Raw and white balance

[StrategicReef]

I set my Nikon D40X to take NEF format.. I thought that takes a un-adjusted white balance picture, but the colors that came out still seem to be related to the WB presets?

What I wanted to do is adjust the WB in post processing, can anyone recommend a program that is free? The program that came with the Nikon cannot even crop a picture, let alone WB, it's only an organizer program.

 

[seansod]

The Capture NX program works well and has a free trial download for you to use.

Tony

 

[maroun.c]

The advantage of raw is that you can still modify the WB chosing a diferent preset value or a modified one using any RAW converter. The initial file will still follow wht you set on your camera but chosing another preset value in you raw converter would give you exactly the same colour if you chose that same WB setting on the camera. a PG will not allow you as much changes or the ability to change presets.

 

[StrategicReef]

OH I see why now Maroun C! that makes sense.

 

[KurtsReef]

Capture NX costs money but you can get a free trial at the nikon website.

Same thing with Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop, both are a bit more expensive.

Adobe Lightoom ELEMENTS is a program simply for photo editing that runs around $100.00 and works very well.

GIMP is free

Picasa I think is the name of another freeware

 

[DeniseAndy]

I've just started taking pictures of our Nano tank with my 40x as well and have been playing with the WB settings. I've also switched to NEF, but I'm still trying to get a good picture without needing to use this format. So far, I've found that I like one of two combinations:

With a flash then set WB two the flash setting (gosh, there's a surprise)
Without then I set it to the shade setting (house with lines).

I've used both with the camera set to A mode to get a better depth of field when doing just the reef, or slow moving fish! I'll probably go with P when I need less depth.

I've also looked at some of the software (I have various Photoshops, GIMP and the free Nikon stuff) and they all can be used to correct the WB, but I'm probably not good enough at them because I'm still not happy with what they do compared with getting the picture as good as I can when I take the shot

Hope that helps!

Andy.