Recommended Image Processing Software for Nikon D700

[The Asgard]

Just upgraded to a Nikon D700 and was wondering what I should be using to process the pictures? I shoot in RAW.

Previously I have been using Lightroom 2 which worked well with my Canon 40D. However after using Capture NX2 that came with the Nikon I'm finding NX2 seems to produce better results and also seems more intergrated with the camera. So I'm now asking is there something even better than NX2 with a better interface?

I would like to try HDR. I have sort of achieved HDR with NX2 by using the High Pass Filter and Overlay Blending but this doesn't work with the sky.

I know Lightroom 3 is out but is this much better than 2?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Hairyduck]

nx2 is better than lR3 I've found mainly for the greater dynamic range it seems to be able to produce, it also remembers my presets from teh camera so it's a lot easier to get back to teh image I anticipated and reviewed when i took the shot. It's not the fastest or most user friendly software though for catalogging, I still use LR3 for this

 

[The Asgard]

nx2 is better than lR3 I've found mainly for the greater dynamic range it seems to be able to produce, it also remembers my presets from teh camera so it's a lot easier to get back to teh image I anticipated and reviewed when i took the shot. It's not the fastest or most user friendly software though for catalogging, I still use LR3 for this

Yes I think its great that NX2 uses the presets on the camera hence why I mentioned the integration. The Library is not so good.

I have avoided photoshop because I never really got on with it. Admittedly this was a long time ago before the CS Variant. Should I be looking at PS again? Elements 8 look quiet good?

 

[alexkidd]

depends what you're shooting and the workflow imho

single images or a couple then nx is fine
if you're doing a fair few images then tbh the interface of nx is pants and gets in the way i think so i'd go for lightroom

 

[DonnaM]

The only thing that comes close to NX2 for quality is Capture One. It is, however, only a RAW editor so you will still need photoshop or similar and a cataloging package.

 

[raider2727]

I use and love Lightroom, used with my D700 and Canon 7D have to say for ease of use and functions it cant be beaten. my image quality is excellent
Why not downlad a 30 day trial from the Adobe site and see how it goes.
Tony

 

[alexkidd]

having used capture one i still don't think it's on a par with nx2 (which is a shame)

 

[The Asgard]

Thanks for the advice. I will download the LR3 trial and give it a whirl.
Just hope it doesn't trash my LR2 setup.

 

[The Asgard]

The only thing that comes close to NX2 for quality is Capture One. It is, however, only a RAW editor so you will still need photoshop or similar and a cataloging package.

I did try Capture One many moons ago, when I had my 10D and it was a great package. I'm just trying to get the one package fits all but it seems that might be asking too much.