Nikon Raw Images - Post Processing

I've been using Nikon D5000 for some time but never got chance to do some research on post processing of RAW images (.NEF files). Recently I did some research and here's my finding, if it could help anyone interested to do some post processing for free. I works great...

OS requirement
1) Windows XP SP3 (I haven't tried this on any other)

Software

1) GIMP 2.8
2) UFRaw 0.18

You can find the GIMP software available at the link below for installation.This is a free software which is more like Adobe Photoshop. GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program)

http://www.gimp.org/downloads/

Once this was installed I was able process .JPG images. But then I've been saving RAW format for some time without knowing I can process them in future. I found the solution, to use UFRaw to process RAW files  (.NEF).

UFRaw(Unidentified Flying Raw)  is free software available through sourceforge.net at the link below

http://ufraw.sourceforge.net/Install.html#MS

Installed the UFRaw but it was not working and searched the net for solution. I found the solution below.UFRaw supports wide range of raw images taken from different cameras.

http://registry.gimp.org/node/26260

Refer to 7th July 2012 post by jgauthier52 for solution on the above link.

After following the steps provided as per above post I could get UFRaw working.

I'm new to post processing and need to do more study before I post more detailed findings.

For now I hope this should help someone to start without any investment for software.

Happy post processing.

240V to 120V Conversion - Simple steps

As more and more people work overseas (outside India) especially USA, there is lot of demand for importing electronic goods(TV,Gaming Console, etc) from USA.There are few questions when we plan to import goods from USA as given below.
1) What is the voltage supported in India?
2) Is there a necessity to buy transformer from USA for voltage conversion?
3) Do I need to buy the video format converter( NTSC to PAL etc)?

This blog may be helpful for people looking for connecting the 120V products with 240 V supply in India and answers to some of the questions raised above.

Items available
1) Onkyo home theatre system with Receiver
2) Sony TV (LED HDTV)
3) Sony DVD player
4) WII Gaming Console
5) DISH TV HDTV connection

Items Required
1) 240V to 120V Transforemers   2 Nos (350W and 500W)
2) Extension cable with multiple switches 2 Nos
3) HDMI Cable 2 Nos
4) RGB Cable 2 Nos
5) Cables for connecting speakers( provided by Onkyo). You may need to have your own cables if the room is big.

The circuit diagram is given below

  

Special Tips
1) There is no need to bring the transformers from USA
2) Video format (PAL,NTSC etc). Dish TV in India provides the set top box which can be used for any format. No need to buy a converter. One disadvantage is you have to stick to Dish TV service.
3) Read through all the manuals before you start with the setup.
4) Transformers are available in Pune with Kings Electronics. Address provided below.
461, Near Pasodya Vithoba Temple, Budhwar Peth, Pune - 411002
 +(91)-9922018989 | 24455199 | 66029545 +(91)-(20)-24455199