Side by side
dcraw vs Nikon NX Studio
Both stand on raw photo processing software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan LinuxWindows
dcraw offers a focused set of RAW decoding and export options at no charge. Its inability to decode JPEG files is important to note when choosing an image utility.
Visit dcraw Free plan MacWindows
NX Studio offers photo editing, metadata tools, pixel-shift merging, and several export formats at no listed cost. Check Nikon’s camera and video-format limits and note that all features require an internet connection.
Visit Nikon NX StudioThe facts
| dcraw | Nikon NX Studio | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Linux, Windows | Mac, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | dechifro.org | imaging.nikon.com |
| On raw photo processing software | #6 of 24 | #10 of 24 |
dcraw: what it does well
- Free for all uses
- Supports 731 cameras, according to the maker
- Offers four interpolation methods
- TIFF output can include metadata
What to know first
- Does not decode JPEG files
- Default output is limited to PGM, PPM, or PAM
- Build steps are provided for Linux and Windows
Nikon NX Studio: what it does well
- Free desktop software
- Supports Nikon NEF and NRW RAW images
- Includes LCH color controls and tone curves
- Exports JPEG, HEIF, and 8-bit or 16-bit TIFF
What to know first
- Internet is required for all features
- Camera and file-format support varies
- Some video formats lack previews or playback
Alternatives to dcraw Alternatives to Nikon NX Studio The whole list