Software (Getting the pictures off the camera)

[Leslie]

Now that I've "learned" to take the pictures, the next step is loading them (up? down?) onto the computer.  What is good software for this?
I have a Nikon D50 and Windows XP.  The camera's manual makes reference to the supplied PictureProject software which seems to be unsupplied (unless it's in the camera somewhere).  I'm presently using Adobe, version 3.2 or something like that, which is limited.
Grateful for any advice,
Leslie

[Michael Tam]

For downloading images from your memory card to your computer, one can use the generic program from Window Explorer.  However, it will not be able to view RAW files. Since Nikon has its own proprietory software for NEF, Nikon's version of RAW, it will produce the best result by downloading two Free Software from the Nikon website.  

First, you will need to download NIKON TRANSFER, this will download your images from the memory card to the computer.  There are two routes to take, one by connecting the USB cable from camera body to computer while another, by using a Card Reader that can be bought from either camera store or computer store.  The advantage of the latter is that it will not use the camera battery to perform the downloading.

Second, you will need to download NIKON VIEWNX 2 for viewing the images.  Nikon Transfer will automaticaly connect to the Nikon ViewNX 2 after processing your files.  The latest version of ViewNX 2 allows for viewing Jpeg and NEF images as well as minor post-processing.  It will automatically Auto-rotate your vertical images while Window Explorer requires manual adjustment.

http://www.nikon.com/about/news/2010/08 ... nx2_03.htm

If you wish to proceed into Post Processing of your images, you will need a software also which is not free, but many are available for 30 days free trial.  The most inexpensive is Adobe Element.  The most widely used is Adobe Lightroom 3.  For those advance user, there is PHOTOSHOP CS5.  Nikon has its own version of Nikon Capture NX 2.

I am no post processing expert but hope it is helpful.  Good birding and photography.

[Leslie]

Thanks, Michael, I'll certainly look into this.
Leslie

[Michael Tam]

In the world of digital photography, our accomplished images are generally viewed through the computer monitor instead of mountains of prints in the film era.  For this reason, it is important to understand the LCD technology so that your images are shown with the best possible color accuracy, tonality and resolution.  There comes the IPS monitor, the bench mark monitor for the photographic community.  

To understand further on the LCD technology, please read the following:

http://www.pchardwarehelp.com/guides/lc ... -types.php

The IPS monitor does not have to be expensive.  For instance, the NEC EA231WMi 23" model was on sale for $299 in the past.  When compared to the traditional TN LCD/LED models, one can immediately appreciate the difference in the image quality.

http://www.pchardwarehelp.com/guides/s-ips-lcd-list.php

For further understand of post processing software, an excellent review of the newest version of Adobe Lightroom 3:

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/adobelightroom3/

Good birding and photography.

[Michael Tam]

Digital post-processing from RAW files offers immense lattitude in the creativity of the final image.  For those who is skilled in the use of the popular Adobe Lightroom 3 software, the following article may add spice to this process:

http://www.outdoorphotographer.com/blog ... troom.html

Good birding and photography.