Nikon Capture NX2
Nikon Capture NX2 is the latest update of Nikon's proprietary image processing software. Building on feedback from users of Nikon's earlier versions of Capture software, Capture NX2 should prove to be a positive experience for anyone used to working in a Photoshop-like environment.
Key among the newest features are slider-driven Color Control Points, which enable you to selectively adjust the color and tonal properties of portions of an image while leaving the balance of the image unchanged. Using Nikon's U Point Technology, Selection Control Points allow you to selectively apply image enhancements including Unsharp Mask, Gaussian Blur, D-Lighting, Brightness, Color, Focus, and Noise Reduction to specific areas of an image without having to pre-mask the area.
Another new feature is Auto Retouch, which allows you to remove dust bunnies and other undesirable blemishes from the scene. A simple click and drag of your mouse blends unwanted dust, moles, or blemishes into the surrounding color and tonal values of the image. To remove unwanted color casts and improve saturation and color fidelity you can employ the Black/White Control Point feature. And lastly, Capture NX2 features a U Point-driven Red-Eye Reduction tool to remove that spooky possessed look from the eyes of your loved ones.
 |
Capture NX2 interface with image adjustment menus |
The updated user interface is dominated by the image, which can be enlarged or reduced using a choice of slider or plus/minus magnifiers. From there you start working a shopping list of menus that line the right side of the frame. Starting with the camera settings, you can alter the White Balance of the image using six presets, which include Daylight, Incandescent, Flash, 2 Fluorescent settings, and Sodium Vapor Lamps. Additional settings include Recorded Value, Automatic, and Gray Point. Tint and Color Temperature can also be set using sliders.
 |
Same image in B&W Mode with Red Filter emulation |
There's also a choice of five Color Modes that render your image in differing levels of contrast, hue, and saturation. Additionally, there are five Black & White Modes that emulate the look of monochrome images shot through Yellow, Orange, Red, or Green filters.
As with most image processing software applications, you can vary the levels of Sharpening, Contrast, Hue and Saturation, Noise, Exposure, Shadows and Highlights, Moirés, Vignette, and in the case of Nikon NX2, D-Lighting and Image Dust-off.
Other new features of Nikon Capture NX2 include Quick Fix, for batch enhancements of multiple images, Shadow/Highlight Adjustments (RAW only), the ability to simultaneously open multiple settings, and Label/Rating Support (XMP), and an improved user interface. Nikon Capture NX2 is available as a stand-alone package as well as a less-expensive upgrade for owners of previous versions of Nikon Capture software.
|
