This week Nikon released the new version of its RAW editing software tool: Capture NX2 2.3.0. It is a long awaited version by many people around the globe, because it now officially supports Windows 64-bit environments, promising better performance.
As you can imagine, I immediately downloaded the new version and started to install it. The installation program detected that the plugin Color Efex Pro 3.0 from Nik Software was installed. I was offered the option to continue with the 32-bit installation to support this plugin, or the 64-bit installation without support for CEP 3.0! I found this so unbelievable I had to read the message twice. You have to know that Nik Software recently released a new version of the plugin, Color Efex Pro 4.0, with Windows 64-bit support. However, this version officially does not work with Capture NX2, only with Photoshop and Aperture.
So that leaves me in a dead-end street. I’m running a Windows 7 64-bit system. I’d like to make use of its capabilities for Capture NX2 and Color Efex Pro. But, unfortunately, this not possible. Capture NX2 2.3.0 supports 64-bit, but not in combination with Color Efex Pro 3.0 plugin. On the other hand, Color Efex Pro 4.0 supports 64-bit environments, but does not work with Capture NX2. Net result of this catch-22: I can only continue with Capture NX2 2.2.6 and Color Efex Pro 3.0. Both in 32-bit mode…
I have asked Nik Software if and when they intend to support Capture NX2 2.3.0 (in 64-bit mode). Will update this blog with their response as soon as I have it, but I’m not keeping my hopes up too high though. It clearly illustrates the co-operation between Nikon and Nik Software, if any, is seriously broken. To be continued…
I can remember that there was a statement in one of those NIK webinars, that they don´t continue to adapt or develop Color Efex for Capture NX for future releases of Nikon Capture NX. And this behaviour of the new release of NX is one more reason for me to switch to Lightroom, although I had always best results with NX2.
Nik Software told me that it’s up to Nikon to make the necessary modifications to Capture NX2 to make it work with CEP. It’s not for Nik to decide. But I agree with you, now that CNX2 2.3 only works with CEP3 in 32-bit mode there doesn’t seem to be too much of a relationship between them. I’m afraid that many people will follow your example and will ultimately move away from CNX2. Which is a pity, for it’s a good tool with some unique features.
My NX2 2.3 keeps chrashing when an Efex Pro Filter is invoked. Already tried to uninstall and reinstall NX 2.3 and Efex Pro. Wished I didn’t do that, as Efex Pro only install when it recognizes NX2 is installed, but it doesn’t recognize NX 2.3
So 1st I had to instal NX 2.2.6 and then Efex Pro again. That combination works OK as it did before. But the upgrading to 2.3 the same problem occurs. Applying a new filter chrashes NX2 and opening a photo with Pro filters applied will just not open (stays on rendering).
So I’ll have to stick to 2.2.6 / 2.2.8 for now.
Apparently I had the older 3.002 installed. the 3.003 version of Efex Pro resolved the problem.
BTW at: http://www.luminescentphoto.com/blog/2011/12/20/nikon-capture-nx-2-3-performance-review/
Jason Odell mentions: “Nik’s lead developer has stated publicly that Nik are developing a 64-bit native update to CEP3.”
How cool is that? Found the following message on Facebook: Hey, all Capture NX2 Users! Color Efex Pro 3.0 will be available soon in 64-bit version as a free technical update. This will allow you to continue working with Color Efex Pro 3.0 in Capture NX 2.3! We’ll advice once it’s there. (posted by Nik Software EMEA on 10. Jan 2012)