How do I open and convert NEF files?

[Ari]

I've had a friend take a load of photos for me, but they're "NEF" files, which I think is RAW type. I can't open them, is there a way of doing this and then converting them to JPEG's?

[chris.mapey]

Download Picasa (free google photo management program) and that will allow you to import & view the .nef files and export as .jpeg

Hope that helps

[Ari]

Perfect, many thanks

[Simpo Two]

NEF is Nikon RAW. However RAW files are all different depending on which camera made them, so if you know the camera model it will help you get the right software version (you may not need the latest for example)

Or tell your friend to convert/process them for you, as anyone who gives out RAW files without checking if the recipient can open them isn't being awfully helpful!

[GlenMH]

Or download the free ViewNX software from Nikon, which can do the conversion for you.

[dxbtiger]

Do you lose the inherent advantages of shooting in RAW if you convert to jpg before doing any PP on them?

[GetCarter]

dxbtiger said:

Do you lose the inherent advantages of shooting in RAW if you convert to jpg before doing any PP on them?

Yep

[Simpo Two]

IIRC ViewNX allows you to look at them but not do anything to them - so it's a bit like a saw with no blade. The whole point of RAW is so you can apply levels, curves and WB, and choose your own sharpening and NR.

[Lucas CAV]

Simpo Two said:

IIRC ViewNX allows you to look at them but not do anything to them - so it's a bit like a saw with no blade. The whole point of RAW is so you can apply levels, curves and WB, and choose your own sharpening and NR.

You can at least set the exposure, apply sharpening, adjust basic contrast, apply shadow and highlight recovery - and most usefully set white balance.

It is very clunky though....