I like the simplicity and ease of use of View and Capture. I have LR and PS but the first stop for me in post is always View, then Capture if necessary. Like Eric, I use PS for more significant pixel work but 90% of my shots go to View and done.

I use LR primarily to find photos with keywords.

I used to use capture NX2 all the time and loved it, it shipped free with my D300. When lightroom4 came along I downloaded the free trial version and did some comparison tests with the editing tools and concluded that lightroom's color pallet and sharpening tools gave lot better results. I also often use the manual option in Lens correction, also better than in NX2. Lightroom has a great key wording system where NX2 has none.
NX2 does have one better aspect about it and that is you can use the develop tools with all the adjustments, where in LR you are limited to just a few main adjustments offered with the develop tools.
When NX2 was first released it was well ahead of its time offering big bang for your buck, I have read some place that mega-bucks went into its development, but sadly it is slowly being left in the dust as lightroom4 seems to be becoming more and more popular. I can't help wonder if Nikon have made a consious desission not to update NX2 and just keep offering free VeiwNX2 instead as it has an adjustment panel supplied with it.
If NX3 was released tomorrow I would certainly trial it and have a play but it would have to be pretty special before I would change back.

I've not heard anything. It seems very strange to me that Nikon would, if for no other reason, miss a marketing opportunity and leave NX2 un-touched for such a long time. Every other company I can think of, updates it's software every couple of years, and charges it's users for the privilege. I'm greatful that I don't have that expense, but bemused none the less.

So now we have october 2012 and still no news for capture nx3. I really like cnx2 because I know it well and can do post-processing quickly. however, none of the great new nik plug-ins for sharpening etc. work with cnx2. So the first time in years I am considering moving to lightroom. Any news if there will be cnx3 soon?

Apparently we still don't have any word on Capture NX3. I talked with a Nikon dealer recently who had actually seen a pre-alpha Capture NX3 demo nearly a year ago but apparently there are contractual issues between Nik and Nikon. I heard from a different source that Capture NX3 required a complete rework of the software design for the next step, but at that point would be extended to cameras beyond Nikon.

Sorry about the long post here - but we have some incomplete information about a comparison of Capture and other programs.

I don't use Lightroom ( I have LR4 - just no real need to use it) - just View and Capture for 99% of my images. I use CS5 on about 1% of my published images - mainly for cloning. I use Photo Mechanic for keywording and batch resizing. I have the Color Efex plugin from Nik and use it within Capture. I have Silver Efex from Nik and use it as a stand alone program.

Our local camera club did a side by side comparison of Lightroom and Capture a year ago. We found both programs would handle more than 95-98% of the editing process of a full time pro. Each has places where you might want alternate programs, but for most photographers it is a matter of choice and personal preference not capability. If your workflow is built around earlier Adobe software, the learning curve may not justify a switch. For most people, a 30 day trial is a very poor way to evaluate the software. You simply won't be far enough along the learning curve to understand the full capability and workflow.

First understand that Capture is for editing individual images that need an advanced edit. For downloading, rating, browsing, and quick edits View NX2 is preferred to Capture. View NX2 edits to the image are applied globally. In View, you can adjust White Balance, Picture Controls, and make other global edits to exposure, saturation, contrast, brightness, highlight protection, shadow recovery, etc. View NX2 handles resizing, JPEG creation, and can be used as a RAW converter. View handles some batch edits but can be a little slow. I use View NX2 for processing images from events and other high volume activities. Only 1-2% of my shots go into Capture NX2 for detailed editing.

Capture NX2 provides two groups of edits. The Develop section was developed by Nikon and mirrors many of the camera settings. Steps in the Develop section are applied globally. The Develop section has some unique capability to make adjustments to the RAW file that cannot be made to processed files like JPEG, TIFF, etc. It's the section where you have the opportunity to adjust white balance, choose and adjust Picture Control settings, adjust Active D-Lighting, or use moire reduction. It also includes the quick adjustment tools that are in View NX2.

The Adjust section of Capture NX2 was largely developed by Nik. All edits to NEF images are maintained as a list of editing steps. At any point in time you can go back to any editing step and make changes or remove the effect. Groups of edits can be retained as Versions - so a single image might have a list of versions that include B&W, Color, and other treatments. The edits are kept in a single NEF file. The original NEF file includes a small basic JPEG. The edited NEF file includes a medium sized JPEG as part of the file - kind of like a sidecar but with no need to manage the location as it is fully embedded. Photo Mechanic is able to extract and use a copy of this embedded JPEG.

Capture includes a wide range of editing capabilities and the ability to apply those edits selectively. The software is known for the U-point technology developed by Nik, and smart selection tools to make any edit to just a specific part of the image. Many of the editing tools are basic edits applied in a very controlled manner. For example, Control Points can be used to adjust brightness, contrast, saturation, color channels, or white balance to specific areas of an image with a unique user interface. Or you can use other selection tools - gradients, vignette, brush, or area selections to apply an effect. Capture has some special tools that are unique. D-Lighting applied selectively can be a very nice addition to shadow recovery. And Capture provides both High Pass and UnSharp Mask methods of sharpening which can both be applied selectively. The integration of Color Efex is very nice - Color efex edits are completely integrated with Capture providing the ability to apply edits selectively.

The latest version of Capture NX2 is significantly faster than earlier versions. It's a little slow with the large files of the D800, but for normal image processing is quite adequate when used for a single image. The latest version probably cut processing time in half compared to earlier versions.

Capture is not a graphics editor. It has a small but functional cloning tool - a healing brush. Capture does not handle major cloning. It does not support combining multiple images. And it does not handle watermarks or putting type on an image.

Capture NX2 is as close to a full pixel editor as Nikon and Nik could produce with a very user-friendly interface. Capture supports a wide range of workflow approaches. I know of a Canon Explorer of Light that converts his images and uses Capture NX2 for processing instead of Lightroom and Photoshop. There are lots of advantages of Capture but the straight forward interface and speed of editing can be pretty compelling. And if you like the Nik products, you will probably like Capture.

CNX2 works with Lion. However, it must be installed on snow leopard first. I heard about this before I upgraded to Lion. I purposely ordered my Macpro with Snow Leopard, installed CNX2, then Lion and no problems (other than it still be slow as heck). I look forward to CNX3 and hope it fixes speeds on Macs. The ONLY S/W I have issue with on MAC but I still use this s/w exclusively.

spraynpray said:
Can you tell me what capture 2 offers that Lightroom 3.6 doesn't? I hear it has some NIK Software-like facilities.

I've been trying and re-trying all the different software options, and while each of them have their own great strengths, I keep coming back to NX2 for the simple reason that when shooting in RAW what you see in camera is what you see in NX2, whereas with all the others, you have to do some tweaking to get your raw file to look the way you shot it.

For NX3, if it's coming, I'm hoping it provides an interface and functionality similar to that of Hasselblad's Phocus (which, from what I can tell, is derived from LR, Capture One, and Aperture) and includes tethered shooting capabilities. That would be brilliant!

spraynpray said:
Can you tell me what capture 2 offers that Lightroom 3.6 doesn't? I hear it has some NIK Software-like facilities.

Not me, I don't own either. Anyone else?

Can you tell me what capture 2 offers that Lightroom 3.6 doesn't? I hear it has some NIK Software-like facilities.

Thanks scooby, I think they offer copies to delegates for £80-90, a lot more than small change but a lot less than the £150 that I would normally have to spend.

I admit I am in the same boat but I wont get the extreme discount you will. I would be very tempted in your shoes. If its under $50 with your discount, I believe the update from capture to capture 2 was only aprox $60. I can not confirm this and I might have it mixed up with other software but if you can get NX 2 now and just do an update then you would have the best of both worlds for about the same price. I would do a bit more research if a deal like that came my way but I highly doubt Nikon is going to invite me to a training day anytime soon.

I've got an invite to a training day, and to handle the D4 and 85 1.8 at Nikon's UK HQ at the end of the month, while I'm there I've got the option of buying a heavily discounted copy of Capture NX2. Worth doing or wait for NX3?

Dont bother, it still doesnt work

I don't get it. This article says CNX2 is now compatible with Lion 10.7: http://www.pixiq.com/article/nikon-update-capture-nx2-and-view-nx But I tried it this morning and still can't install it with the same PowerPC error. What gives? Has anyone gotten this to work. The download for Capture NX2 2.3 is here: http://support.nikonusa.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/17613

Help...

Well , you can pre-order a book on capture NX3 on a Belgian Site ( the book is written in Dutch) ... (the EAN Number is 9789043022422) and they say they will start distributing it at December 1st this year..., other suppliers say febe. 1st 22012... :-)

We can expect at least an update for the next Nikon 1 cameras and the D800.

Figure I might as well dig up the question again, I figure with rumors of a possible pro or prosumer camera in the near future if anyone has heard anything. I would kinda figure if it has a newer processor on board this is a good posiblity to get upgraded but not holding my breath.

I "evaluated" Lightroom vs Capture NX through a few versions of each, and now use LR3 exclusively. LR just fits my workflow better, although it was hard giving up the control points.

I agree that the best thing to do is try both. Although if you are unfamiliar with them, the learning curve can be steep. There are online courses (some free, some not) that are a great help in familiarizing users with these programs.

Mike Gunter said:
Someone pointed out that some software is far more expensive that a sophisticated camera. There are good reasons for that. It's worth more. But to get it value, you have to get as smart as it is. ;-)

+1 to Mike!

As photographers say: "Tack Sharp".

Hi,

It's hard to show the benefits of any software in a few lines, particularly went the audience is diverse in its use of the software.

There are trail versions available for download of all these for tryout that are fully functional and you can see what works for you.

Even the smallest level of software will be more beneficial with some training, even it that is a self help book, better if a real class. Better still with a talented instructor.

Someone pointed out that some software is far more expensive that a sophisticated camera. There are good reasons for that. It's worth more. But to get it value, you have to get as smart as it is. ;-)

My best,

Mike

Baba Ganoush said:
In other discussion threads, some Nikon Capture users have praised the color control points in NX2.

They work just about the same as the same feature in Nik (not Nikon) software products. I wonder who wrote which one and for whom? :-)

I personally prefer the results from Photoshop CS5 - it's much more controllable and you can get more precise and unique results, but of course with that added amount of control comes added complexity; it's not really for beginners.

OnTheBandwagon said:
What are the advantages of using the Capture product over photoshop or elements?
Well.. for one i know photoshop is more expensive, but I've been very happy with Photoshop Elements which supports D7000 in the raw converter.
Am i missing some cool editing features by not using Nikon Capture?

In other discussion threads, some Nikon Capture users have praised the color control points in NX2. I use LR3, not NX2, so I cannot vouch for those testimonials, but it sounded to me like it's a useful capability, which happens not to be offered as a standard feature in Adobe's image processors, but can be installed as a third-party plug-in. Since there doesn't seem to be any rush by Nikon to bring NX3 to market, I have been thinking about going that route in order to upgrade my copy of LR3.

Well as someone that really never used any software besides Nikon View for cropping and some very other minor changes, I hope that NX3 might change that. I really need to experiment with all the products and find what I like the best and suits my needs for the type of work I normally do.

Does Nikon capture have any type of lens corrections like photoshop or DxO (I hear DxO is the best for lens corrections but I would not know).

I would agree with most of Mike's above thoughts. This is a Nikon Capture NX thread, and perhaps I can further address some of the differences.

The scaled-down apps like Elements are certainly growing in popularity due to the sheer NUMBER of digital cameras they've been bundled with. And for that, the app gets better (as Mike mentioned, layer masks). If most of what one does in post-processing is simple white balance fixes or and auto-exposure/color fix or re-size for web/print/output... Then you prolly aren't missing out and saving a couple heaps of $$ for yourself.

I find Capture NX2 has the BEST RAW conversions for Nikon .NEF files. Only by a slight margin over Adobe Camera RAW, (IMHO) many wouldn't necessarily notice this marginal improvement. BUT... Capture NX2 is SLOW. I mean, s-l-oooooooooooo-w.

But I like the color/white balance correction methods in NX2 maybe even a bit more than ACR/Photoshop (CS3/CS4). I am talking here about going beyond just an 'eyedropper' for white balance correction, okay?... In NX2 you can tweak individual color channels to fine-tune. In ACR/Photoshop you basically use Hue, Color, or the levels for black point, grey point, and white. Yes, I know there are many other methods and means. But that's how I mostly work.

I like the noise reduction of NX2 more than Photoshop. Quite simply, I already had Noiseware Pro, but in most uses, NX2 does a great job (for LIGHT reduction under 25% or thereabouts). And with the newer, more light-sensitive sensors... Who needs the heavy NR of three gens past (like D80 or D200 might've required).

The straighten tool in both is simple, draw a line... This is a very useful tool for me.

Photoshop has a MASSIVE arsenal of tools. Yes, layers masks. But the Actions is a true timesaver for me. Need to re-size 100 images for a slideshow/delivery/website? Record an action like: re-size to 720px width, 72 dpi. Convert to sRGB profile space. Unsharp mask 24% @ 1.2 radius. Select all. Add inside stroke 3px in black. Deselect. Flatten image. Stop. Batch selected images in ACR to Photoshop. Bang. Done.

Then there are also tons of downloadable actions from sources like Action Central (atn-central.com?). Or from others, or make your own. For Dave Hill effects, or Lucis Art effects. Or 'painted' look. Or Orton/Lomo effects. Or just strong vignette or vintage looks.

Many don't need the functions of a full suite like Adobe. Capture NX2 is a very good feature set that can do a fair amount of processing. But it ain't Photoshop. I've never bought Photoshop alone, always in a full Adobe suite (like CS3/4). But NX2 is about $125, right? The Adobe is crazy expensive. So go figure.

I'm not sure how much functionality Elements actually has these days. I know lots of peeps 'get by' with it just fine.

Just a few of my humble thoughts. Obviously YMMV.

Cheers.

- David

Hi all,

In full disclosure, I'm a trainer of Adobe products, so...

Capture NX2 and View NX2 offer some flexibility in reading native file information, but lack a host of features found in Photoshop (either elements or CS5) or even Paintshop Pro, although the latter is hamstrung in its RAW handling abilities and for that alone I'm just not prone to give it a thumbs up, although it's terrific in every other way; I wish they could get that together, and, of course, Lightroom.

Elements 9.0 added HDR in the form of "photomerge exposure" and also has layer masks. These additions are not trivial. HDR is similar to Active D lighting in Nikon, but is non-destructive, and can be added in post and tweaked to taste.

Layer masks (a long-time feature in the full versions of Photoshop) are terrific tools for the photographer. I rarely make a photo with a mask. Even in the darkroom days, I would dodge and burn, even add other negatives to the print; masks can be thought of as similar tools, but more powerful and more exact.

More bits (D7000 can shoot 14-bit images) will allow for more dynamic range - better color rendition.

I tend to do JPEG for those massive jobs - 2K plus shots per day - where I just process the shots automatically in Photoshop with some automatic Actions that do minor corrections and put the shots in a folder for the customer.

The rest of my work is really large RAW shooting - 200-500 shots per day, smallish outputting 5-10 shots. The majority of the work is done in Adobe Camera RAW 6.3, to include retouching.

If one is shooting a lot, outputting a lot. I think Lightroom would be ideal. It's what I use for large output jobs - 100-300 shots.

If one is shooting for pleasure, Photoshop Elements would likely be worth looking into.

OTOH, if one is shooting one of's, Photoshop CS is probably the direction to look at.

If JPG is what you're shooting, Paintshop Pro is certainly no slouch either, and if they ever get their act together on their RAW engine, they will certainly be a contender. They are up there in every (and I mean every) other way.

One thing I really like about the NX software is some of the information about where the focus spot was when the shutter snapped.

There is other information, too, that's good to know.

My best,

Mike