Nikon D90 - problem or me?

[MkGriff]

I have bought a pre-owned D90 and am shooting in RAW.

When I open up some images (approx 10% of them), with Coral Paint Shop Pro X2, or GIMP, part of the image is just horizontal lines of colour - usually the bottom half.

If I open the same image with Nikon View NX2, it looks perfect - until I hit the RAW button on the top left - when it then does the same thing.

The image looks fine on the camera display.

GIMP also displays an error message about the file it is trying to load.

Would you think that this is a Camera issue, or just software compatibility?

Any advice welcome.

thanks

[Simpo Two]

I suspect the camera, but not 100% sure. If it's the sensor, then surely JPGs would be affected too?

[rxtx]

I'd say the SD card was at fault based on that description. The JPEG you see on the LCD display (and with Capture NX at first) is the JPEG stored within the RAW file. That part of the RAW would appear to be intact, with corruption later on causing you problems.

[K12beano]

Hmm.

Small JPEG seems to be captured OK, but NEF not always recording. Number one suspect would be camera body in my book. But I am biased in that I saw a D70 start to do this once. I would be tempted to double check your battery is seated properly (and charged, and not a knackered battery).

Number two suspect has to be the memory card. Again, check contacts, but ideally check by seeing if you can reproduce other cards. And if it's the card, ditch it, don't rely on it again. BUT! You are leaving space on your card aren't you? Just because a card is 1Gb, 8Gb, 32Gb etc doesn't necessarily mean that you can cram that much "stuff" on it and expect it to work without some hitches. I always try and leave 5-10% of space - a bit like you would on a hard drive. I'm not saying you can't squeeze every last bit of Gigbitery out of it, I am just saying that strange things can happen when you enter the "twilight" zone..... strange, and unexpected.........

Then I'd consider re-installing your software just in case.

And I really hope I am proven wrong and that it's not the body.

[itsnotarace]

Try and upgrade the firmware on the camera, it was probably fixed as a bug

[Xerstead]

If multiple programs are having a problem with the files once they are on the computer the problem is most likely to be with the files rather than a compatibility problem.

Initially I'd try a different method of data transfer. (Card reader/usb from camera) IIRC I read somewhere that could be what was causing a similar problem. Failing that; Format the memory card and take some test shots. (You will lose all data!) and try resetting the camera if possible.

If you bought it from a shop try asking them about it, then possible repair/refund.

[MkGriff]

Thanks very much for the suggestions.

I have replaced the SD card and checked that the camera has the latest firmware.

It'll get a hammering over this w/e, so fingers crossed.

I'd not thought of changing the method of data transfer, but if the problem happens again, I will re-copy the images using USB rather then the in-build SD card reader.

Cheers
MkGriff