The NEF (RAW) files produced by Nikon cameras offer the highest
quality route to image production.
This table summarises the options that are available to open and process
NEF files either for viewing and sorting or as part of a production
process.
| Processing |
Method |
Application |
Result |
Comment |
| Auto |
Copy from Camera or CF card with automatic
conversion to JPEG at new size with Nikon View |
 |
All files saved as Basic JPEGs at new
size. |
Original files are still on CF card. To archive
originals, copy again with Nikon View at Original Size. |
Manual
(25s per image) |
Copy from Camera or CF card at original size with Nikon
View 
and open with Fotostation D |
 |
One 7.5 or 17MB file opened as 8 bit
RGB
|
Fotostation can save as RGB TIFF or JPEG. The
original NEF file is not overwritten if you save with a different
filename or extension. |
Manual
(45s per image) |
Copy from Camera or CF card with Nikon View
and open with Photoshop Plugin. |
Note that a bug in Nikon Capture 2 prevents changes made to the
Color Mode from being read and actioned when the file is opened in
Photoshop. |
One 15 or 35MB file opened as 16 bit
RGB
|
Photoshop can save in many formats. |
| Auto |
Copy from CF card with Nikon View and batch
process using Nikon Capture |
 |
All files saved as JPEG,
8/16 bit RGB TIFF,
NEF |
Nikon Capture can batch process in
background, allowing automatic operation.
Resizing is not possible.
Run a second batch to copy NEF files without processing to
archive folder |
| Auto |
Copy from Camera and batch process while shooting
using Nikon Capture. |
 |
All files saved as JPEG,
8 or 16 bit RGB TIFF,
NEF |
Nikon Capture can batch process in
background, allowing automatic operation.
Resizing is not possible. Image files remain on CF card in camera.
Run a second batch after shooting to copy NEF
files without processing to archive folder |
| Auto |
Copy from CF card and batch process using
Fotostation File Acquire |
 |
Files may be saved as 8-bit JPEG or
TIFF, or original format. |
Fotostation D can batch process in background.
Optional file save to second destination allows convenient archive
copy to be made |
