Additional Information
A computer application used to manage Picture Controls
| Version | Nikon Picture Control Utility 2.4.15 |
| Requirements |
Windows 10 (64-bit)/Windows 11 |
| Updated | June 25, 2023 |
| Author | Nikon Corporation |
| Category | Imaging and Digital Photo |
| License | Freeware |
| Language | English |
| Download | 156 |
Overview
Nikon Picture Control Utility is a lightweight application that allows Nikon digital camera owners to set predefined templates for use in other Nikon image editors.
Nikon decided to offer this application as a standalone utility to enable a streamlined way of managing various aspects of RAW image production, even when moving from one Nikon editing app to another, ensuring that all images will always be loaded with accurate predefined settings. Even then, developers ensured that this app can be easily started within popular Nikon editors such as ViewNX 2 and Capture NX 2.
Main features
When started, Nikon Picture Control Utility will showcase a sample picture and a wide set of controls for managing all aspects of image rendering. When launched from ViewNX 2, the currently selected photo will be used as the sample image. However, when loaded from Capture NX 2, users will be welcomed with a stock sample photo that can be changed only with the help of the “Choose Image” tool.
The app allows the creation of presets that can be easily managed, edited, and deleted. All the configurations in presets are found on the right side of the dashboard in the “Level Adjustment” module which features tools such as Quick Adjust and Manual Adjust (Sharpening, Custom Curve, Contrast/Brightness, Saturation, Hue, Filter Effects, and Toning). Saved profiles can even be imported end exported between PC and selected compatible Nikon digital cameras such as D800/D800E (the transfer procedure is only possible via the local loading of the camera’s memory cards).
PROS
Nikon decided to offer this application as a standalone utility to enable a streamlined way of managing various aspects of RAW image production, even when moving from one Nikon editing app to another, ensuring that all images will always be loaded with accurate predefined settings. Even then, developers ensured that this app can be easily started within popular Nikon editors such as ViewNX 2 and Capture NX 2.
Main features
When started, Nikon Picture Control Utility will showcase a sample picture and a wide set of controls for managing all aspects of image rendering. When launched from ViewNX 2, the currently selected photo will be used as the sample image. However, when loaded from Capture NX 2, users will be welcomed with a stock sample photo that can be changed only with the help of the “Choose Image” tool.
The app allows the creation of presets that can be easily managed, edited, and deleted. All the configurations in presets are found on the right side of the dashboard in the “Level Adjustment” module which features tools such as Quick Adjust and Manual Adjust (Sharpening, Custom Curve, Contrast/Brightness, Saturation, Hue, Filter Effects, and Toning). Saved profiles can even be imported end exported between PC and selected compatible Nikon digital cameras such as D800/D800E (the transfer procedure is only possible via the local loading of the camera’s memory cards).
PROS
- Comprehensive image adjustments
- Customizable settings for Nikon cameras
- Batch processing capability
- Save settings to camera
- User-friendly interface
CONS
- Limited image editing features
- No RAW processing support
- Slow processing speeds
- May crash or freeze occasionally
Overall
Nikon Picture Control Utility is 100% FREE and optimized for all modern and legacy versions of Windows OS (Windows XP and newer). The app is distributed as an automated installer that will deploy a small set of files on local storage that weighs in at just under 30MB in size, making it perfectly usable even on aging PCs and laptops with few storage resources remaining.
