Nikon Raw (NEF) Codecs for Vista and Windows 7

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.