Nikon Raw (NEF) Codec: fast, free new option
The Fast Picture Viewer codec is free, works on 32- and 64-bit Windows, and has since become my go-to codec for raw (NEF) images on both Windows 7 and Windows Vista.
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.
Continue ReadingNikon D90 – I need to learn how to shoot video now
Nikon D90 (link goes to nikon.ca)
I recently picked up a Nikon D90 body, and have only just started to play with it. Although it hasn’t seen a real stress test yet, so far, 12.3 megapixels of rich colour have been most appreciated.
Compared to my previous D70s, the camera shoots impressively well in low light. Indoor shots taken at 800-1600 ISO (and even 3200 ISO) look sharp and impressively grain-free, even when enlarged. I also really like the ability to configure a custom menu that’s opened by the button under your right index finger, to give yourself rapid access to functionality that was previously buried in menus.
Ken Rockwell’s D90 Users Guide In Plain English has some great tips for tweaking the D90′s initial settings for ease of use and good results. I took his tip to change the customizable button to the Set Picture Control menu, which lets me quickly switch between Standard for people shots, and Vivid for lanscapes. Check out Ken’s guide for more tips.
The D90 has the unique ability among DSLRs of its class to shoot video of up to 1280×720 resolution (720p). When in video mode, the camera does not auto-focus, so you have to shoot Hollywood-style.
I wasn’t sure if the D90 video quality could be taken seriously until I saw this Youtube video of a Henkell Champagne commercial that was shot with the D90 (direct link). They apparently used several Nikon lenses to get the job done (Nikon 400 2.8, Nikon 80-200 2.8, Nikon 50 1.8, Nikon 17-55 2.8).
The commercial’s subject matter is not too hard on the eyes, either.
Wow – very cool, and proof to me that in the right hands, the D90′s video functionality can produce some amazing results. Now I need to learn some videography (and invest in a few lenses!).
Continue ReadingMazinaw Lake by Night
I was up at Mazinaw Lake over the weekend, where my sister’s fiancé and his family have a cottage. This is proper Ontario, where you head out to the lake and scurry across by boat to your getaway.
Go on hikes, watch the meteor shower, swim, chill with the other lads in the wedding party, have a few polites, and gawk at what your future brother-in-law’s D80 can do shooting long-exposure shots of the night sky.
