Saving to TIFF from NEF, does PM use the embedded jpg image?

[Yvan]

Hi,

Context: I have plenty of NEF files processed with Capture NX2. I save them in NEF. NEF files have embedded jpg images. NX2 saves TIFF using native NEF + applied processing. However, it is not as fast as PM.

Question: If I use PM to save the post-processed NEF files in TIFF, will the result be made from the embedded jpg (and loose image information due to jpg limitations) or will the result be made from native NEF + postprocessing?

In other words, if I save TIFF files with PM from NEF files, will the result have the quality of a jpg file? of a raw NEF file? of a processed NEF file?

Thanks

[Kirk Baker]

Context: I have plenty of NEF files processed with Capture NX2. I save them in NEF. NEF files have embedded jpg images. NX2 saves TIFF using native NEF + applied processing. However, it is not as fast as PM.

Question: If I use PM to save the post-processed NEF files in TIFF, will the result be made from the embedded jpg (and loose image information due to jpg limitations) or will the result be made from native NEF + postprocessing?

In other words, if I save TIFF files with PM from NEF files, will the result have the quality of a jpg file? of a raw NEF file? of a processed NEF file?

PM will use the embedded preview in your NEF files to make any output file.

-Kirk

[Hayo Baan]

PM will use the embedded preview in your NEF files to make any output file.

To add to this: the embedded preview made by NX2 is of very high quality and can be used for most practical purposes. Certainly for the web, and even for “standard” print jobs.

[Yvan]

Is it worth saving TIFFs from NX2 for max quality (but extra time) or simply go faster with PM?

[Hayo Baan]

Is it worth saving TIFFs from NX2 for max quality (but extra time) or simply go faster with PM?

Depends on the purpose. If you are going to use them for web or normal printing purposes, I'd say no. Only when you're going to make large sized art prints will you really start noticing things. This assuming the embedded previews are in sRGB (or aRGB).

[Yvan]

Thanks!  I do large 24x36 fine art photos, so I'll keep using NX2 to transfer NEF to TIFF.