Newbie Question

I posted a discussion question awhile ago on whether i should get a D90 or a D5000.

Well today I made the plunge and got a D90 and LOVE IT!!! I heard from everyone that I should start by shooting in RAW format, but this is where my issue is. I took some "test" pictures and I can't open them up in Photoshop or Bridge and I was wondering whether I did anything wrong or not. Some of the pictures were shot in straight .NEF until I read the manual a little more and then started shooting in .NEF and .JPEG so I could post pictures.

So if someone could tell me what to do so I can open my pictures up in photoshop to edit or just show people I'd appreciate it. Also, for D90 users, how do I program the camera to store the photo info with the picture so I know the shutter speed and aperature that was used for each picture? I havent found out how in the manual yet :S

P.S
Thanks for everyone who helped me in the decision on which camera to get, I truely appreciate it :)

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Fred on November 29, 2009 at 11:05pm: You do not state what version of Photoshop you have, to open RAW files you will need CS4. If you do have CS4 you will need to go to www.adobe.com and download the latest files. If you have an older program you might want to consider Elements or Nikon Capture NX2, NX" you should have a timed version on the CD with the camera. Also on that CD is Nikon ViewNX, this will act as a browser, the same as Bridge does, and you will be able to see your files and have limited editing.

The details about each photo is called EXIF Data and is written into every photograph you take, just look for EXIF data in any software that you are using and it will display it.
To edit files from RAW is tricky start with. If you choose NX there is a forum on here and there are some tutorials to help you out, or just ask questions.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Sara on November 29, 2009 at 11:16pm: Fred,
Thanks for the info. I do have CS4, forgot to mention it in the post :S. I'll try and find the downloads and see where that takes me :) Not being a computer genius doesnt help very much so hopefully it will work.

As far as finding the EXIF data, I'm not sure where that is in bridge since I've rarely used it. I want to be able to use my CS4 as much as possible since I spent the money on such a big bundle of programs. So if I can get it to work I'll be a happy lady!; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Fred on November 30, 2009 at 8:11am: I have CS4 and Capture NX. I never use Photoshop on Nikon Nef files. Best of luck with it; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Glenn P on December 7, 2009 at 5:28pm: You can access EXIF on Bridge by expanding the menu on the right side of the windows. If you are using Windows just right click on the file and open the properties and open the detail tab. This will show you most of the info you are looking for.
And if your pictures are still in your camera, while previewing just push the UP key on that round key on the back and it will even show the Histogram.
Hope this helps.
Also, RTFM....LOL.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by J White on December 4, 2009 at 4:32pm: Congrats on your purchase of your D90. I got mine delivered today!! I haven't opened the box yet... but I plan on possibly doing it this weekend! :); ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Greg maklae on December 6, 2009 at 2:27am: I had the same problem with Elements 5, and Googled NEF. Found a free plug in to add to Elements, took only a few seconds to install as instructions were very simple. Now up and running great.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Bill Perry on December 6, 2009 at 8:41am: Hi,
I am the proud owner of a D90 and D300 also a photoshop CS3 & 4 user so I will try to lead you in the right direction.
First go to Adobe web site for updates for the Nikon D90 camera.
http://www.adobe.com/downloads/updates
select windows or Mac
Camera Raw plug-in
In the search window type in Nikon D90
It will take you to:
Camera Raw 4.6 update
This new version of the Camera Raw plug-in replaces the original Camera Raw plug-in that was installed with Adobe Creative Suite 3, Adobe Photoshop CS3, Adobe Photoshop Elements 6.0 and Premiere Elements 4.0 software.
The "EXIF" data files can be found in any photoshop program under "file Info"
Follow instructions included.
Have a great day and enjoy
Bill; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Screwdriver on January 1, 2010 at 7:15am: May I ask the importance or taking pictures using RAW and NEF Files.....Thanks; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Buster on January 1, 2010 at 7:35am: As it was explained to me, and my experience has taught me--RAW files allow much more editing lattitude - for example, If you shot a bride on her wedding day, and the dress, being stark white, was a hotspot/washed out in image, you would in all likelihood, lose the image in JPEG...RAW, would allow you to 'pull' the details of the dress out, without losing the rest of the image, thereby saving your shot...also, when editing RAW, you are maintaining the original image, saving valuable HD real estate. PS(as an example) is told by a small file how to make the image appear when opening. You never actually save a whole new image as you do with JPEG - think of the RAW file, as a negative...you make your changes during printing only, the neg remains unchanged...think of the JPEG, as a final print...every change, means a whole new print....JPEG's carry far less information as well, thereby limiting how much you are able to edit...hope this helps somewhat Screwdriver, maybe someone has something to add to this!; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Karli Rae on January 26, 2010 at 12:01am: Thanks for the great explanation Buster!; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Linda S - Indiana on January 28, 2010 at 7:01pm: What a great explanation of RAW -- now I understand it better. Its kind of been a big mystery until this. Thanx for the information.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by luis sosa on February 15, 2010 at 3:03pm: Just asking, why did you go with the d90? I like to know because I'm considing buying a d90 or 5000; ▶ Reply to This