Nikon Capture NX-D RAW Image Processing Software Now In Free Public Beta

Photography aficionados, both professional and hobbyists, can now get their hands on the Nokia Capture NX-D software for their RAW image editing needs. Starting with its beta testing phase today, Nikon will be providing the RAW image processing and adjustments software to users and testers free of charge.

The Capture NX-D continues the tradition of Nikon's current Capture NX 2 software, allowing users to edit and touch up RAW images in NEF or NRW formats taken with Nikon's wide variety of cameras including D-SLR cameras, advanced cameras with interchangeable lenses, and COOLPIX compact digital cameras.

Like its Capture NX 2 predecessor, the new software supports adjusting RAW images, allowing users to change white balance, exposure, and even smoothing. It also supports JPEG and TIFF images, though the available adjustment options for these image formats are more limited.

But the Capture NX-D also boasts of its own set of new features. The user interface has been adjusted to support a multiple monitor setup, allowing floating palettes to be moved and combined. Users now also have a variety of ways to display images. The filmstrip display mode allows the thumbnail strip to be placed on any edge of the image area. When comparing two or more images, zooming in one image automatically zooms the corresponding portion in the other displayed image. A new sidecar format has also been adopted, letting the adjustment data be saved in a separate file so that users can start over with the original image without undoing previous adjustments.

The beta version of the Nikon Capture NX-D software is available for free but requires users to sign up for the beta program. During this period, Nikon will be soliciting feedback and requests from users. Nikon will continue providing support for the current Capture NX 2 until the final version of the Capture NX-D is launched.

SOURCE: Nikon