I hadn't realized so many of us were into photography!!
I'm loving it like McDonalds

Capture NX2 is seriously an awesome tool and isn't just for Nikon users. Here are some short demos from their site: http://www.capturenx.com/...index.html

Here is the info page for Color Efex Pro 3.0 that also has some demo videos.
http://www.niksoftware.co.../entry.php

They have trial downloads, y'all should give them a try!

edit to add more links:

In depth workshop on NX2, the first part is mainly class-related fluff, but the sessions have great examples of workflow and using the power of the software. It's almost two hours spread over 3 segments, but well worth the time. I have it bookmarked and revisit it occasionally. (He also discusses TransferNX & ViewNX at the beginning of the workflow.) http://www.video.bhphotov...cfa0&rf=bm

Nik software webinar archive that has informative demos: http://www.niksoftware.co...hive.shtml

There are Flickr groups for CNX2 & Nik Software also, if anyone's interested in those. http://www.flickr.com/gro...ksoftware/
http://www.flickr.com/groups/capturenx/

edited to add:

Also, fyi, the version of Color Efex Pro is cheaper for Capture NX2 than the Photoshop version. If you attend one of their webinars (schedule listed on site), they give out a 20% discount code which is usually good on all their products and a 10% discount on upgrades.)

One of the real benefits to CNX2 is that all your editing is non-destructive while it's a NEF file and you can have multiple versions of your photo in the same file, including the original. i.e., have a black & white version, along with a color adjusted one and the original. If you change your mind, delete the alternate versions and start all over using the original, with a couple of clicks.
[Edited 12/4/09 13:16pm]

That's cool. I'm going to have a look at some of those a bit later when I'm fully awake. One thing now though, I just opened my NX2 and I can't find Color Efex Pro in there anywhere. Isn't it supposed to come with it? I have the plug-in for PS but don't seem to have it in my NX.

My software isn't legit.

Color Efex Complete 3.0 is what I have, but it's not listed under filters in NX2. I'll try 'new step'.

About my PS version working in NX2, how does one go about getting it there? I really don't know much about how all this works.

It looks like it depends on what installer you used, the PS or the NX2 one and they automatically install to the 'host' application. If you have CEP for PS already installed and want the NX2 version also, you have to download the NX2 specific version and run it's installer and use your PS version's registration key. Then it auto-magically works in both NX2 & PS. If you don't have keys, I don't know if it will work. I guess you could try downloading the demo for the NX2 specific version and try that.

I just noticed they have the CNX2/CEP Complete bundle on sale for $299 ($30 off). Also, the NX2 only version of CEP is about $100 cheaper ($189) than the PS version since it only plugs into one application. I NEVER use CEP in PS anymore, it's so much easier and nicer to work with in NX2.
[Edited 12/5/09 9:35am]

It looks like it depends on what installer you used, the PS or the NX2 one and they automatically install to the 'host' application. If you have CEP for PS already installed and want the NX2 version also, you have to download the NX2 specific version and run it's installer and use your PS version's registration key. Then it auto-magically works in both NX2 & PS. If you don't have keys, I don't know if it will work. I guess you could try downloading the demo for the NX2 specific version and try that.

I just noticed they have the CNX2/CEP Complete bundle on sale for $299 ($30 off). Also, the NX2 only version of CEP is about $100 cheaper ($189) than the PS version since it only plugs into one application. I NEVER use CEP in PS anymore, it's so much easier and nicer to work with in NX2.
[Edited 12/5/09 9:35am]

Thanks for the info. When I've got some time I'll try to install it for NX2.

Got to get into NX2 and stop staying safe with my trusty old NX. I know they're really that different so it shouldn't be too hard, but I'm allergic to change with things like this sometimes.

I just started using it in June or July, so I don't know how different it is. I hear ya tho, I'm a bitch about change once I have a feel for how something works.

thanks for breaking it down for me, it's easier than I thought

perhaps I should look into a 18-200...

I'm not crazy about zoom lenses, I have that one, but I'm never happy with the sharpness, it's nothing like I can get with my 105mm or 50mm, which at the moment are the only ones I tend to use (I love the primes )

Right, that's what he was saying about 18mm not being wide angle anymore.

But how do you know if it's non-full frame sensor? The Canon site describes the sensor but doesn't mention this (at least not in those words). It says "High-sensitivity, high-resolution, large single-plate CMOS sensor"

if it isn't full frame it would say nothing much, if it IS full frame I think they shout it from the rooftops, it's a major feature!

ah! So the higher end models might boast about it?

I don't think so many have it yet?
I'm not sure about the Canons, but Nikon only the pro cameras and the D700 (last time I looked) had one.

I'm trying to decide on ditching my SLR altogether in favor of a pocket-sized digital. But I have these lenses...

The SLR is fun, but it's big to actually lug it around places, plus I am not a photographer.

ahhhh, how many lenses do you have?
wait until you've felt a DSLR, you will think your SLR is light as a feather and TINY

not that many, actually, just the regular stock one, a 75-200, and a 18-50 (those are approximate I forget exactly.

So basically it sounds as if the wide angle one is irrelevant now, though the lens itself is huge compared to the stock ones.

you want to get into photography again?
if you get an entry level DSLR they are always sold with a kit lens, sometimes even 2 all for a great price. You might find your old lenses still work fine - bring them in and negotiate to get lenses of different ranges so you'll end up with 3-4 lenses all doing different stuff. I'd get a fast 50mm prime whatever I did if I was you, they are probably less than $100 over there?
http://www.bhphotovideo.c...Search=yes

Oh, I don't know. I suppose the smart thing would be to get what I would use the most, which would be the smallest thing possible.

But those lenses make me want to get the SLR. I love tools! But why is one lens $89 & another $3000?

it's how wide the aperture opens (and I guess pro-quality glass) there isn't a huge difference in depth of field between 1.4 and 1.8 (I have 1.8 and think that's pretty good!!!)

do you ever feel like your camera is too big to lug around?

Yup, together with my favourite lens it weighs 3kg, I get very sore hands from a photoshoot that might last a couple of hours.

I'd love a little point and shoot as well.