The interface has not been significantly developed, but becomes more “organized”.
Even if NX2 is presented as a software to manage a NEF workflow ( File Manager, Metadata editor, printing module…) the software essentially focuses on image retouching . There is no module here for the creation of on-line galleries or slideshow creation...
Among the new functions we note particularly :
• A new Quick Fix palette, which allows rapid correction of exposure, contrast, saturation and highlights and low-lights (sic)
• Direct access to other basic Nikon softwares : Nikon transfer and Camera Control Pro 2 (sold separately at 150 Euros)
• Integration of Metadata into the images
• Management of double screens
• Dust management tool
• Creation of selections via U-Points allowing you to “play” with the other available tools : curves, blur, sharpness, noise, grain
Nikon Capture NX2 still requires powerful equipment ( opening a NEF file from a D300 can take several seconds) and although this version is more powerful and complete than its predecessor, it is still a complex learning curve for a new user trying to get on top of it…
Price is 199 Euros and upgrade 99 Euros…
[Image]
Automatic correction esily eliminates undesirable objects in a few clicks. The stamp uses U-point technmology to improve the correction….
A new feature in file navigatior is the possibility of rapidly creating favourites folders…
[Image of a guy with green eyes]
This is not a well chosen example abrush mask would have been more efficient. U-points allow a (green) selection to create an effect, here the epmphasis of the eyes. We note that the selection is too large to contain just the eyes. You need to add U-points to limit the effect of the first two…The other U-points thereby ensure that the blur mask is applied only to the green part of the eyes.
As per the previous version, changes appear as steps, which you can activate or de-activate at will. There is therefore no “History” function…The profile created can, of course, be applied automatically to batches of images. All the different stages are registered as explanatory data in the NEF file [Photeinos question – does this mean that it does away with the need to manage those irritating XMP files?]
Despite the image manipulation, the files are only marginally larger and the manipulations are only applied when a file is saved as a JPEG. Interestingly, you can activate the batch process in a monitored folder. So, with Remote Capture 2 you can define a treatment which will be applied at each new image capture.
Finally, let us note that Capture NX2 allows you to create image styles that can be applied in-camera via Picture Control
Source: Nikon France