Along with the new Nikon D4s camera Nikon also announced a new RAW image processing and adjustment software called Capture NX-D.
Capture NX-D is a new application for processing and adjusting raw image files generated by Nikon digital cameras and it will replace the current Capture NX 2 software.
Beta version of the Capture NX-D is available for download and Nikon releases this software free of charge from today. The manual is also available for the Capture NX-D. See the press text below.
Nikon Announced Capture NX-D Development Sofware
Press release of Capture NX-D software
Nikon Releases New RAW Image Processing and Adjustment Software, Capture NX-D
MELVILLE, NY – Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce that a beta version of Capture NX-D will be available free of charge beginning today. Capture NX-D is new software for processing and adjusting RAW images captured with Nikon digital cameras.
Capture NX-D is a free software application that will replace the current Capture NX 2 application. RAW images (NEF or NRW file extension) captured with Nikon D-SLR cameras, Nikon 1 advanced cameras with interchangeable lenses, and Nikon COOLPIX compact digital cameras can be loaded into the application for processing and adjustment of images. In addition to RAW images, the application can also be used to adjust JPEG and TIFF files.
During the period that Capture NX-D is available as a beta version, Nikon will invite users to try the software, and will collect feedback about the user experience and the application from those using it. Nikon will then use this feedback to improve the application prior to its official release.
The new software will support many functions needed by professional photographers, including batch image processing, filtering and an enhanced user interface with a variety of displays and floating palettes that are ideal for multiple monitors. Additionally, photographers will also have the ability to adjust parameters including exposure and white balance in RAW files, and can adjust tone curves, brightness, and contrast, as well as functions for correcting lateral color aberration and vignetting in JPEG and TIFF files. The software also features a new “sidecar” format, which retains and saves the adjusted image as a separate file.
Nikon will continue to update and provide support for the current Capture NX 2 application while the beta version of Capture NX-D is available. Once the official version of Capture NX-D is released, Capture NX 2 will no longer be supported with updates.
Nikon Capture NX-D primary features
- Adjustment functions specialized for RAW processing, just as they were with the Capture NX seriesThe application includes functions for adjusting aspects of RAW images captured with a Nikon digital camera (NEF or NRW file extension) that can be adjusted even after images are captured, including white balance and exposure compensation. Smooth adjustment of images is possible immediately after they are transferred to computers.
Picture Control, Nikon’s exclusive function for specifying imaging characteristics, is also supported. - Support for simple adjustment of JPEG and TIFF imagesIn addition to processing and adjustment of RAW images, the application offers the same functions available with Capture NX 2 for adjustment aspects such as tone curves, brightness, and contrast, as well as functions for correcting lateral color aberration caused by lenses, in JPEG and TIFF images.
- Floating palettes that are easy to use with multiple screensWhen two or more monitors are used, the image display area can be expanded by moving individual floating palettes for each adjustment function. Convenience has been increased with the ability to combine two or more floating palettes, which can then be moved together.
- A variety of displays, including comparisons of multiple images and adjustment before-and-after imagesDisplay of the application window can be adjusted for greater convenience. Thumbnail display, filmstrip display, single-image display, and full-screen display are possible. When filmstrip display is selected, thumbnails can be positioned at the top, bottom, left, or right of the image area. In addition, displays for comparing images, whether multiple image files, or a comparison of a single image before and after adjustments are applied, are available. When comparing images, enlargement of a portion of one image automatically enlarges the same portion of the other image, making the application of adjustments with simultaneous viewing of the primary subject simpler.
- Adoption of a sidecar format that saves original data as non-destructive filesUnlike the format previously used to save images to which adjustments have been applied, a sidecar format, which saves adjustment data as a separate file, has been adopted.
Saving original data as non-destructive files allows users to start over with the adjustment of RAW images in their original, post-capture state, without undoing previous adjustments. - Other functionsFiltering functions have been built into the application, allowing users to easily find the images they are looking for by filtering them according to criteria such as camera name or lens focal length based on tag data. In addition, batch processing can be used to simplify the troublesome process of applying adjustments to multiple images, and images can be transferred to another application in 16-bit TIFF format after RAW processing.
Capture NX-D System Requirements (Beta Version)
Windows
OS: 32- or 64-bit version of Windows 7, 64-bit version of Windows 8.1
Processor: Pentium-compatible CPU (Core i5 or better recommended)
RAM (memory): 2 GB or more (4 GB or more recommended)
Hard-disk space: 800 MB or more required for installation (2 GB or more recommended)
Screen resolution: 1280 × 768 pixels or more
Other: As the beta version is available only via download, an Internet connection is required
Macintosh
OS: 64-bit versions of OS X version 10.8 and 10.9
Processor: Core 2 Duo or better CPU (Core i5 or better recommended)
RAM (memory): 4 GB or more
Hard-disk space: 800 MB or more required for installation (2 GB or more recommended)
Screen resolution: 1280 × 768 pixels or more
Other: As the beta version is available only via download, an Internet connection is required
