Previewing NEF Files in Windows Explorer

[dje]

When I was a Canon user, I could preview the CR2 raw files in Windows Explorer thanks to the installation of the Microsoft Camera Codec Pack. When I switched to Nikon, this didn't work anymore and I think this is because the Microsoft codec hasn't been updated for quite some time.

However I recently came across a Nikon Codec which allows the preview of their latest camera NEF files in Windows Explorer. See this link if you want to download it.

It works for me.

Dave

[Saorsa]

Once installed, that will allow a lot of other programs to deal with the .nef files too.

[dje]

Once installed, that will allow a lot of other programs to deal with the .nef files too.

Yes I must explore that further Brian.

[Kris V]

Thanks for the link - I just finished downloading and installing.
Works like a charm!

[IzzieK]

Thanks for the link too Dave...

[Saorsa]

If you ever buy a new Nikon, the codec is included on the software provided with the camera. This is usually ViewNX which a lot of folks (myself included) don't use. But, if you find a commercial program like irfanview or faststone won't deal with your raw files just go to the link and find the latest codec. In fact, just search for Nikon NEF (or NRW) codec and follow the nikon domain links to get what you need.

[george013]

If you ever buy a new Nikon, the codec is included on the software provided with the camera. This is usually ViewNX which a lot of folks (myself included) don't use. But, if you find a commercial program like irfanview or faststone won't deal with your raw files just go to the link and find the latest codec. In fact, just search for Nikon NEF (or NRW) codec and follow the nikon domain links to get what you need.

ViewNx is not the codec. It may or may not make use of that codec, but it's just a program dedicated to the Nikon files. But also able to view other JPG-files. The old version imported the files in a catalogue like LR (I think). The latest version uses the normal directory structure which is much more friendly.

I don't think the Nikon codec lets you edit the NEF-file. IrfanView lets you edit the extracted JPG-file, but you can't save it back. You must save it outside the NEF. Logical when you think about it: the embedded JPG must represent the RAW-data. All mine photos are NEF, no JPG. I edit them in CaptureNx and save them as NEF again. So 1 file with the RAW and the good quality JPG. When I need a JPG I can just extract it from the NEF using IrfanView, resize it and save it outside the NEF. It only doesn't include the Exif.


IrfanView is a free program. If you download it, you must also install the plugins. That's where the Nikon-codec is. http://www.irfanview.com/
I use IrfanView as my daily photo browser. But when I want to add geo-data to the pictures, I use ViewNx.

George

[Black Pearl]

I've never understood why Microsoft don't include native support for raw files as Apple do with OS X. Yes it means you need regular updates to keep it current with the latest cameras but that can't be difficult - can it?

So far (fingers crossed) every raw file I've put on the iMac thumbnails then opens as a previews when you hit the space bar.

[dje]

I've never understood why Microsoft don't include native support for raw files as Apple do with OS X. Yes it means you need regular updates to keep it current with the latest cameras but that can't be difficult - can it?

So far (fingers crossed) every raw file I've put on the iMac thumbnails then opens as a previews when you hit the space bar.

Robin it'll take more than a raw preview to get me across to Apple

Dave

[davidedric]

Explorer is a dire piece of software, at least I think so!

If you are serious about managing files and so on, have a look at Directory Optus. https://www.gpsoft.com.au

It costs a few $'s, but It's just about the first piece of software I would want on a Windows machine. As you can see, Dave, it's an Aussie product too!

Dave

[Saorsa]

In another post, I did not mean to imply that ViewNX was the codec. Merely that the codec is included on the disk that comes with the camera. The disk (from Nikon) features ViewNX and also includes other utilities like Transfer, some video processing tool, access to picturetown and the nikon updater. Installing any of those will also update the Nikon codec.

As to Microsoft including the codec, they do in some cases but Nikon seems to want to use their Message Center application to distribute updates to their software. When I last bought a laptop it accepted NEF from every camera I had but I never got an update from Microsoft. The last time I bought a new camera I couldn't see NEF images until I installed the latest NEF codec.

[dje]

Explorer is a dire piece of software, at least I think so!

If you are serious about managing files and so on, have a look at Directory Optus. https://www.gpsoft.com.au

It costs a few $'s, but It's just about the first piece of software I would want on a Windows machine. As you can see, Dave, it's an Aussie product too!

Dave

Well I'll have to check it out then Dave, if it's Aussie it must be good!

Dave

[Dave Humphries]

Thanks from me too Dave,

I'd struggled with this in past and use Picasa simply to view NEFs - when I'm not using ViewNX that is.

In windows Explorer; I didn't get NEF thumbnails, nor could I open NEF files in any native Windows application - until I installed this - which I've not found previously - and I remember searching for it before I installed Picasa.

I will save a link to this thread for future use by all mods., since the question pops up occasionally.

Thanks, Dave

[dje]

Thanks from me too Dave,

I'd struggled with this in past and use Picasa simply to view NEFs - when I'm not using ViewNX that is.

In windows Explorer; I didn't get NEF thumbnails, nor could I open NEF files in any native Windows application - until I installed this - which I've not found previously - and I remember searching for it before I installed Picasa.

I will save a link to this thread for future use by all mods., since the question pops up occasionally.

Thanks, Dave

Dave I'm glad it's of some use to others, I just found it by accident!

Dave

[pnodrog]

I've never understood why Microsoft don't include native support for raw files as Apple do with OS X. Yes it means you need regular updates to keep it current with the latest cameras but that can't be difficult - can it?

So far (fingers crossed) every raw file I've put on the iMac thumbnails then opens as a previews when you hit the space bar.

It has been available since 2011 ---- they just keep it a secret. http://petapixel.com/2011/07/26/micr...dows-explorer/

[IzzieK]

It has been available since 2011 ---- they just keep it a secret. http://petapixel.com/2011/07/26/micr...dows-explorer/

But why?????? I means kept it secret????

[pnodrog]

But why?????? I means kept it secret????

Not really a secret it is just like so many useful additions/updates/utilities etc you have to search for them or have them drawn to your attention. Why it has not just been included with a windows update is a bit of a mystery. However it is only a relatively small number of users that need it and if Microsoft added all the specialist options available for windows the install time and size requirements would become totally impractical.

[dje]

The main problem I have with the Microsoft codec is that the latest version is dated April 2014 and it doesn't handle the latest Nikon cameras.

[pnodrog]

The main problem I have with the Microsoft codec is that the latest version is dated April 2014 and it doesn't handle the latest Nikon cameras.

Over the years I have learned it pays not to be part of leading edge technology - now you have proved it.....

[Mike Buckley]

I actually intentionally don't use the Nikon codec. That's because I make a JPEG from every raw file that is sized to match the native resolution of my monitor. The few times that I use the Windows operating system to find files, such as when I upload them to CiC, it's very easy to determine which files are the raw files, the sidecar files that correspond with the raw files, and the JPEGs; the JPEGs are the only files that display the image in the thumbnails.