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Will Nikon NEF files ever be supported in Lightroom?

Community Beginner ,
Jun 15, 2017 Jun 15, 2017

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I'm a new Nikon user and I recently purchased the Nikon D7500. I had no idea that the RAW file format used by Nikon (NEF) would not be compatible with Lightroom, my one-and-only post-processing software.

The Adobe DNG Converter says it can convert any RAW file to DNG which can then be read by Lightroom, but that's not the case - the converter cannot read the NEF files from my camera. Luckily, I found a workaround using the image browser, Lyn, but it is a huge pain to convert all of my photos to the TIFF format before importing them into Lightroom ( I don't even know if the conversion to TIFF negatively impacts the photos in some way). 

My questions are these: Will Lightroom ever be able to read NEF files without having to convert them to TIFF or DNG? Or is this something I'll just have to do as long as I'm a Nikon user? Why are NEF files not supported? Or is there actually some way to edit NEF files in Lightroom that I don't know about?

Anyone who has some advice or answers for me, please post! 

Signed,

I've had it with technology...

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correct answers 1 Correct answer

Community Expert , Jun 15, 2017 Jun 15, 2017

Yes, Lightroom will be compatible with NEF files (and other RAW formats) in the future.

But, the D7500 is, as far as I see a new camera model from Nikon. So it takes a while until Adobe provides an update for Lightroom and the DNG Converter. I think with the next update LR can handle the NEF files from this camera.

Here you can take a look which Lightroom version is necessary to support the appropriate RAW format.

http://https://helpx.adobe.com/camera-raw/kb/camera-raw-plug-supported-cameras.html

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Community Expert ,
Jun 15, 2017 Jun 15, 2017

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Yes, Lightroom will be compatible with NEF files (and other RAW formats) in the future.

But, the D7500 is, as far as I see a new camera model from Nikon. So it takes a while until Adobe provides an update for Lightroom and the DNG Converter. I think with the next update LR can handle the NEF files from this camera.

Here you can take a look which Lightroom version is necessary to support the appropriate RAW format.

http://https://helpx.adobe.com/camera-raw/kb/camera-raw-plug-supported-cameras.html

My System: Intel i7-8700K - 64GB RAM - NVidia Geforce RTX 3060 - Windows 10 Pro 22H2 -- LR-Classic 13.2 - Photoshop 25.5 - Nik Collection 6.8 - Topaz Photo AI 2

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Community Beginner ,
Jun 15, 2017 Jun 15, 2017

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Thank you for responding!

I see, so I should be able to import NEF files directly into Lightroom in the future after Adobe tackles the new model update? That is certainly good news!

And thanks for the link, Axel. From that chart, it appears one would need Lightroom 6 for the D7200 camera. I assume then I'll at least need Lightroom 6 for the D7500 camera model (I currently have a standalone version of Lightroom 5, so I don't get free updates).

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Community Expert ,
Jun 15, 2017 Jun 15, 2017

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haleyp31027075  wrote

I assume then I'll at least need Lightroom 6 for the D7500 camera model (I currently have a standalone version of Lightroom 5, so I don't get free updates).

Adobe always gives you two options in this situation: one free, one paid.

  1. Pay to upgrade to Lightroom 6. Then import and edit your NEF files in LR., or
  2. Download and install the free DNG converter. Batch convert all NEF files (which LR5 does not support but the DNG converter does) to DNG format then import the DNG files into Lightrom 5 and edit the DNG files. An extra step for you but no extra cost and maintains your Raw file workflow since DNG is a Raw file in another container.
    Digital Negative (DNG), Adobe DNG Converter | Adobe Photoshop CC
    Camera Raw: How to use Adobe DNG Converter - YouTube

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Community Beginner ,
Jun 16, 2017 Jun 16, 2017

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Great. Thanks for explaining the options, John!

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Community Beginner ,
Jun 17, 2017 Jun 17, 2017

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I have the D7500. Only problem is...the current version of Adobe DNG Converter (released in April) does not handle D7500 NEF files.

How it _should_ work:

Nikon should be able to release a small "codec" plugin file which could be imported into existing versions of Lightroom by users with new cameras which aren't yet supported. Then, when a newer version of Adobe s/w is released, the codec would be supported without the need for a plugin.

That way everyone is happy, but we don't live in that world, yet.

Currently - the only way to read a D7500 NEF file is with Nikon software (Capture NX-D) which is a free download from Nikon - but beware, I think it is a destructive editor unlike Lightroom so save a pristine copy of important files first.

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LEGEND ,
Jun 17, 2017 Jun 17, 2017

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The way it is right now is the way it has been for years. You stand in line and wait just like everyone else does who buys the "latest and greatest". You'll have to complain just like all the Canon and Fuji and Sony and Panasonic and every other camera maker users. The one you should be complaining to is the camera maker. If they would agree on a common file formats such as DNG, then we wouldn't have this problem. But that's another story.

It isn't a matter of a codec to support the NEF file. The file format is the same. Lightroom and Camera Raw have to distinguish between the exact camera models. And that's what takes the time.

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Community Beginner ,
Jun 19, 2017 Jun 19, 2017

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I realise it's not the core of the discussion here, but as Capture NX-D maybe the temporary fix, it's worth noting that its editing isn't destructive. It leaves the original files untouched and adds a sidecar file with the adjustments. This approach works reasonably well, apart from needing a bit of thought when it comes to file storage, as a single sidecar file typically applies to multiple NEF files and needs to reside in the same folder as the associated NEFs in order to be applied.

Incidentally, for anyone who does choose to use Capture NX-D with the new D7500, it requires an update to work with this camera (at least mine did). To confuse matters, the 'update' option in the application reports no updates available. The solution was to uninstall the current version and download the new one from the Nikon website. Not ideal, but somewhat less painful than some 'technology experiences' 🙂

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New Here ,
Jun 18, 2017 Jun 18, 2017

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I have Lightroom 6.10 and the NEF files still don't come across. This is absurd. We shouldn't have to go through convoluted transformations with other software just to make two of the most widely used systems in the world work together.

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LEGEND ,
Jun 18, 2017 Jun 18, 2017

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No, it isn't absurd. It takes time for Adobe to roll out a new update of Lightroom to support new cameras. You have to realize that if you're talking about the Nikon D7500, it isn't the only new camera being released. To Adobe, that model is just another camera. There are also models being released from Canon, and Fuji, and Sony, and Panasonic, and many other companies. Each individual model has to be supported specifically. What's absurd is blaming Adobe for this problem. If the camera makers would agree to a common file format this waiting for support would go away. But it appears that that is never going to happen.

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New Here ,
Jan 27, 2020 Jan 27, 2020

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Jim,

I beg to differ. Would you pay for a new car that isnt compatible with current fuels? Would you be pleased with paying a premium for what is supposed to be a finished good only to find out that you are the one that is testing it for the manufacturer? It isnt acceptable, this software should be compatible with existing files if the manufactures intent is for you to use their software with the top 3 or 4 current camera manufacturers. Its called rushing to production before the saftware is properly beta tested and it is absolutetly unacceptable. Microsoft does it too and it shouldnt happen. There is a reason gaming producers have alpha and beta releases, to weed out issues BEFORE customers pay. One developer Bohemia interactive kept their Arma 3 game in Alpha Beta for multiple years before releasing. Another developer, wargaming gives out software as an "Im sorry" when something screws up with their software. Unfortunately larger companies like the Adobe's, microsoft's and apples of the world dont seem to care about their customers so long as their profits are healthy. In some cases they like to screw over thier customers to increase profits (slow down of Apple Phones). It should not be tolerated and I'm glad to see others on this thread think the same.

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Community Expert ,
Jan 28, 2020 Jan 28, 2020

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First: you're answering an old thread from 2017. 

 

Second: by now the problem has been solved... but in the meantime new cameras have shown up and needed to get supported. Each new version supports new cameras. Adobe has 4 programs that are released +/- simultaneously to support new raw file formats: ACR, DNG Converter, Lightroom and Lightroom Classic. 

 

Third: Adobe has a beta test program.

 

Fourth: the car is the Camera, not an existing program. The game here goes like this:

  • New camera -> new raw file format (the camera manufacturer imposes this) -> Adobe needs to adapt the raw file reader for that new camera -> alpha & beta testing ->public release.

 

As for the rest of your post: I think you have not read prior posts as this is not about long existing cameras but about new cameras.

 

ABAMBO | Hard- and Software Engineer | Photographer

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LEGEND ,
Jan 28, 2020 Jan 28, 2020

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LATEST

Would you pay for a new car that isnt compatible with current fuels?

 

People buy cars all the time that cannot be run on current fuels at MOST gas stations. Tesla and other electronic vehicles have limited fueling ability, you can't go into any old gas station and fill them up.

 

But anyway, Adobe isn't going to change, and the real problem is that most camera manufacturers insist on proprietary formats for their RAW files. If the used open source format such as DNG, then Adobe software could read the camera's DNGs immediately. If you're angry at anyone, it should be the camera manufacturers.

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Community Beginner ,
Jun 19, 2017 Jun 19, 2017

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Hi there, its seems to me from what others have said that all current versions of Lightroom will need to be updated in order to support the new camera model. So while your Lightroom 6 won't work now, if you install the update once Adobe releases it, the camera should be supported. That's how I've understood it anyways - I hope that's the case! Good luck.

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New Here ,
Mar 04, 2018 Mar 04, 2018

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From what I can tell, the DNG converter will not accommodate NEF files, either.

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Community Expert ,
Mar 04, 2018 Mar 04, 2018

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The latest DNG convertor supports all the cameras listed here: Cameras supported by Camera Raw

--- Got your issue resolved? Please label the response as 'Correct Answer' to help your fellow community members find a solution to similar problems. ---

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New Here ,
Mar 04, 2018 Mar 04, 2018

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Indeed, I had checked that.  Perhaps I am doing something wrong?  I can't get it to work with NEF files for some reason.  I can convert from Lightroom (NEF) so that I can create a camera profile but can't get it  to open in DNG converter.  Shooting a Nikon D800.  Thanks for the input.

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LEGEND ,
Mar 04, 2018 Mar 04, 2018

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The D800 was supported back in LR 4.1, ACR 7.1 and DNG converter 7.1.

LR is now up to 7.2 and CR 10.2

Exactly what version of LR are you using? Go to Help >>> System Info and post the first 6 lines of what comes up.

Google Adobe DNG converter and look for version 10.2.

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LEGEND ,
Mar 04, 2018 Mar 04, 2018

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The DNG converter works at the FOLDER level. If you opened the folder you probably got the message there are no images to convert. The other option is to drag/drop a single NEF file onto the DNG converter desktop icon.

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New Here ,
Mar 04, 2018 Mar 04, 2018

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Jim, thanks.  That was it.  If I select at the folder level, voila.  It's just that if you tried to select the actual file, it was grayed out.  Much appreciated.

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LEGEND ,
Mar 04, 2018 Mar 04, 2018

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I'm glad you got that sorted. That seems to be the most common mistake new users of the DNG converter run into.

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LEGEND ,
Mar 04, 2018 Mar 04, 2018

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zenadventurer123  wrote

From what I can tell, the DNG converter will not accommodate NEF files, either.

Unless Nikon has come out with a new camera in the last 4 weeks I believe both the newest version of LR, ACR and the DNG converter work with all Nikon camera NEF files.

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Community Expert ,
Jun 15, 2017 Jun 15, 2017

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The D7500  is not yet supported. When a new camera comes out, Adobe has to examine the raw files from it, and then include support for it in a future update. Nobody can tell when the next Lightroom update will be, but it could take a few weeks.

Until then, you will have to use the NIkon software.

This happens with every new camera that comes out, so you just have to patient.

Your NEF files will be supported.

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New Here ,
Jun 15, 2017 Jun 15, 2017

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My Nikon D90 has support inside Lightroom but this is good news to note.  I am hoping for the next model of the D810 (whenever it comes out - D820/D850, etc.- whatever they name it) and know it will be a while before it has support inside Lightroom.

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New Here ,
Jul 03, 2017 Jul 03, 2017

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Hello! I found an easy workaround while I wait for Adobe. Time-consuming, but easy. In a PC environment I am able to right click a NEF and select Properties. Under Details tab I go to the Camera Model line and click on the field stating NIKON D7500. I delete the 7 and click OK at the bottom of the tab. This changes my camera to the D500 which has the same sensor and processor. And Adobe now recognizes my NEFs. Possibly there is an EXIF editor that could do this in batches.

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