I shoot in NEF and then use a tool to convert the file to JPG when needed.
The NEF files I download them from the camera using a tool called "Downloader Pro", that also allows me to rename the file name and make it "read-only". This tool also generates the directory hierarchy I use for post-processing.

The NEF files I store on a file hierarchy named "Originals", located on a specific hard disk that is well backup-ed. Postprocessing results go to a different file hierarchy I call "Dark Room".

The reason I make my NEF files read-only when I download them is that I treat them as "negatives" from the film era, once the negative is processed, it can't be changed. If I want to do some PP on the NEF file, I copy the NEF file to a different directory and do as I want.

Alastair said:
What I would like to do is import the JPEG and then save the RAW file to an archive or HD. So a few questions:
1) is it possible to save Raw files just to a hard drive?

It sounds like you're using a mac, and I don't use one so don't know if the proceedure is the same, but on my PC I just go to the folder/file on the memory card that contains the pictures, and "sort" or "view" by file name (or even size as the nefs will be larger than the Jpegs), this will separate the .jpg files from the .nef ones and then just highlight the nef files and copy and paste them to you backup location. Is this what your were asking or am I missing the problem?

I think the bigger question is; why do you shoot both? I really don't see any need for shooting both Raw and Jpeg all the time unless you have an immediate need to post or print when shooting AND major editing later.

It sounds like your workflow is like mine where you use Jpegs most of the time (family, pets, friends, snapshots) but Raw files for the best photos. I have trained myself to switch over to Raw when there are images that Jpeg will not do justice to and shoot Jpeg the rest of the time. I burn back-ups to DVD which keeps the original Jpeg and does not harm the re-saving of it. I just don't see the need of having multiple copies making a mess of my hard-drives.

There will never be a different format for jpeg. Raw (NEF) files are more likely to change. Either way, they will always be editable just as many other dead extensions that are supported by programs that have not been used for 10+ years. If one is really fearful of the file formats not being supported, PSD (Photoshop) or Tiff is your best bet.

On a side note: Please oh God, please no RAW debates - I urge everyone to recognize how he currently works and suggestions what he can do.

I do save all raw separate, the JPEG's are only needed when printing or formatting for the web.
The RAW are also for archiving, so that when someone would come up with a new format for JPEG, I can alway start from RAW again if needed..

I don't know how aperture works, but assuming it is similar to Lightroom, it should be possible to keep all your the RAW files on a separate hard drive(s) or even the cloud. again assuming its similar to Lightroom, there should be no need to shoot jpegs at all

I currently have a D3100 and shot Raw + JPEG. I import into Aperture with JPEG as the master. I mostly edit the JPEG but once in awhile I have a great shot that I need to work on using the RAW file. My challenge is that Aperture is, of course, struggling to keep up with the rapidly increasing library size. What I would like to do is import the JPEG and then save the RAW file to an archive or HD. So a few questions:
1) is it possible to save Raw files just to a hard drive?
2) is it possible to separate the JPEG and Raw files when saved to a SD card in a D3100?

I am thinking about upgrading to the D7000 (for many reasons) where I can save the jpeg to one card and the raw to the other card. I assume that would make it easier to archive / save the raw files without importing to Aperture.

Appreciate any insights.