewer as well ad have the Windows RAW app. Very frustrating.

What are the specifications of your Dell? Do you have a data backup plan?

There are many programs that will allow you to browse RAW without the frustrations of Windows defaults. Also note that Windows "Photos" is best avoided, or uninstalled.

Some programs will give a confusing response when opening RAW files... A dull image, followed by a more normal looking image; the second image is an embedded JPEG that the camera has used for housekeeping operations.

BTW, I see no objection to using uppercase for RAW, particularly when discussing RAW vs. JPEG matters.

RAW or raw. We all know what it means, so it doesn't matter. At all.

It matters. A bit. Because if you write 'RAW' people wrongly think it's a file format, or a file extension. People are enough confused about what a raw file is in any case.

Well, maybe a bit. In my opinion, raw started out life as a regular adjective but has since acquired a more specialised meaning in these circles. So, if I had to opt for one or the other I think I'd go for RAW to reflect that, but I'm not consistent (but then, Emerson wrote that a "foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds.........", so what is foolish?)

 

[ericbowles]

You all have been very helpful with your replies. I appreciate them. I had to start somewhere and your advice really opens some avenues to explore before I make the decision.

I recently purchased a new Dell laptop and am having issues just getting to view RAW images straight from a folder! I have it updated with correct download that contained the RAW viewer as well ad have the Windows RAW APP. Very frustrating.

I also downloaded Nikon NXD and started to play around with that to get my feet wet.

One step at a time!

You need to download the Nikon Codec from the Nikon software page. It will allow Windows to read your RAW file thumbnails and display them.

Capture NX-D is a good choice. It's not a great browser, but it does let you see an image with the same camera settings you would have to produce a JPEG in the camera. The Control Points are terrific - especially if you place "neutral" control point in areas you don't want to change with another control point.

As you've probably noticed, Capture NX-D lacks training and support. That's the big differential across software programs. When you choose an editing program, it's likely to take 100 hours or more to be proficient. That's why trial versions of software are pretty pointless unless you have been using other versions.

For any program you are considering, look first at what training is available. Look for free training, books, and videos. Consider videos to understand a few common tasks like "editing dark images" or "removing dust spots" in your specific software program. Then look at the number of posts here or other places where people have questions and get feedback and answers.

My suggestion is to choose Lightroom with the Photographer's bundle unless you have a compelling reason otherwise. It's by far the most popular program - more than twice the share of all competitors combined. While there may be things Lightroom can't do, they are few and far between.

 

[ShootMeAlready]

Keeping it simple.

Use the Nikon freeware, until you master it, and realize there is more you want to do.

Lightroom, is good for batch processing. Think like sets of pictures requiring similar fixes (white balance, hue adjust, shadow removal). It really shines there. If you have a profile that works, and if you shoot flat, and want advantage of computer processing instead of the limited in camera controls.

Occassionally you will want to fix more. Like when I travel and I am on a tour, and some ignorant so and so, decides to stand beside a monument, and you cant completely shoot around them. Then you will need photoshop. You can cut them out, and even recreate parts you never got in the pic.. If you shoot HDR and want to have different exposure/highlights in different parts of the same picture you will want photoshop. Basically any adjustment with great precision to well defined areas of pixels you will want photoshop.

If you find yourself needing to spend lots of time on Lightroom, or Photoshop then I would suggest work on your technique, as getting the right exposure, focus point, white balance, and framing will save hours of recreation/adjusment in software tools.

But you did mention Z6, to that end ... raw video ... that's an entire different set of tools, but really with the same end. I have used Adobe PPro & AE, and Resolve/Fusion, but neither does Z6 raw presently. FCX ??? perhaps if you dine on Apples.

-------------------------------------
"Shoot Long and Prosper"

 

[bobn2]

You all have been very helpful with your replies. I appreciate them. I had to start somewhere and your advice really opens some avenues to explore before I make the decision.

I recently purchased a new Dell laptop and am having issues just getting to view RAW images straight from a folder! I have it updated with correct download that contained the RAW viewer as well ad have the Windows RAW app. Very frustrating.

What are the specifications of your Dell? Do you have a data backup plan?

There are many programs that will allow you to browse RAW without the frustrations of Windows defaults. Also note that Windows "Photos" is best avoided, or uninstalled.

Some programs will give a confusing response when opening RAW files... A dull image, followed by a more normal looking image; the second image is an embedded JPEG that the camera has used for housekeeping operations.

BTW, I see no objection to using uppercase for RAW, particularly when discussing RAW vs. JPEG matters.

RAW or raw. We all know what it means, so it doesn't matter. At all.

It matters. A bit. Because if you write 'RAW' people wrongly think it's a file format, or a file extension. People are enough confused about what a raw file is in any case.

Well, maybe a bit. In my opinion, raw started out life as a regular adjective but has since acquired a more specialised meaning in these circles. So, if I had to opt for one or the other I think I'd go for RAW to reflect that, but I'm not consistent (but then, Emerson wrote that a "foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds.........", so what is foolish?)

How does 'RAW' express this 'more specialist meaning'?

 

[davidedric]

You all have been very helpful with your replies. I appreciate them. I had to start somewhere and your advice really opens some avenues to explore before I make the decision.

I recently purchased a new Dell laptop and am having issues just getting to view RAW images straight from a folder! I have it updated with correct download that contained the RAW viewer as well ad have the Windows RAW app. Very frustrating.

What are the specifications of your Dell? Do you have a data backup plan?

There are many programs that will allow you to browse RAW without the frustrations of Windows defaults. Also note that Windows "Photos" is best avoided, or uninstalled.

Some programs will give a confusing response when opening RAW files... A dull image, followed by a more normal looking image; the second image is an embedded JPEG that the camera has used for housekeeping operations.

BTW, I see no objection to using uppercase for RAW, particularly when discussing RAW vs. JPEG matters.

RAW or raw. We all know what it means, so it doesn't matter. At all.

It matters. A bit. Because if you write 'RAW' people wrongly think it's a file format, or a file extension. People are enough confused about what a raw file is in any case.

Well, maybe a bit. In my opinion, raw started out life as a regular adjective but has since acquired a more specialised meaning in these circles. So, if I had to opt for one or the other I think I'd go for RAW to reflect that, but I'm not consistent (but then, Emerson wrote that a "foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds.........", so what is foolish?)

How does 'RAW' express this 'more specialist meaning'?

It does to me. Chacun son goût.

 

[Iliah Borg]

You all have been very helpful with your replies. I appreciate them. I had to start somewhere and your advice really opens some avenues to explore before I make the decision.

I recently purchased a new Dell laptop and am having issues just getting to view RAW images straight from a folder! I have it updated with correct download that contained the RAW viewer as well ad have the Windows RAW app. Very frustrating.

What are the specifications of your Dell? Do you have a data backup plan?

There are many programs that will allow you to browse RAW without the frustrations of Windows defaults. Also note that Windows "Photos" is best avoided, or uninstalled.

Some programs will give a confusing response when opening RAW files... A dull image, followed by a more normal looking image; the second image is an embedded JPEG that the camera has used for housekeeping operations.

BTW, I see no objection to using uppercase for RAW, particularly when discussing RAW vs. JPEG matters.

JPEG is a standard format, raw is not a format at all. Raw is just a generic name. Raw isn't even a sensor dump, or "uncooked sensor data". Raw means that the data is not yet rendered for viewing and that the data is still open to interpretation.

Raw became capitalized because of file systems earlier cameras were running internally and older in-camera displays technologies.

By the way, there is no reason raw files can't be using JPEG coding, and some do.

 

[BrownieVet]

Re: How to Determine what Raw Software & Workflow

Read ShootMeAlready's post (near end of this forum) regarding Nikon Capture.

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www.dpreview.com

Reinforcing "ShootMeAlready", I cut my post-processing teeth with Nikon Capture and Nikon View. Both can be used for Jpeg and NEF with Capture better suited for NEF while View, for Jpeg.
.

You all have been very helpful with your replies. I appreciate them. I had to start somewhere and your advice really opens some avenues to explore before I make the decision.

I recently purchased a new Dell laptop and am having issues just getting to view RAW images straight from a folder! I have it updated with correct download that contained the RAW viewer as well ad have the Windows RAW APP. Very frustrating.

I also downloaded Nikon NXD and started to play around with that to get my feet wet.

One step at a time!

 

[BrownieVet]

Down the road when you want to do more beyond the capabilities of Capture and View, I suggest you take advantage of the FREE trials for Affinity Photo, Luminar 3.0, and Pictorial 3.0. If you want Digital Asset Management (DAM), try Luminar 4.0 and Pictorial 4.0, which, of course are more expensive. Affinity Photo has companion DAM which could be purchased separately. These three product are ONE-Time purchase. Incremental updates are free but you have to pay for major update, at discounted price.

 

[BrownieVet]

There are numerous FREE post processing software. While I downloaded and tried three or four, I did not bother going beyond the basics, hence, am not qualified to comment one way or the other.

.
CAVEAT: Check the (computer system) requirements for the software before downloading / purchasing. Affinity Photo, Luminar and Pictorial works better in my Apple than in my Windows 10 machines. I use Apple almost exclusively.

.

 

[BrownieVet]

As for workflow, it is a matter of individual preferences, IMHO.

To me, workflow is not as simple as many professes. Consider the cost of software, computer capabilities, peripherals (external drives), off-site storage, DAM, dedication & discipline to implementation, level of computer competency.

 

[BISCUT]

You all have been very helpful with your replies. I appreciate them. I had to start somewhere and your advice really opens some avenues to explore before I make the decision.

I recently purchased a new Dell laptop and am having issues just getting to view RAW images straight from a folder! I have it updated with correct download that contained the RAW viewer as well ad have the Windows RAW app. Very frustrating.

What are the specifications of your Dell? Do you have a data backup plan?

There are many programs that will allow you to browse RAW without the frustrations of Windows defaults. Also note that Windows "Photos" is best avoided, or uninstalled.

Some programs will give a confusing response when opening RAW files... A dull image, followed by a more normal looking image; the second image is an embedded JPEG that the camera has used for housekeeping operations.

BTW, I see no objection to using uppercase for RAW, particularly when discussing RAW vs. JPEG matters.

XPS 57590 Intel I9 1TB SSD 32GB DDR4 NVIDIA 4GB card

The confusing response is exactly what I am receiving!! I would like to simply dump the Windows (or Dell installed) photo viewer. I have about 18k images stored in multiples folders like this....

PHOTOS folder on desktop opens to...

2015 which opens to further subfolders like Cape Cod and under that would be further subfolders for underwater camera D850 etc...or titled for specific events.

My last laptop was a 2014 IIRC Samsung where I had it set that I could simply open a folder (RAW of JPEG) and view it. I have mostly JPEG but started shooting RAW last year and am beginning to explore what's next.

 

[BISCUT]

Re: How to Determine what Raw Software & Workflow

Since you have D859, Z6 & Z7, what do you currently use to view the shots you have taken?
You specified Raw software, do you only shot in raw?
I don't know if Nikon still provide DVD with every high-end camera they sell. Mine came with two DVD (for each DSLR) one DVD is Nikon Capture and Nikon View. Both can also be downloaded for FREE.

The vast majority of about 18k images I currently have stored are JPEG. I recently started shooting RAW. No DVD's came with the camera bodies. I did download Nikon NXD to start learning some basic editing and how that program works.