First off, I'm using a D40...

I'd really like to start using the raw format for all the photography I do. The problem is that after installing the NEF codec on my computer, not all programs respond properly. I can view the images in full resolution (3008x2000) in the windows browser. I generally use the batch features of XnView to resize an entire directory (not overwriting the originals) for upload to my gallery, but for some reason this program is only seeing a very limited resolution compared to what the photo actually is when using NEF.

With my fine JPG files, I use a resize script that resizes them to 35% of the original size which gives me roughly 1050x700 resolution for upload. With the NEF files this particular program is only seeing them at a little less than HALF the original resolution and is resizing them to WAY smaller than 1050x700.

First of all: Is this a normal problem to be having?

Second: If only some programs can do this properly, what is some good, free software than would have the ability to batch resize an entire directory of NEFs to 35% and save them as 100% quality JPG files? Can the Nikon provided software do this properly? Assuming I want to do some editing of the source images, barring spending loads of money on photoshop, what can you suggest? I have Paint Shop Pro 8 and X, but i don't think either of them support NEF. I haven't checked yet though.

Thanks for any help you all can give!

First off, I'm using a D40...

I'd really like to start using the raw format for all the photography I do. The problem is that after installing the NEF codec on my computer, not all programs respond properly. I can view the images in full resolution (3008x2000) in the windows browser. I generally use the batch features of XnView to resize an entire directory (not overwriting the originals) for upload to my gallery, but for some reason this program is only seeing a very limited resolution compared to what the photo actually is when using NEF.

With my fine JPG files, I use a resize script that resizes them to 35% of the original size which gives me roughly 1050x700 resolution for upload. With the NEF files this particular program is only seeing them at a little less than HALF the original resolution and is resizing them to WAY smaller than 1050x700.

First of all: Is this a normal problem to be having?

Second: If only some programs can do this properly, what is some good, free software than would have the ability to batch resize an entire directory of NEFs to 35% and save them as 100% quality JPG files? Can the Nikon provided software do this properly? Assuming I want to do some editing of the source images, barring spending loads of money on photoshop, what can you suggest? I have Paint Shop Pro 8 and X, but i don't think either of them support NEF. I haven't checked yet though.

Thanks for any help you all can give!

I have Paintshop Pro XI. It can treat NEF, sure. The results (at least on my D200) are AWFUL. Colour casts, lots of noise. I've never tried the NEF plugin for Photoshop but most of the reports I've read on it aren't good.

You want a tool which treats your NEF files correctly? Buy Nikon NX. Nikon know how to treat NEF files. I have Nikon Capture (predecessor of NX) but I don't think it supports the D40.

Charles

Charles

Thanks for the info. I've been doing a lot of reading as well and it looks like the difference between Fine, Large JPG and RAW isn't near as significant as I assumed it was. I *MAY* just stick with JPG.

I did discover the NX software as well, so that very well may be an option for me, assuming it's within my price range.

Thanks again!

looks like the difference between Fine, Large JPG and RAW isn't near as significant as I assumed it was

Some ways yes, some ways no. If the shot is captured correctly (white balance and exposure are good), then you really won't gain much. In some situations where you need to edit a bit more it's nice to have a RAW or NEF file to work with. Don't think of these files as a way to fix mistakes, but there are more editing options. The best capture possible will give you the best final results, however you shoot.

Thanks for the info. I've been doing a lot of reading as well and it looks like the difference between Fine, Large JPG and RAW isn't near as significant as I assumed it was. I *MAY* just stick with JPG.

I did discover the NX software as well, so that very well may be an option for me, assuming it's within my price range.

Thanks again!

Originally I shot only JPG in my D70. I found that I didn't have enough control. There were too many cases where the highlights burnt out or the exposure was out or the light balance, and when I tried to correct it in an editor (Photoshop Elements) it looked harsh and ugly because you've only got 8 bits per channel to play with instead of the 12 you have in RAW.

So I bought Nikon Capture (predecessor of NX) and all of a sudden I could control everything with great precision and even get back those washed-out highlights. I didn't need Photoshop any more except to make manipulated images like composites or calendars.

Now I have the D200 as well I still shoot RAW but I've noticed that the JPG is much closer to perfection than the ones from the D70. Most of the time I make tiny 0.3 stop adjustments and that's it. I believe that the D40 has the image processing engine from the D200 so you may find that the JPG's are good enough for you.

Charles