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London, UK, 25 February 2014 Nikon announces that Capture NX-D (Beta version), an application for processing and adjusting RAW images captured with Nikon digital cameras, will be available free of charge from today.

Capture NX-D is a free application that will eventually replace the current Capture NX 2 programme. RAW images (with the 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 high-quality photofinishing through processing and adjustment. In addition to RAW images, the application can also be used to adjust JPEG and TIFF files.

During the period that Capture NX-D (Beta version) is available, Nikon will listen closely to feedback, requests and ideas regarding the application from those using it on the Nikon website. Nikon will use those requests and ideas to improve the application prior to its official release later in 2014.

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. However, once the official version of Capture NX-D is released, Nikon will no longer support Capture NX 2 with updates.

Capture NX 2 – Nikon’s current software

Current Capture NX 2 users will be kept informed regarding the date when Nikon will no longer support Capture NX 2.

Nikon looks forward to announcing the date when Capture NX-D comes out of Beta.

Overview

Product name: Capture NX-D (beta version)

Release date: February 25, 2014

URL: http://beta.nikonimglib.com/

Development Background

To date, Nikon has supported the processing and adjustment of RAW images captured with Nikon digital cameras, for high-quality photofinishing, with its Capture NX series of software applications (sold separately).

Though the ViewNX series of image browsing and editing software bundled with Nikon cameras also offers some functions for adjusting RAW images, many users have demanded more advanced RAW image adjustment functions.

Therefore, Nikon has developed a new software application that allows users to enjoy the same RAW image processing and adjustment capabilities available with the Capture NX series, and will be available free of charge through download from the Nikon website.

Capture NX-D is a software application developed with Nikon cameras particularly in mind, enabling high-quality photofinishing through the adjustment of images after they are captured.

Primary Features

1. Adjustment functions developed for RAW processing, just as they were with the Capture NX series

The 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.

2. Support for simple adjustment of JPEG and TIFF images

In 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 colour aberration and vignetting caused by lenses, in JPEG and TIFF images.

3. Floating palettes that are easy to use with multiple screens

When 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 be moved together.

4. A variety of displays, including comparisons of multiple images and adjustment before-and-after images

Display 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.

5. Adoption of a sidecar format that saves original data as non-destructive files

Unlike 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.

6. Other functions

Filtering 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

*Specifications for the official release version of the application will be announced as they are finalized.