Two years ago, I mentioned in an article that Nikon’s Raw (NEF) Codec was an important part of my photo-processing pipeline. After many laptops, photos, and software updates, it still is.
I now work with photos on 32- and 64-bit machines running Windows 7 and Windows Vista. In the hope it will help other Nikon photographers, here is an update describing some of my more recent experiences working with Raw (NEF) files under Windows.
[Note: I last updated this article November 2009.]
First – Why would you want a NEF Codec?
The principal reason you’d want a Raw (NEF) Codec is to view Raw Nikon images and metadata from within Windows File Explorer and Windows Photo Gallery, and now Windows Live Photo Gallery as well, which was released as part of Windows Live Essentials.
The goal: a directory of Raw (NEF) Image files and their metadata in Windows Explorer. This is 64-bit Windows 7.
Of course, if you’re shooting Raw images, you’ll probably also want a fully-featured application that can view and edit NEFs (such as Nikon’s Capture NX 2, or Adobe’s Photoshop), in addition to the Codec. But the Codec itself is very useful for viewing, sorting and “triaging” your photos.
The options available to you for NEF Codec solutions will depend on whether you’re running 32- or 64-bit Windows. Here are the ones I use today.
Recommended NEF Codec for both 32- and 64-bit Windows:
Fast Picture Viewer
(current version: 1.40) (click for download info) (recommended)
After first publishing this post, I was introduced to the Fast Picture Viewer, which is available, for free, for both 32-bit and 64-bit Windows installations. I’ve been using it on a few machines now and it has worked exactly as advertised: as a very fast NEF codec. What can I say; it’s great.
If, for whatever reason, the Fast Picture Viewer does not work for you, here are alternatives for 32-bit and 64-bit Windows:
32-bit alternate option: Nikon’s NEF Codec
(current version: 1.8) (click for download info)
Nikon’s Codec has gone through a number of revisions. It is currently at version 1.8, and can be downloaded from here. This codec is free to download, and I formerly used it on my 32-bit Vista SP1 installation.
My impression (not even remotely scientific, since I’ve switched machines and cameras) is that version 1.8 is quite a bit quicker and more robust (stalls less often) than earlier versions. My improved experience may also have to do with updates to Windows Vista, so I’m not sure.
64-bit alternate option: Ardfry’s x64 NEF Codec
(current version: Beta 4) (click for download info)
Unfortunately, there is still no 64-bit support for the Nikon NEF Codec that is linked above.
In addition to the Fast Picture Viewer, another third party, Ardfry Imaging, have released a 64-bit NEF codec for Windows Vista x64. I have previously worked with it on multiple 64-bit Windows 7 installations, and it worked well for me. I evaluated the Ardfry Codec beta for its trial period, and (before finding Fast Picture Viewer) decided it was well worth the $19USD they were asking for a registered copy.
But what if I don’t want to pay for a Codec and I am running 64-bit Windows?
Thanks to the folks behind the Fast Picture Viewer, this is no longer an issue. Just go download it. It has worked great for me (and, it seems, for the commenters on this post).
Please note that even if you choose not to install a codec like FPV or Ardfry’s, Nikon’s Capture NX 2.1 works fine under 64-bit Windows (in 32-bit emulation mode), as you can see in the screenshot of 64-bit Windows Task Manager below.
Capture NX 2.1 works fine under 64-bit Windows 7 in 32-bit emulation mode
That being said, I value being able to see my photos and their metadata within Windows Explorer and Windows Live Photo Gallery, which is not possible without the codec. So a codec solution like FPV or Ardfry makes sense for me. The Windows 7 installation pictured at the top of this article is sporting the Ardfry codec.
I hope this helps, and am always grateful for tips, advice, and further thoughts on streamlining my photography pipeline.
Three before (MIX) 09 →← MIX09
W W kirkpatrick says
On a slightly different item has anyone had problems sending E-Mails with ViewNX 1.60 . I an using Vista 32 and Windows Mail and am utterly defeated . i would much prefer to use View Nx for my postings
July 28, 2009Daniel says
Thanks Ryan (31st May 2009 @ 6:57 pm). Great information.
July 29, 2009Adam says
Try this:
http://www.fastpictureviewer.com/codecs/
September 23, 2009Rob Burke says
Adam, I am intrigued… I will check these out. Have you been using them with success?
September 23, 2009Adam says
I have given it a quick test under Windows 7 64 bit and can report that thumbnails in Explorer work and I can now open NEF files in Irfanview (which I use for quick viewing of images). Previously I could not do this. I am also seeing EXIF data!
Rock on! :)
September 23, 2009Krilnon says
FastPictureViewer seems to be working so far for me too – on Vista x64. I may finally be able to dump Adobe Bridge for quick photo finding.
October 5, 2009Adam says
I have found everything works for me under Windows 7 x64 with the codec loaded from the Fast Picture Viewer link I provide above. Thumbnails in Explorer and opening NEF files in my quick viewer, Irfanview.
October 5, 2009Chris says
Hi, I am new to all of this, bit have recently bought a d90 and am hoping to get into photography. It is heaps of fun! Our last computer crashed and I have bought and new computer with Windows VISTA 64bit.
My Nikon CD is not read at all and so can’t install anything. From what I can gather (I am not really computer literate…yet), I will need to download a codec such as Ardfry’s, to view the photos as thumbnails and then buy something like Photoshop (although I have no idea which version will work on my computer) or something similar to edit the raw files. Is this correct? Any other suggestions?
Someone help me understand??
October 9, 2009Adrian says
Hello Adam
October 23, 2009Thanks for the great info about the fastpicture codecs for my nikon (D70) raw pics, together with windows 7
Adrian
Denmark
Piter says
Hi Adam !
November 14, 2009Thanks, thanks, thanks :) Working great on my windows 7 64-bit ! The best and simple solution.
I to recommend everyone !
Rob Burke says
I agree with the commenters – Fast Picture Viewer is my new favourite thing. I have updated this post to advocate FPV!
November 14, 2009Dave Schinkel says
I am still dumbfounded how Nikon can neglect their customers and fail or refuse to create a 64-bit codec for Vista 64-bit and Windows 7 64-bit. It’s just unbelievable to me that a company who expects to maintain a first rate status expects to do this by neglecting usability. They have jumped to digital, therefore it’s a requirement that they cover this if they want to remain a top-rate photo company.
December 27, 2009Chinh V Nguyen says
I had a Nikon D200, can I veiw my raw pictures on my laptop with Window 7.
January 24, 2010Chinh V Nguyen says
My camera Nikon D200. May I download free NX2
January 24, 2010Chinh V Nguyen says
How do I open a pictures with PPS ?
January 24, 2010kathy poulos says
PLEASE – I have a new Nikon with it’s NEF files. However, I am running Vista Home Premium on a PC in 64-bit format and can’t find a way to process my RAW files through PhotoShop CS4. HELP, HELP, HELP!
February 8, 2010Rob Burke says
Kathy, for that you will need to download and install Adobe’s Raw Plugin on top of CS4: http://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop/cameraraw.html
February 8, 2010Emilio Timpanaro says
Hey all, apparently something went wrong with fast picture viewer being free. Now it costs 5.99$… any other option?!
Thanks in advance,
April 5, 2010Emilio.
kathy poulos says
Thanks, Rob. That’s just what I did.
I run Adobe PhotoShop CS4 on a 64-bit PC. I finally just went to Adobe and downloaded their plug-in for RAW — it is new as of November/December, 2009 and covers my new Nikon. RAW ccouldn’t deal with the NEF files from my D300 until I installed this new plug-in. Now it does. Can’t help the Picture-Viewer people…….. I LOVE RAW because then I have all this information, and can save as .jpg and still have the original RAW file that doesn’t suffer cumulative degradation everytime I open it.
Kathy
April 6, 2010Rob Burke says
Kathy, glad to help; Emilio, thanks for the heads-up and I am sorry to see that Fast Picture Viewer is no longer free! They are ominously promising to raise the price further as well. I will say that FPV works very well for me. FPV guys, if you’re reading this, please consider keeping the non-Pro version free or super-affordable (like $5.99).
April 6, 2010Paul B. says
Thank you Rob for helping us find a suitable alternative for something that would seem so simple for Nikon to supply. Unfortunately, it seems FPV has raised the price to $8.99. I just can’t justify spending $9 just to have the ability to view my .NEF files in windows when Nikon should have taken care of months ago this for free.
Paul
April 22, 2010noë says
I just ended up paying $9.99 for FPV. I hope it works. I like to use Windows Explorer for initial sorting before bringing photos into Photoshop Elements. I really like the idea of a FAST codec!
April 24, 2010sadf says
1.9 is out now
May 21, 2010http://www.nikonimglib.com/nefcodec/
Ryan says
Still no 64bit support.. that’s really quite sad.
May 22, 2010Bob Brown says
Hi there
From a confused OAP, what do I download to view NEF files in Windows Explorer Using Windows 7
Many thanks in advanced
Bob
June 8, 2010