Random question from a beginner...

[LoriG215]

Hello All...
I recently purchased a Nikon D70 with a Sigma 18-125 lens secondhand as equipment to "learn on" since I am just starting out in the dslr arena. The girl I got the camera from gave me a great deal, including lots of extras like an external hotshoe flash, but she did not provide the Nikon software that was originally included with the camera.
Here is my question:
I would like to start shooting my pics in RAW, however, my manual says that I will not be able to process/edit the RAW shots without Nikon's software. What should I do? Will other programs, like Picnik, work with RAW? Or am I out of luck?
Thanks for your time...
Lori G.

[Nicole]

You don't need Nikon's software to process RAW. You can download the Nikon software from Nikon's site for free though: Nikon View NX - 2.1.1

[LoriG215]

Thanks so much....
I almost felt silly for asking, but I didn't want to go out and shoot a ton of pics and not be able to process them.
Lori G.

[Nicole]

We're a pretty friendly bunch here Even with silly questions.

[Aegea]

There are also a couple of open source programs that will work with RAW files - UFRaw and RawTherapee.

[Almond.Butterscotch]

Also, any processing software worth it's weight will be able to handle your files just fine- Aperture, Lightroom, Photoshop, etc.