PE14 - What’s the newest Nikon DSLR that can produce compatible RAW files?

[Ray_England]

I've had PE14 since I bought my Nikon D7100 10 years ago. I would like to get a better Nikon such as the D750.

The requirement is to convert RAW images from the 750 using the free DNG converter so PE14 can read the DNG files.

Is this possible with a D750 please? Being an occasional photographer it's not economically viable to buy / rent the latest versions of PE.

If the D750 is not compatible which of the last DSLRs from Nikon are?

[Jeff Arola · Accepted solution]

Yes you can use the Adobe DNG Converter to convert the Nikon 750 nefs to DNGs that will then open in PSE14.

You can get the Adobe DNG converter from here:

https://helpx.adobe.com/camera-raw/using/adobe-dng-converter.html

What operating system are you using?

You can download a Nikon D750 nef from here for testing:

https://raw.pixls.us/

Before using the Adobe DNG Converter see if the Nikon D750 nefs will open directly in PSE 14.

Here is a list of compatible cameras for both the Camera Raw plugin and DNG Converter and versions required.

Also a list of the Camera Raw plugins that shipped with specific Adobe applications.

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

https://helpx.adobe.com/camera-raw/kb/camera-raw-compatible-applications.html

[Ray_England]

Hi Jeff. Thanks for that. Is there any reduction in image quality compared to importing from the latest PE?

I'm using Windows 11 Pro.

Would the same apply to the D780? Given it's still available new it would be more attractive than an older used D750.

[Jeff Arola]

There shouldn't be any reduction in quality by using the Adobe DNG Converter.

Just save the original nef files.

[Ray_England]

Thanks. And the same applies to the D780?

[Jeff Arola]

Yes.

[Ray_England]

Sorry Jeff, one other question. I'm considering a mirrorless Nikon. Does the same apply to its RAW images?

[Jeff Arola]

It should.

You can read here what Adobe says about their DNG format:

https://helpx.adobe.com/camera-raw/using/adobe-dng-converter.html#Appendix

[Ray_England]

I'm not an expert in this area which is why I'm asking. "Will" woukd be better than. "Should". 😉

[Jeff Arola]

Ideally for convenience, many find it easier to be able to open the camera raw files (nefs) directly into Photoshop Elements without the added step of converting to DNG files, however, converting to DNG files is a step that many professionals do, so i don't think your losing any quality and if you save the original nefs you can always go back to them, if and when you upgrade to a version of Photoshop Elements that will open them directly.

I wouldn't let having to convert to DNG files stop you from getting a new camera, that undoubtedly will have better image quality than older models.

[Ray_England]

Jeff, if Adobe continued to sell PE as a one-off purchase I'd happily buy it. What I'm not prepared to do is spend 80GBP on a version that only lasts 3 years. That's outrageous on the "amateur" version of Photoshop.

I'll go through the extra procedure of converting NEF files to DNG and then edit as I do now.

I don't know why Adobe have adopted this policy but it does them no favours in public opinion. The only saving grace is the availability of the free DNG Converter.