Nikon Capture NX vs. Photoshop CS3

[Volvofally]

Hi all,

Other than price, what's the major differences between these two software packages? I'm very much the amateur/hobby photographer, but I also believe in making my amateur pictures look professional :P

Could anyone explain what the best features are of each? Is there a lesser grade Photoshop program that would be better to start with that wouldn't leave me frustrated wanting to do "neat" effects and overall nice photos? What about Photoshop Elements 6.0? I want to be able to work with RAW images and the NEF file extensions too.

I currently run a D80 (not that this should matter). OH...and on eBay, I noticed there is a "retail" version of CS3 and also an "extended" version. The extended version appears to go for $150-200 more than the "retail" version. Is there really a difference in the program that would be detrimental for a photographer not to have vs. retail?

Thank you,

Fally

[Medley]

For where you're at right now, I'd look at either Elements 6.0 or Capture NX. If all you want to do is make the most of the photos you're taking, either of these should be fine. I've heard a lot of good things about Capture, but being a Canon user have never used the software. However, from what I understand, Capture and Elements are roughly equivalent.

While a full version of Photoshop would give you the most flexibility, it adds tools and features that most photographers don't need or use too often, and makes the learning process that much more complicated. That was the original theory behind Elements- take the most-used features and combine them in a less expensive package.

One thing that Elements (and Photoshop itself) has going for it is that it is the current industry standard. A lot of the best after-market software is written as add-ons for PS and Elements. For example, what I consider to be the best enlargement software out there is currently designed to run only as a PS/PSE add-on.

- Joe U.

[Volvofally]

Can Elements 6.0 effectively work the .NEF (raw) files? or is it as simple as downloading an add-on to be able to use this file format? Do the add-ons also add-on cost to this product?

Thanks,

Fally

[Medley]

Elements 6.0 is more than capable of converting your raw files. Though the raw converter side of Elements needs to be updated from time to time to accommodate new camera models, I would be surprised if it didn't convert D80 files out of the box. Besides, updates for the raw converter are free.

There are free add-ons, but most add-ons are created by companies that charge for their product. Where add-ons are concerned, the old adage rings true: you get what you pay for.

Are you aware that Adobe offers a 30-day free trial for Elements 6? Here's the link to the download: http://www.adobe.com/products/psprel...?promoid=BONRJ

Hope this helps.

- Joe U.

[Frog]

I'm a D80 man and have photoshop elements 5. Its more than I need and I can't even figure out what the cs3 programs must offer to make them that appealing.
I don't think I need the upgrade to 6 but when it gets to 7 or 8 I might consider it.
For elements 5 I had to get a plugin(free) for working with raw files but 6 should have it built in as it came out after the D80.
I tried the free version of NX but never got used to it, probably because I was used to the photoshop format.

[Len J]

Capture NX will convert your Raw images preserving the in-camera settings. It also is the best raw converter for NEF's...bar none.

The one tool I wish it had that it doesn't is the clone tool.

Control points make area modification a snap & are very cleaver.

The interface is hard to get used to if you are used to photoshop, but otherwise is pretty straightforward.

NX is a resource hog, but if you have enough memory & clear your cache frequently it's fine. It is not as good as either elements or CS3 at batch processung.

I use NX for 98% of what I do (For my raw D200 images)....I love it.

Len