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Nikon D3/D300 RAW

Right now Aperture doesn't support the raw format coming from the new Nikon D3 and D300. Is that going to be resolved in the near future? Or do die hard Nikon fans have to convert to other workflow software (ie Lightroom/Adobe CameraRaw) that is compatible? It's a huge dilemma, for me. I had planned to buy the new nikon, but as I shoot in RAW and rely on Aperture, I am stuck!

imac 20", Mac OS X (10.4.10)

Posted on Nov 1, 2007 12:36 PM

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119 replies

Nov 1, 2007 1:53 PM in response to LilleJente

Apple has a strict policy on future software versions and therefore wont tell you.

However, given that both the D3 and D300 are aimed at the Pro market and many of these users are Aperture users.

A great deal depends on Nikon and if they have already given Apple to information they need to decode the files. If not then Apple will need to wait until the cameras are released before they can start work.

Either way, a change in the RAW files Aperture supports requires an update to Core Image, this is at OS level and would require a point release for the OS.

The simple answer is this (as both cameras come with Capture NX) load them into Capture NX and batch convert to TIFF and import both into the Aperture library, once the update is out hey presto it works.

As Apple get funny about people making noise on such issues, discussing it in these forums requires more strict etiquette then maybe found elsewhere.

Apple wont let us down, 🙂

Nov 1, 2007 2:37 PM in response to jpgrove

jpgrove wrote:
Either way, a change in the RAW files Aperture supports requires an update to Core Image, this is at OS level and would require a point release for the OS.



How do we know it is not already accommodated in 10.5/10.4.11?

Since none of us have nef for D3/D300, we cannot check yet right? And Apple has not published which cameras are supported with 10.5 that I am aware of.


The simple answer is this (as both cameras come with Capture NX) load them into Capture NX and batch convert to TIFF and import both into the Aperture library, once the update is out hey presto it works.


I use Aperture for vast majority of nef processing but I do still use CaNX for certain images. That said, what you suggest is a workable for a short time, I believe also. I would probably save as jpeg i/o tiff, simply because nef files are not modified using NX. You can always go back and create tiff for prints and other specific need for images that require it - which I assume not every file.

Cheers

Nov 1, 2007 3:05 PM in response to LilleJente

If you didn't get on a waiting list for these new cameras there's a likelihood that you won't get your hands on one until sometime next year. So, there's a good chance that Apple will have included the RAW update within future updates to Leopard by that time. The D200 was announced in November, but I wasn't able to find one online until March and only then with persistent checking at B&H.

Best of Luck

Nov 1, 2007 3:46 PM in response to LilleJente

LOL...

Honestly, how many of these questions are on this board...although usually it is AFTER a body is released...NOT BEFORE...wow, talk about optimistic.

As far as I know no released software, including the current version of Capture NX supports the RAW files from the D3, D300 today. Not ACR and Lightroom, or Bibble, or anything. I was playing with the cameras at the show in NY and they are not finished firmware with the shown prototypes. A number of issues were still not working in the units they had, according to the NPS rep. He said there are about 36 D3s in the US at the moment, many were at the World Series and the Breeders cup after the show. I am assuming the guys who have the loaners have unreleased RAW converters.

There was another comment in this thread that these new babies will come with Capture NX...I don't think so, Nikon bodies never have...I assume they will come with View NX, which is the Picture Project replacement, and of course, a NEF viewer and converter. I think Capture NX will remain a purchased extra....and a worthwhile tool.

Aperture has always supported all the Nikon Pro bodies, and if you look in the archives of this forum you will see the same "WHEN WILL THEY SUPPORT ____(D200, D2X, D2Xs, etc.)" after the body goes on sale by Nikon, I think Aperture is maybe 6-8 weeks (correct me if that is off, but I think about right) before we have native compatibility with the RAW file.

Bottom line, Aperture will support them...although I am betting it will be after NX and ACR, as it always has been...yet I can pretty much guarantee there will be another round of posts lamenting that fact too.

My call is to stick around...Aperture is on a roll, and getting better all the time. This community and its shared knowledge is a big part of the attraction.

Regards to all,

Kevin

Nov 5, 2007 1:45 AM in response to LilleJente

Right now there is no raw format coming from the D3/D300 because neither of those cameras have been released.

On the basis of what happened when the D80 was released, it will likely take about a month for Apple to release support for that format. If you can't manage to wait a few weeks (assuming you get your camera on the day it is released), then I suggest you either shoot JPG or buy a Canon instead.

Nov 18, 2007 1:59 AM in response to Kevin J. Doyle

Honestly, how many of these questions are on this board...although usually it is AFTER a body is released...NOT BEFORE...wow, talk about optimistic.

As far as I know no released software, including the current version of Capture NX supports the RAW files from the D3, D300 today. Not ACR and Lightroom, or Bibble, or anything.


Update: Lightroom 1.3 and ACR 4.3 support D3/300 NEFS.

Nov 18, 2007 12:32 PM in response to Kevin J. Doyle

Kevin J. Doyle wrote:
There was another comment in this thread that these new babies will come with Capture NX...I don't think so, Nikon bodies never have...I assume they will come with View NX, which is the Picture Project replacement, and of course, a NEF viewer and converter. I think Capture NX will remain a purchased extra....and a worthwhile tool.


http://www.dpreview.com/news/0711/07111604capturenx.asp

Nov 18, 2007 2:23 PM in response to Nigel Moore

Wow...Getting NX for free with D3/300 looks great....but unfortunately for US customers, it also looks like a Nikon UK offer, as I could not find a similar deal on the NikonUS site.

To be honest, I think Nikon should have always supplied this product for free (and the Camera Control Pro, too).

It has always felt like I was being nickled and dimed an extra C-note when I just spent $5K on a camera body.

Thanks,

Kevin

Nov 19, 2007 3:23 PM in response to LilleJente

I have a D300 on order and I am expecting it in a few days. It is my understanding that Apple will not release RAW support on any camera before it is available to the public. Nikon is a HUGE Apple partner, so I would bet that we will see it added around the 23rd of November for the D300. If not, they will get lots and lots of angry customer emails.

Nov 19, 2007 4:37 PM in response to Keith Barkley

If my memory serves me correctly, the D200 was introduced in a similar time (Nov/Dec). I ordered and received one in late Feb/March and Aperture learned how to handle the RAW files sometime in April with an OS update. My recommendation-patience..or at least don't hold your breathe.....

But maybe 10.5.1 does things differently and with speed.

Nikon D3/D300 RAW

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