Color correction: Photoshop vs. Nikon software

[BrianFoster]

I've been using Photoshop to do auto levels and/or auto contrast on all my shots before printing. (I'm shooting with a Nikon D70s). Most of the time this minor step results in a big improvement.

Any difference in the quality of color correction between Photoshop vs. the Nikon software? Should I spend the $100 for the Nikon software? Any feedback appreciated.

--Brian

[another view]

I've never used Nikon's software for editing, but I'd stick with Photoshop. It's the standard of the industry. Because of this, there are tons of books and DVD's about how to do things in Photoshop and that really isn't true of any other editing program.

[Franglais]

I've never used Nikon's software for editing, but I'd stick with Photoshop. It's the standard of the industry. Because of this, there are tons of books and DVD's about how to do things in Photoshop and that really isn't true of any other editing program.

For me there are two different actions - the basic post-production correction that you do on almost any image to make it look right, and deliberate modifications to put a happy face on someone who was frowning (for example).

I only use Nikon Capture to correct the RAW files I get from my D70. It's made by the camera manufacturer to go with the camera and it really works extremely well. You can do a lot with it.

I use Photoshop (rarely) to modify the corrected images using calques etc. This is what Photoshop does extremely well.

Charles

[OldSchool]

that it applies all the in-camera settings to your image (sharpness, tone, white-balance, etc.). So, you'll have (potentialy) do less work in post processing to get your final result.

Like others, I use NC to convert the NEF file. It's all I need for about 80% of my shots.

Tim

[ken1953]

What is the major difference between Picture Perfect, which came with my CP8400, and Nikon Capture? Will NC work with my camera? I was going to download it, but I read it was only for certain cameras. Maybe I just misunderstood what I read...which is very probable!!!
Ken

[OldSchool]

What is the major difference between Picture Perfect, which came with my CP8400, and Nikon Capture? Will NC work with my camera? I was going to download it, but I read it was only for certain cameras. Maybe I just misunderstood what I read...which is very probable!!!
Ken

Picture Project [Perfect ??] is a freebie that comes with Nikon cameras. It has not been well received. If you are interested in a good free Nikon package, go download Nikon View. Thumbs up.

Nikon Capture is a "Full" Featured editor. It'll cost you $100 if you want to keep using it. Like said, most people use it for 80% of their needs (some more I'm sure). Besides the great RAW conversion, you can use NC to download custom tone curves to your camera to change how photos are rendered.

BR,
Tim

[ken1953]

Picture Project [Perfect ??] is a freebie that comes with Nikon cameras. It has not been well received. If you are interested in a good free Nikon package, go download Nikon View. Thumbs up.

Nikon Capture is a "Full" Featured editor. It'll cost you $100 if you want to keep using it. Like said, most people use it for 80% of their needs (some more I'm sure). Besides the great RAW conversion, you can use NC to download custom tone curves to your camera to change how photos are rendered.

BR,
Tim

Thanx OS I will definitely d/l the NV and check into the NC. I'm not real thrilled with Picture Perfect (yeah..I goofed up...hehe..my alzheimers..maybe...hehe...). I usually d/l in PP and then open PSE 2 to manipulate the photos...
Again...tks for the info...
Ken

[bikewizard]

I have both Nikon Capture and Photoshop CS.
I used Capture for the first stage of digital processing where I colour correct using Set Grey Point from a grey card and then finely adjust the exposure and sharpening. I love the lost high lights (L key) to see quickly, how far I can brighten before I loose data. I then batch files to RGB tiffs and tweak in Photoshop.

But now I have CS2 I am finding I have no use for Capture as CS2 has an exposure adjust too. Also since Nikon changed the DEE tool so that you can't set where your shadow area is, I find the Photoshop's Shadow and High Light tool far more selective.

Forgive me if this seems taken for granted but the single most important thing you can do before you worry about fine differences between programs is make sure you have everything in the same colour space. Is everything set to Adobe1998 RGB or if you print out at home sRGB IEC61966? I attended a Nikon Training Day at Nikon's UK HQ and was told the Nikon Adobe RGB 4.0.0.3000 IS Adobe RGB (1998)!!

If you are using Amateur Levels, sorry Auto Levels, have you set up the default clip to 0.01%? And Enhanced Monochromatic Contrast? (all in Options window from Levels window and remember to check "save as defaults box).

I am new to this forum so please feel free to point me to another area of this forum where all this has been covered before. There is too much to read from scratch!

[OldSchool]

Just keep posting away with good comments, suggestions. and stuff. All is welcome. I think the only thing that may bug a few is when questions are asked that may be easily answered with a simple search.

Cheers,
Tim