Nikon NEF files generated by my Z8 are not recognised

Raw support for each model (not brand, model) of camera has to be added individually. At time of writing Raw support has not been added for the Z8. In truth, adding raw support does not seem to be a priority at Apple for some time now. Alternatives: convert the NEFs to DNG with Adobe's free converter or use one of the 3rd party apps that have their own raw support independent of Apple's - Adobe's Lightroom for instance, CaptureOne, DxO Photolab, NX Studio... but there are others.

Apple will probably add Raw support eventually, but it may be limited to uncompressed raws and it will only apply to current and subsequent versions of the OS. Older versions will not get that.

Richard: as the raw support is added on a camera model basis the fact that your NEFs from the Z5 work is not especially relevant. Also, Photos does work directly with NEFs. Import an NEF and process it - it's the NEF being processed, not the Jpeg. What does happen is when you import the NEF the app creates a jpeg preview, based on the thumbnail contained in the NEF.

There is an interesting discussion to be had about the efficacy of spending $4k on a camera, plus how much more on glass, and then trying to process the output with a freebie app. I do wonder if folks would not just be better shooting Jpeg is those circumstances.

Yer_Man wrote:

Richard: as the raw support is added on a camera model basis the fact that your NEFs from the Z5 work is not especially relevant. Also, Photos does work directly with NEFs. Import an NEF and process it - it's the NEF being processed, not the Jpeg. What does happen is when you import the NEF the app creates a jpeg preview, based on the thumbnail contained in the NEF.

I see that. I messed around with RAW in Photos and didn't see much point. I found some extra control with GraphicConverter with brilliant results in correcting exposure and such. But for most things viewed on a computer screen I haven't seen much difference, at least when the exposure, white balance, etc are good to start with. I've been keeping RAW files only for my "favorites." I figure when I want to print and frame some I'll go back to the NEF files to see if I can tweak them. I fear in that case I'll have to look for software with better RAW support.

A lot of people are pushing the 3rd party editors for tweaking photos whether they need it or not. None of the responses seem to address Apple’s lack of responsiveness to provide an update to view thumbnails in Finder or to send the raw image to iPhotos.

In September, I spoke with an Apple Support Senior Advisor. He stated the format is not supported and advised me to submit feedback to the Apple PHOTO group regarding the issue. He also said the more people reporting the issue to Apple, the more likely it is to be resolved. Here is the link provided by the Apple Support Senior Advisor.

Feedback - Photos - Apple

The Z9 RAW file format is supported under the latest update (Sonoma - Released 2023-09-26); However, The Z8 compatibility is ONLY in Lossless Raw Format (see compatibility listing: Digital camera RAW formats supported by iOS 17, iPadOS 17, and macOS Sonoma - Apple Support)

The Z8 RAW file format is STILL NOT included as the listing of file formats supported under Sonoma version updates.

to get this prioritized, please contact APPLE:

Feedback - Photos - Apple

www.apple.com/feedback/photos/

My Z5 NEF files work just fine. Of course, Photos doesn't work directly with NEF files-- it makes a jpeg copy and works with that. But that is all transparent-- I don't notice a difference. How are you loading them? Do you use Photos>File>Import?

If you're shooting with a higher end and more capable camera it makes sense to use a higher end and more capable app to process and maximise the quality of the output. Raw is great for getting those marginal shots that need more help in the post processing range, and if you're always shooting well exposed shots in good light then you don't need Raw, and probably don't need an expensive camera either...). That said I do believe the quality of the glass that you're shooting through is the biggest single determinant of image quality - that and photographer's skill (sometimes called luck...)

A lot of people are pushing the 3rd party editors for tweaking photos whether they need it or not. None of the responses seem to address Apple’s lack of responsiveness to provide an update to view thumbnails in Finder or to send the raw image to iPhotos

In what way do you think a volunteer Apple user, with no affiliation to Apple, should "address Apple’s lack of responsiveness" on this or any other issue? I am one of those suggesting (not pushing, I have zero to gain regardless of whatever app you choose) 3rd party solutions, and I do it precisely because I see how Apple prioritises Raw support. I have no ability to influence anything Apple does, any more than you do. Frankly, you have a choice. Wait or go 3rd party. You choose.

With the RAW support it is not only a question, when a new camera will be supported by Apple, but if it will be supported at all. If a camera model has not received RAW support by Apple within a year, the chances are slim, that it will be supported at all. Typically, the big-end cameras used by professionals will get RAW support, but for others we will have to use the software that will come with the camera or third-party software. For the Z8 there is still chance, as it has only been on the market since May 2023.

if you invest into third-party software, check what it can do. Some products are lacking with respect to the lens correction or lighting. For example, when I used Aurora HDR to develop my Lumix RAW files, it has been a hard work to remove the barrel distortion and make the lighting natural. The JPEG of the RAW and JPEG pair has usually been much better than all I could achieve with some of my third-party apps. The best RAW processor is probably the one built into your camera.

léonie wrote: The best RAW processor is probably the one built into your camera.

My Z5 saves both RAW and jpegs, and I find that the jpegs are almost always what I want to use. I keep the settings pretty flat, but all the lens corrections are in place, so most all the adjustments I need can be done in Photos.

The exception is when I screw up the exposure, like when I'm using Manual and in a hurry, or when I'm trying something crazy, and the exposure is way off. Photos by itself can correct for small blunders, but I can use RAW in Nikon's free "NX Studio" software to bring to life most of the pictures I've fouled up. This is because RAW data is not affected at all my my exposure settings. Unfortunately, there's no forgiving errors in shutter speed or aperture choice.

I tried importing RAW to Photos, but I didn't see it offering any advantage. So, while Photos will import RAW Z5 images, I don't use it for that at all.

I am using RAW for mostly for landscape photos, when the lighting is tricky and I need local adjustments to brighten shadows and tune down the highlights. RAW or TIFF will give a better result than the lossy JPEGs compression, when I need to add additional adjustments.

léonie wrote: ... when the lighting is tricky and I need local adjustments

So you are talking about using RAW when doing things Photos can't do? When you're using other apps? I'm still thinking RAW isn't much use in Photos....

Partly, Richard. Photos can also adjust the highlights and shadows.

I prefer to capture the photos in a lossless format like TIFF or RAW, when I expect that I will need to edit them a lot. The JPEG format is not a good starting point for further edits, because JPEG artefacts may start to show, when we need to sharpen edges or enhance the contrast or need to zoom in in the main subjects.

I have the solution. APPLE does recognize the z8 raw in preview. 1. go to RAW RECORDING on your Z8 and then 2. select "lossless compression". (high efficiency selection does not work)