PMA 2006: Nikon Capture NX digital image editing software is announced today. Available in May 2006 for £119.99 / €179.

Nikon Press Release

Nikon Capture NX - Advancing full-scale digital image processing and editing

TOKYO – Nikon Corporation announces the new digital image editing software, Capture NX, featuring Nik Software, Inc.’s patented U Point™ technology. This new product, evolving from previously released Nikon Capture 4 software, gives digital photographers more powerful tools complimented by simple and visual operation for exploring NEF, JPEG and TIFF files potential for optimizing images. The new software is scheduled for delivery during Spring 2006.Advancing the world-acclaimed Nikon Capture concept, Capture NX releases not only the latest powers of Nikon’s Electronic Format (NEF) files; for the first time, it makes image processing of JPEG and TIFF files created by other cameras elegant and easy enough for any photographer to implement*. A user-friendly interface makes image editing more visually intuitive and provides access to all necessary enhancement tools. Nikon’s legendary expertise in creating innovative digital cameras and images has expanded the potential for high quality digital photography which will soon be complimented by Capture NX with its technology to maximize the potential for each compatible image. With performance, versatility and convenience it is the perfect match to any Nikon digital camera, as well as for any other camera brand that produces JPEG and TIFF files.

Among some of Capture NX software’s highlights are the following major features.
*Some Capture NX functions apply to NEF files only.

Color Control Points and Color Picker make editing more intuitive and remarkably versatile.

Major Features

New U Point™ technology

  * U Point™ technology is revolutionary in how it uses Control Points to help realize results envisioned in the editing process. Using NEF files for optimal performance, Control Points allow photographers to select and isolate an entire image or selected areas within the image for enhancement, without the complications required by other photo editing software. Enhancements can be instantly cancelled or added with ease, without compromising the original quality of the image, and U Point control is perfectly compatible with each NEF file’s Instruction Set.
  * With Color Control Points, a photographer can adjust any of up to nine different sliders for each respective area selected. In the default setting, four sliders are available to adjust size, brightness, contrast and hue, respectively. Additional settings are available by accessing each Control Point’s Settings box.
  * Other Control Points include Black and White points, both of which are convenient for setting dynamic range, Neutral Control Point to correct color casts in images even without a gray tone, and Red-Eye Reduction Control Point.

Sophisticated Edit List

  * The Edit List is the master control list of Capture NX features and enhancements. Anything that affects an image will have an Edit List entry. Every entry can be removed, altered, or duplicated from this list. Entry and removal of Control Point changes can be accomplished during the initial operation prior to saving the file. For NEF files, the Control Point changes can be changed both before and after saving, JPEG and TIFF changes can only be made prior to saving the file. If additional changes are desired for JPEG and TIFF files, additional Control Points can be used on the already modified file.
  * The Edit List automatically organizes each entry by Step. During initial editing, one or more Steps can be turned on or off at any time, enabling monitoring and comparing the consequent effect on an image. For NEF files, the steps can be turned on and off even after the file is saved and reopened.

Powerful Image Browser

  * Advanced functions of the Capture NX Browser include labeling, sorting and editing.
  * Most Capture NX features are accessible via the Browser, for making quick adjustments directly through each image thumbnail, or even on multiple images simultaneously. Images selected among thumbnails can be opened from the Browser into the Editor.

Improved batch processing

  * Batch processing automatically applies enhancements to a series of images, and is especially useful for applying a predefined series of adjustments to several images at once.
  * Capture NX supports various batch processing methods.

Selective tools

  * In response to growing demand among Nikon Capture 4 software users, Capture NX includes valuable new features: choice of positive or negative application of selective tools for enhancements including Brush, Lasso and Marquee (four kinds), Gradient and Fill/Remove.

Color Management control

  * The Color Management performance has been reinforced, for advanced control of how colors from an image correspond to colors that a printer can produce. Options for this feature include Perceptual, Saturation, Relative Colorimetric and Absolute Colorimetric.

Advancing the convenience of Nikon Capture 4

  * Capture NX inherits advanced functions including Color Aberration Control, D-Lighting, Image Dust Off, Vignette Control and Fisheye-to-Rectilinear Image Transformation.
  * Improved noise reduction features the latest, most advanced Nikon algorithms. New Distortion Control has been added to reduce pincushion and barrel distortion effects.

Compatible with the Nikon Total Imaging System

  * As part of Nikon’s Total Imaging System comprising cameras, lenses, Speedlights, film scanners, accessories and related software, Capture NX extends limitless possibilities in the world of Nikon photography.

Evolving the “Nikon Capture” concept, new “Capture NX” digital image processing and editing software advances digital photographers’ capabilities by unleashing the full potential of Nikon Electronic Format (NEF) files. “NX” is derived from “nexus” and “next stage of digital photography”—concepts characterizing how Nikon is integrating the Nikon family of cameras, lenses, Software, Speedlights, and accessories more effectively than ever.

Capture NX System Requirements

Windows
CPU 1.0 GHz Pentium III or higher(2.0 GHz Pentium 4 or higher recommended).
OS Windows XP Home Edition, Windows XP Professional, Windows 2000 Professional
RAM 256 MB minimum (1.0 GB or more recommended).
Hard disk 200 MB required for installation.
Display 800 x 600 pixels (1024 x 768 or more recommended) with 16-bit color (High Color/thousands of colors) or 24-bit color (True Color/millions of colors) recommended.
Others • CD-ROM drive required for installation
• Internet connection required for some options
Macintosh
CPU G4 or G5
OS Mac OS X (version 10.3.9 or later)
RAM 256 MB minimum (1.0 GB or more recommended).
Hard disk 200 MB required for installation.
Display 800 x 600 pixels (1024 x 768 or more recommended) with 16-bit color (High Color/thousands of colors) or 24-bit color (True Color/millions of colors) recommended.
Others • CD-ROM drive required for installation
• Internet connection required for some options