Nikon NEF/RAW

[andysmith650]

Hello

How can I get Elements 12 to display Nikon RAW files?

TIA

Andy

[John Waller]

Raw files from which Nikon camera model?

All NEF files are different for every camera model. The only thing they have in common is the file extension.

Different versions of Elements support different cameras. Full list here:

Cameras supported by Camera Raw

Camera Raw plug-in and Adobe application compatibility

It's likely that your version of Elements is too old to read the Raw files from your camera. Updates may be available or they may not be compatible with Elements 12. All depends on which Nikon camera you've got.

[andysmith650]

thanks for the answer, I have a D7200

[John Waller · Accepted solution]

OK, so the tables linked above tell us that the D7200 was first supported in Camera Raw 9.0 which is only compatible with Elements 13 and later. So Elements 12 will never be able to open those Raw files out of the camera.

You've got a couple of options:

1. Upgrade (or buy new if it's cheaper) to the latest version of Elements 2018 which can open those Raw files out of the box, or
2. Free option: download the free Adobe DNG converter and batch convert folders of D7200 Raw files to DNG format. Then edit the DNG files (not the Raw files) in Elements 12. An extra step for you but no extra cost.
   Digital Negative (DNG), Adobe DNG Converter | Adobe Photoshop CC​
   Camera Raw: How to use Adobe DNG Converter - YouTube

[andysmith650]

Thank you!

[John Waller]

You're welcome.

[mikew26973886]

I had posted a similar question re: Nikon D7100 and NEF file a bit ago.  I guess my real question is why do I have to covert to a .DNG file rather than Adobe allowing a NEF file to work within PSE?  If I convert to DNG, then there are other applications I may want to usr=e that do not work with that extension.  Or, do I have to save the NEF file to another folder so that won't be detoured and I can use that raw format in another application?  It sure seems to me that Adobe is becoming more difficult to work with over time ams to what they will or will not do.  I am not going to up0grade to Pse 18 just to get this to work if that is the only workaround as I can spend that money on another program that does a better job, probably, and is not in the monthly lease stream.  I know, sort of a rant here, but just frustrated as I keep trying to work with this software only to keep running into different barriers.  Nice last name - maybe you're a long lost cousin (:

[MichelBParis]

Mike, see your other post:

PS Elements 14 and .NEF files

[mikew26973886]

Michael - thanks for the quick reply.  Everything is up to date on both camera and PSE updates.  Quite honestly, as I have been going back and forth on this for some time now, with the same results of not working, I am just going to start using Affinity Photo as my photo software.  It is cheaper than PSE or the subscription process and it is a one time purchase for around $50.  Thanks again for your time and effort.

[MichelBParis]

Yes, everything is up to date on camera and PSE updates, that was clear. You should not exclude the known problem (acknowledged by Nikon) that using the old Nikon transfer might have corrupted the NEF format. It's always good for other users searching on the forum to have an answer on your question.