How do I open .NEF in CS3

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Steve-T

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I have just got a d300s and as I always shoor in RAW I wish to do the same with this camera. I had a Pentax K20d and CS£ had no trouble with PEF files
However, Bridge and CS3 do not recognise NEF, how can I correct this?

Thanks
 
You could try the 4.6 update for CS3 but I suspect the D300s may need a newer version of photoshop (I haven't got one here to try) if thats the case and you tried the 4.6 update then you'll have to download the free DNG converter from adobes website. That will convert your NEF files to DNG which is a sort of adobe raw, CS3 can open those ok.
It is another set in the workflow but it's easy and fairly quick.
 
I have just had this exact problem this evening, and I couldn't find a workable solution in Google.
I did fix it by doing this though:

Download this file:http://www.brothersoft.com/adobe-camera-raw-255281.html
Then unzip the camera raw file from it and open c:/program files (x86)/common files/adobe/plug-ins/CS3/File Formats/ and move the camera raw.8bi file that you find to a backup folder somewhere (just in case). Replace it with the downloaded one and start PS. That'll do it.
(p.s. if you're on 32-bit ignore the reference to "(x86)".

Cheers
 
Stratman said:
Let me Google that for you ;)
Click to expand...

You know I always hate that response, I suppose every question ever asked on any forum could be answered in google in some form or another. It doen't mean its the right answer though and to save trawling through search lists many people prefer to ask on a forum of experienced users.:shake:


You could try the 4.6 update for CS3 but I suspect the D300s may need a newer version of photoshop (I haven't got one here to try) if thats the case and you tried the 4.6 update then you'll have to download the free DNG converter from adobes website. That will convert your NEF files to DNG which is a sort of adobe raw, CS3 can open those ok.
It is another set in the workflow but it's easy and fairly quick.
Click to expand...

Thanks, I now have the DNG converter which is working fine.

I have just had this exact problem this evening, and I couldn't find a workable solution in Google.
I did fix it by doing this though:

Download this file:http://www.brothersoft.com/adobe-camera-raw-255281.html
Then unzip the camera raw file from it and open c:/program files (x86)/common files/adobe/plug-ins/CS3/File Formats/ and move the camera raw.8bi file that you find to a backup folder somewhere (just in case). Replace it with the downloaded one and start PS. That'll do it.
(p.s. if you're on 32-bit ignore the reference to "(x86)".
Click to expand...

I will try that, but those download sites do seem to try to get you to click on anything but the file you want!

Cheers
 
LMK if you cant get the file. i will pm u a direct link.
 
Here's a direct link for all who require it.
http://www.mediafire.com/?m2pam919b0d3bt6

Disclaimer: When I grabbed this from Brothersoft, my system flagged no viruses. When I uploaded it, Mediafire flagged no viruses. But as with anything you download, it's your responsibility to check carefully and yadda yadda yadda. :gag:
 
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Often if you cannot open raw files a camera raw update is required. Search for 'adobe camera raw' you should be able to find the update fairly easily.
 
JZjr said:
Often if you cannot open raw files a camera raw update is required. Search for 'adobe camera raw' you should be able to find the update fairly easily.
Click to expand...

You'd think so, but I had real trouble doing it this way.
 
mrgas said:
Is there anything on the Nikon site ?

cant remember what I had to do with my D90
Click to expand...

Well from what I have read I dont think Adobe have updated for CS3 which is a bit of a Bummer. I shall have to stick with DNG converter until Lightroom 4 comes out.

Its a shame not all camera manufacturers take Pentax's lead in having DNG as an on-board file option.
 
I agree, the idea of dng is a universal format. To the best of my knowledge only Pentax have adopted it (my k100d is from before they did) and we still have a long way to go before it is fully accepted.
 
Steve T, I had the same issue so in the end took the risk and completely deleted the camera raw.8bi file from the folder I mentioned, then replaced it.
Also, try this to sense-check:
In PS, go HELP>ABOUT PLUG-IN>CAMERA RAW and see what version comes up. Mine was saying 4.1 and after deleting the old file and putting the new one in, and restarting PS, it now says version 4.6.0.30
 
When I upgraded from my Nikon D70 to a Nikon D200, I had the same problem, until I did a CS3 update, then it recognised the D200 NEF files.
 
beercan said:
Steve T, I had the same issue so in the end took the risk and completely deleted the camera raw.8bi file from the folder I mentioned, then replaced it.
Also, try this to sense-check:
In PS, go HELP>ABOUT PLUG-IN>CAMERA RAW and see what version comes up. Mine was saying 4.1 and after deleting the old file and putting the new one in, and restarting PS, it now says version 4.6.0.30
Click to expand...

I checked this and I was showing 2 versions 4.0 which I had renamed as a backup and 4.6, so perhaps it was still defaulting to 4.0 even though I had renamed it (seems unlikely)
Anyway I hav removed it to desktop and now I only have 4.6, though I now dont have any NEF files to try it on as I deleted them so I will have to shoot a few tomorrow and put this to the test.

many thanks
 
Steve-T said:
Well from what I have read I dont think Adobe have updated for CS3 which is a bit of a Bummer. I shall have to stick with DNG converter until Lightroom 4 comes out.

Its a shame not all camera manufacturers take Pentax's lead in having DNG as an on-board file option.
Click to expand...

Not since the launch of CS4, Adobe cease all updates normally once the newer version is on sale.
 
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