However, this allows me to still create those smaller Jpgs with ViewNX. In doing so I lose the originally saved Jpg created by the camera. However, ViewNX can not handle NEFs that have been edited in Capture NX, so when I edit my images, I save BOTH the NEF, and a Jpg of the edited image, back to the same folder where the originals are kept. This is also very useful if I want to change the image from Adobe to sRGB. If I want really small jpgs (meaning computer screen sized or less) of the original image (before ANY touchups) I use ViewNX directly. When I shoot, it is NEF + Jpg (small, fine). Okay, I'll try to answer this question based on what I do. I rarely use it in that I have no real need to use it accept to add my copyright to my prints. If you are an expert in one of them, already own it and are willing to add back the info not read by them thru extra processing steps, then use them. I use both packages, View NX as a browser and NX2 as my processor for my NEF images. Others have said that View NX can do it too. I know that NX2 can create JPEGs in batches, or one by one. So you have two choices, View NX or Capture NX2. So if you want to preserve this info and have it represetned in your processed JPEGs you have to convert them with Nikon software. Nikon software is the only software out there that will read the settings you made in your camera at the time of image capture-except for one exception, white balance. Kevin, Yes, this question has been asked and answered many, many times. I think you can batch mod as well but I have not yet tried.

To do so, I usually assign the pictures that I need with a star, and then ask the program to show only files marked by one star. I think the initial conversion should be done using Nikon software.

However if you already have image editing software, I would suggest to use the free ViewNX to convert to TIFF and then edit in your program of choice. I thus believe that the Nikon software still does a better job in converting their own NEF files than other third party's products. I have not compared PS CS4 with ViewNX, but when I compared CS2 to ViewNX, I found the images converted by the latter are sharper with more vibrant/warmer color.

If you plan to perform a lot of modification and editing that go beyond the basic changes in exposure, WB, etc, then you need to buy CaptureNX or Photoshop, or whatever to do that. If you just want to do basic modification and then convert to JPEG/TIFF, ViewNX is great b/c it is FREE. ViewNX is free but you need to pay to get CaptureNX2.

Batch picture converter NEF to jpg