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-   -   The DSLR Thread (https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/gadgets-computers-software/11582-dslr-thread-758.html)

Try Rawtherapee first.
GIMP native TIFF support is not very good(for example EXIF is lost).
That way you can simply save JPEG and then work with GIMP if needed. Most of the times, you can create a good enough image out of RT. Only for heavy noise you will need to use GMIC or wavelet denoise.

What is Nikon's native s/w which one gets when one buys a Nikon.
Something equivalent to Canon DPP. That should also be good to convert RAW to TIFF to reproduce the colours before extra post processing.

View NX2. Its a pretty useless non intutive software which does not even do levels adjustment.

I have purchased quite a few times from Cameta (directly and also through Amazon) with absolutely no issue. They are pretty reliable.

Wow! Canon DPP is much better in that aspect. I just use to covert it to TIFF without any adjustment. And then follow it up with all changes after I take the TIFF to Aperture.

I use the free DNG converter to convert OM-D raw files to DNG. Only then I can open in CS4.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PyNIhlibtlI

live time on omd. super useful.

With Capture NX2, you don't need any other tool , unless you are into heavy post processing and layers.

Try its selective adjustments, and selection tools, very helpful. I really love the feature of applying multiple changes on same selection, very helpful in Landscape shots

View NX is good for nothing other then a file expolrer, exif viewer and Raw conversion, though I still use it for managing, ranking, labelling my images

Yes I am liking it. Much simpler than GIMP, and the colours are accurate.
Any idea where to buy it from cheaply? The Nikon India site says 11k! Perhaps download the key from US where it is much cheaper?

I own a Nikon D7000 with kit lens (55-105). I am planning of getting a telephoto lens, on checking for list of Nikkor lenses came across these two -
Fx format - 70 - 300- MRP Rs: 32450 http://www.nikon.co.in/en_IN/product...tLink=gp11zkzb FX Format/AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f4.5-5.6G

Dx format - 55-300 -MRP Rs: 21450 http://www.nikon.co.in/en_IN/product...tLink=gp11zkz8 DX Format AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm f4.5-5.6G ED

Iam inclided towards 70-300 since the zoom range is less and hence pictures may be sharper. However its almost 50 % expensive than 55-300 and both have same F -stops. However first is Fx and second is Dx format lens, what is the difference between these?


Also on higher budget there is Dx format 18-300 - MRP Rs 73000 http://www.nikon.co.in/en_IN/product...tLink=gp11zkz8 DX Format 18-300mm f3.5- 5.6G

And Fx format 28- 300 with MRP Rs: 74000 http://www.nikon.co.in/en_IN/product...tLink=gp11zkzb FX Format 28-300mm f3.5-5.6G

These both are above my budget as of now, however will it be worth the money since the F-stop values are 3.5 compared to 4.5 for first two lenses.

First up the 28-300 makes no sense on a D7000. You'll get an effective focal length of 50mm to 450mm.

If you get the 18-300 DX, you don't need your kit lens because you'll be duplicating focal lengths. The 18-300 or the 18-200 VR are great do-it-all travel lenses on DX.

However, if you don't mind changing lenses and want a dedicated telephoto, I'd choose the 70-300 VR for a couple of reasons: The DX crop factor gives FX telephoto's extra reach and that makes the 70-300 a 105-450; If you ever shift to full frame the 70-300 will remain a valid lens; it is much better built than the 55-300 DX and I'd assume outperforms it as well.

Also, about f-stops. don't be fooled by the 3.5 starting number. For the operative 70-300 part, the 18-300 may be the same or actually slower, compared with the 70-300 FX.

Guys just need one suggestion. I have a D5100 with the kit lense 18-55mm. I have used this camera for almost an year now. Since the time I have bought this camera I wanted a prime lense. Couldnt buy it then and still cannot buy a new one now. But if I exchange my 18-55 for the 35mm prime I might just be able to manage that. I am still contemplating it and have not decided on it yet. I will be having this lense only as of now and would gradually buy a 55-300 sometime later.

Can you guys share what you think on this? Should I keep the 18-55 and only get 35 mm when I have another telephoto or It is will be worth it to swap the 18-55 for 35 mm and later add the 55-300.

What kind of photography I do? Well some portraits of my family and my car, landscape and some general street photography.

Thanks
Rachit

My friend (aravind84 on this forum) owned both 55-300 and 70-300 at different points of time and he says that the clarity with the 70-300 is much better. He also uses the D7000. So I guess the 70-300 would be a better buy if the cost is not a constraint for you

I too have a D5100 and was in same dilemma when I bought my camera last October

A prime lens is a must in everyone's kit. The results of a prime lens are truly wonderful. The sharpness and bokeh is just perfect for potraits and street photography. It also shines in low light photography too due to its large F stop (F1.8)

Btw, I too tried selling my brand new 18-55mm and you wont beileve it. There were no buyers for it. Everyone wants to upgrade...lol!..So I just gifted those brand new lens to my BIL

You might as well keep it if you too dont find any buyers for the kit lens and just buy the prime lens.

Thank you so much for the advice. Even I am not very optimistic of finding any buyers for the 18-55. I would try to exchange it in the shop for 35mm. The downside being I will not be getting a decent price for it but lets see. Will try to negotiate.

Thanks