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Nikon Introduces Next Generation Image-Editing Software

Nikon Europe is pleased to announce the introduction of its new image-editing software, Capture NX2. As an upgraded version of the proven Capture NX that was introduced in 2006, Capture NX2 is even more powerful and easier to use. It is intended for all photographers looking to achieve quick and comfortable image enhancements with intuitive operation.

In addition to the acclaimed Color Control Point, the new version offers Selection Control Point, enabling users to apply enhancements such as Unsharp Mask and D-Lighting to a specific area that is immediately viewable on the monitor. Using the Auto Retouch Brush, one can simply apply mouse strokes to clear away specks (caused by dust when an image is shot) that appear on the image. To fill a traced area, the software detects and applies the most appropriate portion to deliver the most natural image. Workspaces based on assumed workflow and an improved Edit List further enhance efficient operation and expanded expression.

Ludovic Drean, Product Manager Software at Nikon Europe B.V.: “Having received so much valuable feedback from our customers using Capture NX, we developed a new generation that has the maturity to satisfy any demanding photographer who will get amazing and effortless results without comprising quality.”


Major New Features

Selection Control Point
Apply enhancements such as Unsharp Mask or D-Lighting to a specific area with just a click of the mouse. The Selection Control Point recognizes the areas the user wants to modify. It can be used with virtually any image enhancement tool, including D-Lighting, Brightness, Color, Focus, Correction, and Noise Reduction.

Auto Retouch Brush
To achieve more natural-looking results, Auto Retouch Brush lets you remove specks of dust photographed on an image with just a mouse click and stroke to match the surrounding color and tones. It removes facial blemishes, imperfections on flowers, or other unwanted objects within the frame.

Shadow/Highlight Adjustments
The slider easily adjusts shadowy areas and highlighted areas. Alternatively, shadows and highlights can be altered by directly typing a value into the textbox.

Workspaces
The new software offers four workspaces: Browser, Metadata, Multi-Purpose and Edit, with easy switching between workspaces for window composition. Workspaces can be saved with a palette layout and reopened later. There are also various customizable shortcuts.

Quick Fix
This is a combination of frequently used tools including Level and Tone Curve, Exposure Compensation, Contrast, Highlight Protection, Shadow Protection and Saturation in a single window. For high efficiency, Quick Fix processes multiple tasks and uses image-processing steps of each function to adjust details.

Simultaneous opening of multiple settings
Multiple image processing settings can be used at the same time to make parallel process adjustments of multiple details.

Label/Rating support (XMP)
The new software supports nine kinds of labeling and five levels of ratings according to XMP, a metadata industry standard. It is compatible with ViewNX, Adobe Bridge, and Windows Vista and capable of filter sorting by label and rating.

In addition to these new features, Capture NX2 has further enhanced its tried-and-tested features to create Nikon’s most efficient and most effective image processing software to date.

Capture NX2 is compatible with both Windows Vista and XP and Macintosh OS X (version 10.4.11, 10.5.2).


Pricing and availability

Capture NX2 will be available as of 20 June 2008 for a suggested retail price of €199 at retail and on-line (Nikon Europe) for €199. Owners of previous versions of Capture NX can upgrade to Capture NX2 for just €119.

Nikon