HarveyG

Canon .CR2 RAW

Nikon .NEF RAW

So you have a Canon (CR2) but want to help a friend edit or Post Process their images but can’t open or view them because they are Nikon (NEF)?

When you install your DSLR software, the codec for your brand of camera is embedded into and used by the O/S so you can view thumbnails, open and edit with your manufacturers included software, however it can’t read a RAW file from another manufacturer if that codec is not installed.

You might have bought the camera 2nd hand and the packaging/software is amiss and downloading the original software is either daunting or it simply isn’t available.

Here’s a solution:

You can download the RAW Codec Pack from a number of online resources. Solutions are to get the codecs from your camera maker, O/S House or from a 3rd party, if you have failed at finding/downloading the software from the manufacturer. Please visit each site regularly as they are updated as new camera models are released. You could also join your local camera club, as there will be a diverse collection of cameras and someone might well be willing to copy his/her install CD for you. Once installed, most s/w self-updates to the latest version.

I’ve done some of the leg work for you; download them here > Codec links: (continue reading…)

Topaz Labs full & upgrade bundles 30% off till 01.01.2012 Click this link > TOPAZ LABS SPECIAL & use the coupon code “YearEndSavings”

Belated Christmas Gift valid till 01/01/2012

Many bug fixes and support for new cameras.

 

ViewNX 2 is all-in-one image browsing and editing software application for both still images and movies. It is a fun and easy-to-use application offering enhanced operation.
In addition to image browsing function, ViewNX 2 allows users to adjust image size and brightness, as well as offering new editing functions that enable cropping and image straightening for RAW-, TIFF- and JPEG-format images.  Naturally, it also enables adjustment of such aspects as white balance and exposure compensation for RAW images captured with Nikon digital cameras. Smooth collaboration with my Picturetown, Nikon’s image storage and sharing service, has also been achieved. What’s more, Nikon Transfer 2 has been incorporated into ViewNX 2 for transferring images to a computer, and functions for editing movies, including one that allows you to trim movie footage, have also been included.

Modifications enabled with version 2.2.5:

Modifications that apply to both the Windows and Macintosh versions

• Auto 2 is now available for selection from the list of White Balance settings in the Adjustments palette for RAW images captured with the COOLPIX P7100.
• An issue that prevented display of Exposure mode in the Metadata palette for images captured underwater in Easy Auto mode with the COOLPIX AW100/AW100s has been resolved.
• An Event box has been added under Description in the Metadata palette.
• Lens information is now displayed in the Metadata palette for images captured with the Nikon 1 V1 or Nikon 1 J1 using the Mount Adapter FT1 and a CPU lens.

Additional modifications to the Macintosh version

• Support for Mac OS X version 10.7 has been added.

Additional modifications to the Windows version

• An issue that prevented the editing of metadata, application of labels and/or ratings, or image rotation on some systems has been resolved.

Get it here

If you work in Adobe Photoshop, like any other computer application, keyboard short-cuts speed up your work flow considerably. I found this fabulous and extensive list for versions of Adobe Photoshop 5, 6 and 7 to Adobe Photoshop CS2, CS3, CS4 on Trevor Morris Photographics web site. (CS5 will be near identical to CS4).

Logitech G15 Gaming Keyboard

I have been using the original Logitech G15 and it has up to 54 Programmable Macro Keyboard Assignments plus other useful tools. The newer version has 18. Whether you have a fancy or a standard 100+ key keyboard, Trevor’s lists are well worth a look.

Print them and keep them near your workstation.

Thanks Trevor!

The friendly people over at Topaz Labs have just released the new Topaz Adjust 5.
I’ve used the Beta for a week and it is simply remarkable and considerably easier to use.

If you are a Topaz Adjust 4 registered user, pop over and get v5. It’s free for you.
New users get a 30% discount with the Coupon Code “ADJUSTME”. Click here to check it out!

Simplified 1-click workflow with 107 new presets split into 7 convenient effect categories.
Intuitive 4-in-1 selective brush used to dodge, burn, smooth, and brush out adjustments.
Plus advanced edge-aware technology!
Integration of the Apply button – so you can stack multiple effects and presets during the same workflow.
Finishing Touches tab with options for warmth, grain, transparency, etc

Whilst I am no fan of comic book like Post Processing, and the web seems to be full of that, if used subtly the results are astounding:

Get your copy of Topaz Labs here!

Get your copy of Topaz Labs here!