.nef files and Aperture

[fstoper]

I'm on my first day with a new Nikon D80 and Apple's Aperture also, so there is much to be learned and still much I don't understand. The first major snag seems to be converting .nef files from the Nikon to the RAW format that Aperature prefers. I used the included Picture Project software to convert to .tif then imported the images into Aperature. There must be a better workflow between Nikon and Apple. I really have enjoyed the new camera, but the workflow is tedious and not what I expected from reading the D80 review here and at Apple. I'm guessing that I have to buy the 100$ software from Nikon?:rolleyes:

[RichNY]

I'm on my first day with a new Nikon D80 and Apple's Aperture also, so there is much to be learned and still much I don't understand. The first major snag seems to be converting .nef files from the Nikon to the RAW format that Aperature prefers. I used the included Picture Project software to convert to .tif then imported the images into Aperature. There must be a better workflow between Nikon and Apple. I really have enjoyed the new camera, but the workflow is tedious and not what I expected from reading the D80 review here and at Apple. I'm guessing that I have to buy the 100$ software from Nikon?:rolleyes:

Good news. You don't need to buy more software- Aperature does it for you.

Aperature imports your raw files into its library (or points to your files on your disk) and lets you view them onscreen. It allows you to set saturation, exposure, white balance, etc. and create alternate versions of the file (they don't take up more lots of disk space like they would in Photoshop since the versions only contain the actions that you performed to the one master file which is never modified). The file always stays in Raw format unless you want to export it for a use such as a JPG for the web at which time you export the file and it is converted.

This differs in philosophy from other programs like Adobe Camera Raw or Nikon's software where you convert your file up front and then make most changes in Photoshop.

*I'm just starting out with Aperature also (Canon Raw) so it will be nice to have someone else learning Aperature along the way. I just came back from a full day seminar given by a NY Times Photographer who used Aperature in some really amazing ways. Reinforced me that I made the right decision to use this tool over many of the other choices.

[fstoper]

Hey thanks RichNY for the response, but the way I see it, the camera doesn't save uncompressed files as RAW (uncompressed), but rather as Nikon's own .nef files (uncompressed). Now, if you look at the review of the Nikon D80, under "Using the Nikon D80" on this website, you will see that Jeff's reader's are left to conclude that the Nikon does save files as RAW (I'm still convinced he is right!), but when I plug the camera into the PowerMac, Apperture says the images are unsupported once imported. (Whew, that sentence ran on and on.) I'm sure I'll figure a smooth workflow out soon.

[RichNY]

Hey thanks RichNY for the response, but the way I see it, the camera doesn't save uncompressed files as RAW (uncompressed), but rather as Nikon's own .nef files (uncompressed). Now, if you look at the review of the Nikon D80, under "Using the Nikon D80" on this website, you will see that Jeff's reader's are left to conclude that the Nikon does save files as RAW (I'm still convinced he is right!), but when I plug the camera into the PowerMac, Apperture says the images are unsupported once imported. (Whew, that sentence ran on and on.) I'm sure I'll figure a smooth workflow out soon.

RAW is a generic term; each mfg. has their own file formats for their own image capture- Nikon's call theirs .NEF files.

Smooth workflow: Take your memory card out of the camera and use a card reader :)

The issue you are having is most likely related to the version of the OS or Aperature you are running. I'd bet dollars to donuts that if you check your versions and update it will probably work fine.

[fstoper]

No luck. All newest versions, completely upgraded. I'll call Apple soon. Any help out there? :(

[fstoper]

I found the simple answer. Another update! This one adds the support for the D80 and it's RAW data among other items.

http://www.apple.com/support/downloads/digitalcamerarawsupportupdate10ppc.html

[RichNY]

I'm glad you found it. I'm pretty good at remembering useless information like that OS patch existed but wish I was better at remembering things like where mare car keys are located ;)

Once you get it up and running you will be in for a very pleasant surpise!