If you are trying to get the best out of Nikon Capture NX, this is the webpage you want to bookmark. I am trying to create a comprehensive collection of available Nikon Capture NX and NX2 resources on the web. Here is the current list of how-to guides, tutorials, tips, techniques, and other related information. Please consider it work-in-progress. If I missed anything, please let me know by using the comment box below. Last updated: November 15, 2009.
What’s new
[September, 2009]: Getting the “cool” look – Tutorial by Paul van Allen. Learn the cool trick of using Noise Reduction to soften the skins.
[September, 2009]: Image Dust Off – Why it doesn’t seem to work. Color Management in Nikon Capture NX – Earthbound Light
[August 4, 2009]: NXSignature – The Signature Tool For Capture NX – How to add signature to your photos using Capture NX.
[May 27, 2009]: Capture NX 2 tutorial: Quick and Easy Landscape Workflow with Capture NX2 – Brought to you by DPTnT.
[May 20, 2009]: Capture NX 2: Understanding Blending Modes – Discussion about the 5 blending modes available in Capture NX2. Brought to you by DPTnT.
[May 8, 2009]: Book: Capture NX2 After the Shoot available – Capture NX2 book by Mike Hagen (Check his other books).
[April 21, 2009]: Nikon Capture NX 2.2 Review – Jason Odell, the author of the excellent ebook The Photographer’s Guide to Capture NX2 (eBook for NX 2), reviews the latest Capture NX 2 update.
[April 13, 2009]: Capture NX2 Online Training by Jason Odell - Jason Odell, the author of the excellent ebook The Photographer’s Guide to Capture NX2 (eBook for NX 2), offers online interactive training sessions.
[March 31, 2009]:
- Nikon Capture NX2 V2.2 Update Released – Get the latest Capture NX2 update.
[February 20, 2009]:
- Nik Software Capture NX2 training video: Use New Selection Control Points to Selectively Apply Enhancements
- Nik Software Capture NX2 training video: Capture NX 2’s Intuitive Controls Save Time and Make Editing Easy
Both are added to the “Capture NX2 Resources from Nikon/Nik Software” section.
[January 17, 2009]:
- Capture NX2 in 90 seconds – 90 seconds or less tutorial videos in the “Capture NX2 resources from Nikon” section.
- Capture NX 2 How-To Videos – Tutorial videos by Michael Rubi in the “Community and discussion groups” section
[January 10, 2009]: Added the following in the “Capture NX2 resources from Nikon” section.
- Straighten tool – Fix tilting horizon
- Black and white control points – Enhance image with BW control points (how to use Double Threshold)
Capture NX Resources from Nikon
- NX – How to Open Files in Capture NX from Nikon View
- NX – ICC profiles and Capture NX’s Color Management
- NX – How do I correct for red-eye that occurs with flash photography?
- NX – How to use the Edit List
- NX – How to print a “contact sheet” of images for browsing on different
- NX – How to print an image without margins. (Borderless print)
- NX – How to print contact sheets with or without image information
- NX – How to change the color profile for multiple images
- NX – How to print copies at a specific size
- NX – How to manage and organize your images using Labels
- NX – How to rename multiple JPEG images without resaving
- NX – How to use the different print options
- NX – How to Crop an image and print to that size
- NX – How to use the “Zoom Tool” and “Light Table” views for viewing thumbnails
- NX – How to reduce the effects of Chromatic Aberration.
- NX – How to correct a color cast in a JPEG or TIFF image for more natural color
- NX – How to eliminate or reduce dust spots visible in some images
- NX – How to enhance dull withered looking grass
- NX – How to enhance contrast using the Auto Levels feature
- NX – How to batch process using the “Save As..” option
- NX – How to use the Levels and Curves tool to optimize contrast
- NX – How to use the Base Adjustments
- NX – How to adjust contrast using Control Points
- NX – How to “soft proof” your images before printing
- NX – How to crop an image
- NX – How to compensate for loss of detail in an overexposed RAW image
- NX – How to isolate an object or subject and apply gradated saturation
- NX – How to blur the background to accent your subject
- NX – How to enhance sunset images
- NX – How to enhance a dull blue sky
- NX – How to batch convert files
- NX – How to use the Plus and Minus Brush for localized enhancement
- NX – How to convert multiple RAW NEF images to JPEG
- NX – “How to ” series – Article List (All of the above and links to PDF version)
Capture NX2 Resources from Nikon/Nik Software
- Getting the “cool” look – Tutorial by Paul van Allen. Learn the cool trick of using Noise Reduction to soften the skins.
- Capture NX2 – Control points (video) – Understanding control points
- Capture NX2 – Auto retouch brush (video) -
- Capture NX2 – Lenses (video) – Learn Capture NX2 with the easy to follow videos
- Color control points – To change the color of the sky
- Selection control points – Partial brightening
- Auto retouch brush – Remove dust spots
- Selection control points (Unsharp Mask) – Selectively sharpen eyes
- Quick fix – Quickly adjust brightness and vividness
- Optional picture control (Landscape) – Make colors of landscape more vivid
- Straighten tool – Fix tilting horizon
- Black and white control points – Enhance image with BW control points (how to use Double Threshold)
- Capture NX2 – Quick and easy photo editing techniques – Tutorials
- Using White/Black Control Points – Make dull and lifeless image more dramatic (increase contrast)
- Using Color Control Points – Make unhealthy, withered-looking grass a more vibrant green
- Using Auto Retouch Brush – Remove dust of foreign matter
- Capture NX2 in 90 seconds – 90 seconds or less tutorial videos
- Nik Software training videos
- Nik Software Capture NX2 training video: Use New Selection Control Points to Selectively Apply Enhancements
- Nik Software Capture NX2 training video: Capture NX 2’s Intuitive Controls Save Time and Make Editing Easy
Tutorials and guides on DPTnT (this site)
- Image Dust Off – Why it doesn’t seem to work.
- NXSignature – The Signature Tool For Capture NX – How to add signature to your photos using Capture NX.
- Quick and Easy Landscape Workflow with Capture NX2
- Capture NX 2: Understanding Blending Modes – Discussion about the 5 blending modes available in Capture NX2.
- Capture NX2 Video Tutorial: White Background Product Photo
- Capture NX2 Video Tutorial: High Key Portrait
- Video Tutorial: Create Negative Images in Capture NX2
- Capture NX2 Auto Retouch Brush
- Capture NX2 Tutorial: High Key Portraits
- Soft Focus Effect in Capture NX2
- Precise Crop in Nikon Capture NX2
- Black and White Conversion in Capture NX2
- Cross Processing in Capture NX2
- High Pass Sharpening using Nikon Capture NX -
- Recover Shadow Details with D-Lighting -
- Selection Brush in Nikon Capture NX -
- Create The Orton Effect Using Nikon Capture NX -
- How to Create LOMO Effect in Nikon Capture NX -
- How To Create a Soft Fade Vignette Effect in Nikon Capture NX -
- Contrast Enhancement in Nikon Capture NX -
- Quick and Easy Landscape Workflow with Capture NX
- Get Punchy Colors in Capture NX -
- Capture NX Quick and Dirty Dust Spot Removal -
- Red Eye Removal in Capture NX -
- Retouching Portraits with Capture NX, Part I – Changing Eye Color -
- Retouching Portraits with Capture NX, Part II – Reducing Dark Circles -
- Retouching Portraits with Capture NX, Part III – Remove Hot Spots
- Capture NX for JPEG Shooters -
- Version Control in Capture NX -
- Upload Photos Directly to Flickr from Nikon Capture NX -
Other sites or resources
- Color Management in Nikon Capture NX – Earthbound Light
- Nikon Capture NX 2.2 Review – Jason Odell, the author of the excellent ebook The Photographer’s Guide to Capture NX2 (eBook for NX 2), reviews the latest Capture NX 2 update.
- Capture NX2 Online Training by Jason Odell - Jason Odell, the author of the excellent ebook The Photographer’s Guide to Capture NX2 (eBook for NX 2), offers online interactive training sessions.
- Jason Odell’s Capture NX2 Videos
- Capture NX2 Videos by Moose Peterson
- Official Nikon Capture NX site -
- Download Capture NX2 trial version -
- NX101.com – Another Capture NX resource list
Community and discussion groups
- DPReview.com forums – Discuss Capture NX/NX2 in Nikon groups
- Capture NX Users Group on Flickr – Nikon Capture NX users group on Flickr
- Capture NX discussion board on NikonCafe – Nikon Capture NX discussions
- Capture NX Q&A – Forum at Luminous Landscape
- Capture NX 2 How-To Videos – Tutorial videos by Michael Rubin
Books
- Jason Odell – The Photographer’s Guide to Capture NX
- Jason Odell – The Photographer’s Guide to Capture NX2
- Ben Long – Real World Capture NX
- Ben Long – Real World Capture NX2
- Mark Hagen - Book: Nikon Capture NX 2 After the Shoot
Want more Capture NX information from us?
Please subscribe to our RSS feed or email newsletter.
As always, your comments and suggestions are welcome. Please use the contact form or the comment box below the post.
Keywords: Capture NX, Capture NX2, Guide, How-To, Nikon, Resources, Tutorials, Ultimate Resource Guide
|
|
Twit This Post! |
 Print This Post
|
[...] contrast); Using Color Control Points – Make unhealthy, withered-looking grass a … More: The Ultimate Nikon Capture NX and NX2 Resource Guide 0 [...]
I have a question about Capture NX2. I have been using it and I think is a wonderful program but I cant find a feature that Lightroom 2 performs in a great manner: Split Toning.
Is there a way to do split toning with Capture NX2?
Thank you very much.
Andrés M.
@Andrés M.G., Yes. Perhaps not as elegant as Adobe Lightroom but it is possible to get something similar by adjusting the curves of each individual R, G, B channel.
Max
This is truly a great website. I am glad i came across it. Very
informative yet easy to understand. Thanks for all the hard work
you put into it.
Robert Sanz
Vancouver B.C.
Canada
Hi there,
Excellent website, especially for a new Nikon enthusiast like me. I have been using the D80 (my first DSL since the Nikon N2000 in the 80s) for three months now and have been using Picasa 3, and more recently Picnik (which is hooked up to FlickR now) for photo editing. So far I have used JPEG only; I only vaguely know what shooting in RAW mode (?) is.
Question: Is the Capture NX2 program for RAW photographers only? Or is it OK for JPEG people as well? I’m afraid I wasted the 60 trial period I was given when I bought the camera–I regret not having taken advantage of it.
Thanks.
Bill Powers
Bill,
Thank you for your kind words. You can expect better stuff to come to this website in the future.
Capture NX2 is not for RAW only because it can also edit JPEG and TIFF images from any camera. Some RAW specific functions are disabled if you use it for JPEG or TIFF but most powerful features still remain functional.
Max
I’m impressed with this website because it deals specifically with NX & NX2. The tutorials are easy to follow & save a lot of time searching elsewhere. I have NX & I am waiting for the NX2 upgrade to arrive. keep up the good work.
Al
Thank you for the kind words. We do have other things about digital photography at DPTnT but Capture NX and NX2 have been the main traffic driver for this site.
Enjoy Capture NX2 and come back for more tips, tutorials, and resources.
Max
How do i create layers with NX2?
Capture NX has no concept of layers but each adjustment step is similar to a layer and you can select from several different blending modes as well as adjust the opacity of each adjustment step.
Question,
I have recently purchased Capture NX 2 and the DVD by Vincent Versace which sheds some information about Capture NX2. While listening to the introduction settings ect a point was made that leads to this question.
On the DVD Vincent says for your color management we should forgo the default setting of RGB color space and make Prophoto the setting. He suggests prophoto for many valid reasons
• Greatest volume of color
• Best looking skin tones ect ect
My question now is how I obtain prophoto( I do not see it in my color management profile)
Do I just install it on my computer then change the capture nx2 color management to pro photo.
I am a relative novice with all of this and if you can respond with some advice and if you have to read between the lines of this query please do.
Thank you
ProphotoRGB color profile used to come with Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop. Now it seems that the color profile is no longer installed in system directory so no other third party softwares can use it.
You can download it from here:
http://www.dodgecolor.com/downloads.html
Hope this helps.
Max
Hello Max!
After thirty-something-years of shooting on film using Nikon FM and FE2 I decided to go digital with Nikon D60 and couple of lenses.
To make the transition complete I installed Capture NX 2 trial version since I intend take pictures also in B&W.
Here began my trouble in using and discovering the endles possibilities of the software. It has colossal potential in working with RAWs. I shoot RAW only.
Desperate as I was finally I found your amazing website!!!
All my questions were answered using your clear step-by-step instructions.
Now I can do digitaly what I have done years in “wet” darkroom.
Max, I thank you very much for consolidating valuable how-to on Capture NX 2.
I wish you all the best in doing this.
Andreas
Hello,
Lately I was testing some processing procedures on the Capture NX2 trial version.
I didn’t find (yet) steps to perform the following functions:
- watermark (copyright logo and name) imprint on photos,
- overlay (sandwich) of two photos,
- panorama.
Thank you for any advise.
Andreas
Unfortunately Capture NX does not have these features you are looking for. But it is possible to use the Selection Brush + Colorize tools to get handwriting stuff on a photo.
Max
Thank you for a WONDERFUL resource. Just stumbled across it this morning
Just purchased NX2 and have been looking for resources to learn this program
Can you recommend any of the books listed on this page. Is one better than the other
Thanks again for your time putting this together.
Will be using this quite a bit!
Both are pretty good. Perhaps Jason’s eBook is a little more popular. However do note that Jason’s book is available in eBook only while Ben Long’s book is available in both formats.
Max
I run on Windows vista and have installed Capture nx2.
My question is in regards to color management and would like to know my choices.
What is the default program for vista / Capture nx2.
Can i install the pro photo color profile or any other profile.
How do I do it.
TMac, Windows Vista has built-in support for color management. Go to Control Panel and you will be able to find it there. You can certainly install a different profile, including ProPhotoRGB. If you don’t already have it, you can download it from http://www.dodgecolor.com/downloads.html. Simply right-click on it and select “Install Profile”. After that, go to Capture NX2 Preferences and you will be able to choose ProPhotoRGB as the default color space.
Max
Question on Jason P Odell e book.
I was wondering if you could shed some light on the free settings files to use in Capture NX2, offered by Jason.
1) What are they exactly
2) How do you install them
Thank you
Hi, just came across your fabulous website from a link in the Retouch forum on dpreview. I don’t have NX2 yet, and in fact am not sure why I need it, as I have Photoshop CS4 and Camera Raw, Lightroom, Bridge, etc. What I was hoping to find on your page, right near the top actually, was not all the How-Tos — but the Whys
! Why use NX and NX2 in the first place, if one has ACR? Unless I missed it, if you can, perhaps you can have an introductory page explaining this? I’ve heard that CNX does a better job opening NEF than ACR, but I’d love to see examples. What can NX do that ACR and PS can’t? etc.
THANKS!
Anthony
Hi,
thanks for this page.
I found exaclty the tip I was looking for!
Local adjust of WB in CaptureNX2?
I’m currently taking a architectural exterior/interior photography course and trying to shoot with mixed lighting. For example, a dusk shot of a house with interior lights on. Goal is to show backyard, patio, interior, sunset behind house. The photos are shot NEF with both auto & daylight white balance.
When editing in CaptureNX2, changing the global WB to Incandescent gets the interior & patio correct, but puts a dark blue onto the sky & yard. After watching your excellent videos, I’ve tried using Color Control Points & ‘-’ Selection Brush tools to remove the blue with limited success. My results are not great & it is taking me a long time to get things sorted out.
Can you suggest a better method? Should I be using LCH? or?
What CCP sliders should I use to locally remove Incandescent WB?
To locally remove Fluorescent WB?
Local WB adjustment is quite challenging. I suggest you try the following:
1) Set the global WB correct to the sky and the grass etc where the interior lights are not affecting.
2) Use neutral control points if you have gray areas in the image to adjust WB in the areas affected by interior lighting. If not, you can use Levels& Curves (adjust individual channels), LCH, or Color Balance tools to adjust WB manually.
3) Use Selection Brush, Selection Control Points etc to limit the affected areas from Step 2.
If you could provide an example, I can play with it and see if there are other ways.
Max
Hi picmax,
I’ve made a tool called NXSignature which might be of interest to you. It’s a simple program aimed at creating signatures or watermarks for CNX.
The how-to is written in french but I think it’s pretty straight forward and easy to understand thanks to the screenshots.
More about NXSignature here:
http://totographe.free.fr/index.php?post/2009/01/14/NXSignature-loutil-de-signature-pour-Capture-NX
Great! I had a plan for a long time to do something like that but I was trying to render fonts into pixels rather than using a jpeg. I think it does make it a whole lot easier.
Thanks!
Max
Some nice webinars to review from Nik Software at:
http://www.niksoftware.com/learnmore/usa/entry.php?view=webinars/archive.shtml
Also future webinars are planned….
gr.
Benny
Sorry, its not for capture NX2 but plug-ins for photoshop, i see that now.
But, the webinar “The power of Capture NX2″ , scheduled on January 28 and March 16, 2010 is recommended.
gr.
Benny
That link to ProPhotoRGB does not work
http://www.dodgecolor.com/downloads.html
Any ideas?
The page flashes past and within 1 second I am redirected
Using Safari and FireFox, neither are working.