I recently got a Nikon D700 and it’s a fantastic camera. You can read about my initial thoughts and why I got one here. After my experiences with the Canon 5D and Aperture I had some trepidation about how RAW files from the D700 would look converted with Apple’s software, but after some experimentation, they all seem to be fairly accurate colour wise. The only thing I suggest is that they need some slight tweaking to get the best out of them. In general I have found that the black levels need to be raised a bit and the contrast needs a little tweak too.
I’ve made a preset that I use on import for all my D700 files so you can download that below, or just set up your own. I’ve also included a preset called “D700 Oomph” which I uses as a substitute for the vivid setting on the camera. It’s not quite the same as vivid but it gives a similar effect. I have found one odd issue with D700 files though. There seems to be some pretty bad colour fringing on certain patterned objects. This only happens in Aperture. Here’s an example:
Here’s the same file processed in Lightroom. The Camera jpeg is fine too:
And before someone makes a suggestion, yes, I’ve tried the Moire slider. I’ve also turned sharpening off, on, you name it, I’ve tried it. Another one for the bug reports I suppose. (That list keeps getting longer)
Anyway, here’s the presets for any D700 owners out there who want to try them.
Hello,
I’m new to your blog/website. I appreciate it all of the great information that you provide. I also shoot the D700(RAW) and AP3. May I ask what adjustments did you make for the presets? By the way I love AP3 but lately AP3 quits very often when I make adjustments. MacPro 2007 10.6.8 with16G memory. After reading some of your posts, I’m a little worried about AP3′s future. I love CNX2 for quality but hate the UI. Capture one pro 6 is good but nothing comes close to AP3 DAM.
Thank you.
Yeah, I’m pretty worried about it myself.
Hello,
i’m also a d700 owner, and i think that A3 is a great tool with a good function; but after one week of use i’ve decide to go back to capture one (i’ve also Lightroom and cnx2). A3 when i work hard with many adjustment it’s slow and crash, perhaps it’s my mac not very powerful (imac24, 4 gb ram, intel) but with CO 6 work fine and don’t crash. Moreover i prefer the raw conversion of CO6 than A3; the dam and function are important but when i use and compare a software the first thing that i consider is the raw conversion and the color performance.
Regards.
Antonio
Thanks for sharing! And good to know I’m not the only one struggling with this.
Question: How do you set the Raw Fine tune settings particularly the Boost?
These settings are not saved into the overall adjustments present, nor can be chosen a preset for image import into AP3.
I find the default high boost to be very disturbing as a ‘start-from’ setting for portrait work…