Nikon has updated its flagship raw file converter/editor with the release of Capture NX 2 for Windows and Macintosh.

 

June 4, 2008: Nikon has updated its flagship raw file converter/editor with the release of Capture NX 2 for Windows and Macintosh.
The new version introduces support for dual monitor workstations and a new Workspaces program with four canned palette and toolbar settings: Browser, Edit, Metadata and Multi-Purpose. Users can also customise their own layouts across one or two displays and save the setup as a Custom Workspace. Keyboard shortcuts can be assigned to any Workspace. The new Workspaces make it easier to move in and out of the Browser space, which has also been substantially upgraded.
Capture NX 2’s Browser allows photographers to use labels and ratings plus two levels of sorting functions and filter settings. It can also display JPEGs, NEF.RAW files and TIFF images as well as paired raw and JPEG images. Labels applied in Capture NX 2 carry over into other applications. A new Favourites folder is provided to allow access to frequently-used images.
Selection Control Points allow users to selectively apply editing function like unsharp masking or D-Lighting adjustments to photographs without the need to manually outline or mask the area for editing. Users can also complete image editing faster by using simultaneous tools, which allow them to adjust the brightness and contrast of an image while boosting the colour of the image at the same time. A new Fisheye Image Transformer converts images taken with diagonal fisheye lenses, such as AF DX Fisheye-Nikkor 10.5mm f/2.8G ED and AF Fisheye-Nikkor 16mm f/2.8D, into shots that look like they were captured by an ultra-wide angle lens.
The Quick Fix and Adjust functions in the Edit List are now faster to access and use. Easier access is also provided for the levels and curves adjustments, exposure compensation, saturation, contrast and highlight and shadow controls. Noise reduction and unsharp masking are also slightly easier to access. The U Point technology that lies at the heart of Capture NX has also been expanded in the new version and now covers most adjustment tools. A new Auto Retouch Brush allows one-click removal of dust and blemishes.
Full details of Capture NX 2 can be found at www.capturenx.com/, which has a link to a trial version download.