Nikon Capture NX Tutorial

Typical Basic Image Edit Work Flow
How To Use This Tutorial:

I recommend that you read the article it's entirety before trying to apply the methods described, When you are ready to try the method on your own image leave the article open so that you can flip back and forth between the article and the image you are working on.

Overview:

This tutorial describes the work-flow of a typical image edit and the steps I use after editing to save the result for upload to Pbase. Note: The work-flow will vary, different steps may be needed depending upon the quality of the image being worked on. 

Step 1: Exposure Compensation

After loading the image in NX the first thing I look at is the histogram. Observe that in the histogram shown below that it is crowded towards the left side. Note: The left side of the histogram represents the dark tones, the center of the histogram the mid tones and the right side of the histogram represents the light tones. In this image, adjusting exposure compensation so that the edges of the histogram are centered in the window will improve the light qualities.

Step 2: Adjusting Exposure Compensation:

In the "edit list" window Click on BASE ADJUSTMENTS / RAW ADJUSTMENTS / EXPOSURE COMPENSATION and note that the Exposure Compensation adjustment window opens. Note: This adjustment is only available for images taken in RAW format. If you are working on an image taken in JPG format then skip this step.

  • Observe the histogram and move the slider in the "exposure compensation" window towards the right until the histogram is centered in the window. 

  • Click OK when completed. 

Step 3: Hide the pallets and adjust the image size to your screen (de-clutter the work space):

In the "edit list" window click on NEW STEP. 

Note: Clicking on "New Step" means the next adjustment you do will not affect the previous adjustment. Some adjustment methods can be done in a way where they work together with each step affecting the one previous step. Those methods will be discussed in future tutorials. For now, we will click on "New Step" for each new adjustment.

  • Hit the TAB KEY to hide the pallets. Hiding the pallets make the screen uncluttered and easier to work on the image. Note: hitting the "tab key" again will return the pallet.

  • In the window that surround the image click on the MAXIMIZE ICON Note: the image will now be centered on your screen and unencumbered by the window that surrounded it.

  • On the top menu bar click on VIEW / FIT TO SCREEN The image fills your screen, the workspace is uncluttered.

Step 4: Adjust Light - Levels & Curves

Note: The levels and curves adjustment will improve tonal range and contrast of the image.

On the top menu bar click on ADJUST / LIGHT / LEVELS & CURVES

  • In the level and curves window adjust the left and right sliders to the edges of the histogram. 

  • Click OK when completed.

Step 5: Adjust Focus - Unsharp Mask

  • Hit the TAB KEY to make the pallets visible. 

  • In the "edit list" window click on NEW STEP

  • Hit the TAB KEY to hide the pallets

  • In the unsharp mask window enter the figures 50 for intensity value and 3 for radius value. Note: These are the values I found for this particular image that added sharpness without making it look over-sharpened. Values may vary significantly from one image to another. Trying different values until it looks good to your eyes is a good approach.

  • Click OK when completed.

Step 6: Saving your work and preserving the original image:

A unique feature of Capture NX is it's capability of saving files in Nikons proprietary "NEF file format" Files saved in this format retain all of the original, as-photographed, unedited data as well as the steps used in the edit process. It means that you can edit your image as many times as you like and still preserve the original image data. This capability is present for images shot in either RAW or JPG format. I strongly suggest you preserve you original images using the NEF file format.

  • If you took the original image in RAW format simply click on save and go to step 7.

  • If you took the original image in JPG format continue with the following steps.

  • On the top menu bar click on FILE / SAVE AS

  • In the "Save in" drop down menu select the folder where you want to save your image.

  • In the "Save as type" drop down menu select NEF

  • Click on Save

  • In the "Save Options dialog box that opens click on SAVE

Step 7: Adjust Image Size and Save in JPG format

This step implements the steps typical for saving and image for upload to an on-line gallery.

On the top menu bar click on EDIT / SIZE AND RESOLUTION

  • In the "Setting' menu that opens select "Change the File Size (Image size)

  • In the width dialog box enter 800 and select pixels in the drop down menu. Note: 800 pixels is a good typical size for Pbase

  • Note: the value in the "height" dialog box will change automatically to preserve a correct width to height ratio.

  • Click on OK

  • In the "Save Option Dialog" window that opens select "Good Quality" in the drop down menu

  • Click on Save

 

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