Nikon Raw images (.NEF)
MediaPro 3 supports Nikon raw photos. Unlike earlier versions of MediaPro this does not rely on installing any other software. Libraries supplied by Nikon are installed in the MediaPro plug-ins folder during installation.
In MediaPro 3 you have the option of viewing the preview image embedded within a Raw Nikon image or rendering the full raw image. In most situations the preview will be the best option, it is much faster to display and for most Nikon camera models is large enough for most purposes. You can choose which image to display in the 'Media Rendering ...' section of the Preferences. In 'Camera Raw' (from a pulldown menu) is the option 'Use Embedded Preview (if Available)'.
If Nikon Raw images take too long to display you should turn this option on. If the Media view of a image is the preview then the dimensions of the image (shown above the image) will be preceded by an asterix (*).
Speed of import: Nikon Raw images contain previews of varying sizes, MediaPro uses the appropriate preview to speed up import. If you are experiencing slow import you may find that reducing the thumbnail size helps. You will need to experiment to find the optimum size as different models of camera have different embedded previews and different versions of Nikon applications can alter the previews. Choosing to store full screen previews will almost always result in a slower import so please consider this option carefully for Nikon raw files.
Dark thumbnails: As noted earlier, Nikon applications can alter the embedded previews of Nef images. MediaPros cannot take into account these changes and is designed for the original previews, as shot. If you get dark previews after editing NEFs in Nikon Applications you should try using a slightly smaller or larger thumbnail size.
Additional Nikon Raw information (Mac OS 10.4)
On the Macintosh platform there is an additional way to display Nikon Raw files. In Preferences there is a Media Rendering section. In the 'Raw' tab there is a 'Preferred Engine' setting. This can be set to 'Manufacturer' or 'Apple'. Using the 'Apple' setting lets iView MediaPro use Mac OS 10.4 or later to render raw photos. This setting will have no effect in earlier Macintosh operating systems.
If you find any problems with Nikon Raw photos you should try changing this setting to see which engine gives preferable results.
