Capture NX 2.4.7

Overview

Nikon Capture NX 2 is a photo editing package that focuses on editing images in a way that is not destructive. Photographers will enjoy being able to access their photos even in RAW (NEF) format directly from their Nikon camera.

The software will integrate completely with other Nikon software like ViewNX, Image Authentication Software, and Camera Control Pro 2.

Control Points is one of the most interesting features with Nikon Capture NX 2. The Control Points feature uses NEF files to isolate an image or pull out areas of an image for improvement. Enhancements can be optimized and rolled back without difficulty if the change is not to the photographer's liking. The adjustments include Noise Reduction, D-Lighting and Unsharp Mask. The modification is limited to the area selected while leaving the remainder of the image untouched.

There is an Auto-Retouch feature that can automatically retouch images using an extensive toolbox that includes removing dust from a shot, blemishes and other common issues.

Shadows and highlighting can also be adjusted using a simple slider to boost the shadow severity or to pull a photo back from being over-exposed. Highlight recovery often delivers best results on RAW (NEF) files, but it will also perform reasonably well on TIFF or JPEG files too.

Installation

The Nikon Capture NX 2 is available from the following download link which splits out depending on the region. The language can be selected once clicking on the appropriate region button. There is also an option to download a User Manual PDF file (10.43MB)

Nikon Capture NX 2 requires Windows Vista or 7 (32-bit and 64-bit supported). Windows XP SP3 is supported only in a 32-bit version.

There is also a Mac version available as a trial version too.

Interface

The new interface has some improvements including new customizable workspaces, a better layout, the improved toolbar functionality, a better edit list, a redesigned image browser with a Favorites folder, and fine image resolution adjustment controls.

Pros

• Nikon image editor to improve photographs from Nikon and other cameras
• Work on RAW (NEF) files native to Nikon cameras
• Control Points to use sliders to adjust fundamental image settings for noise reduction, d-lighting and unsharp mask.
• Auto-Retouch used a toolbox of photographic tricks to retouch images affected by blemishes, dust on the lens, and other common issues
• Shadows and highlighting may be adjusted using a slider to increase the shadows or rescue a short with too much exposure
• 60 day trial period

Cons

• None.

Conclusion

Nikon Capture NX 2 is an improvement over the previous version with better filters, masks and control points to better manipulate parts of an image.