Developed by Nikon's digital cameras, the NEF (Nikon
Electronic File) is an image file format similar to JPEG.
Files can be stored in the camera to 9.6 MB and compressed until 50-60% of
original size without loss of visual quality. Unlike JPG, the original photo
remains intact during treatment, which can revert to the original shooting.
Within the unit, points (pixels) are developed on 12 bits (RAW). By cons,
transfer to a word processor puts the data of 8 bits to ensure compatibility
with other formats.
The files stored in the memory of the device
are called NEF Raw. Unlike JPG and TIFF, treatment is not vested in the
processor but the digital camera to the computer that receives the picture. For
this, the file contains instructions for image processing: a computer is more
efficient in processing. Header contains:
adjustments settings white balance
Raw mode advanced
curves
color balance
unsharp mask
The size and resolution are not applied on the
original picture but recorded separately in the file.
A special software developed by Nikon can change
these instructions, or even revert to the original file as the format is NEF. It
is only when switching to another image format (JPEG, TIFF, ...) that the
instructions are implemented, minimizing loss of quality.
Software Nikon View 5, Nikon Capture 3, Adobe Photo
Shop from version 5.0 and picture elements using the filter comes with Nikon
View can handle these pictures. Gimp (Free software under GPU) also accepts this format via a plug-in added.
