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|| SportsShooter.com: Member Message Board
Nikon Capture
Leslie Billman, Photographer
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Annapolis | Md | USA | Posted: 9:32 PM on 03.13.05 |
->> Imagine this circle-jerk: I downloaded a trial version of Nikon Capture onto my laptop, more or less just to get me through till PS upgraded its NEF file processing for the D2X, supposedly to occur within the 30 day trial time. I work from 2 computers--one a laptop (primary) and the other a desktop, whereupon many moons ago, I had downloaded an older trial version of Nikon Capture. I deleted the old trial version from the desktop, and then downloaded the latest version. When I opened it up (after several You-have-to-reboot-to-use-it experiences) it said the trial version (now a year--at least--old) had expired. This, despite having an operational trial version on the laptop. I needed to work off the desktop, so I tried unsuccessfully a couple of times under a couple of different names and camera serial numbers to download the trial version on the desktop--no luck. No matter what I put in, it came up expired. In desperation, I went to Nikon Mall and ordered the full version, which I assumed I'd be able to download immediately--no such luck. AND they also didn't provide me with an unlock code so I could activate a paid-for version on the desktop. Instead, I'm advised it'll SHIP, starting first business day (NOT today, Sunday). Having spent $100 for the full version so I COULD USE IT IMMEDIATELY, I called. No, no, they say. Sorry. LOTS of people want to use it immediately, but we're not set up that way. You'll have to wait till it arrives in the mail. BUT I NEED IT NOW, I wail. To no avail. I suggested that perhaps if LOTS of people are in my shoes, they ought to find a way to accommodate... I asked for a supervisor, explaining again with waning patience that I'd already PAID for the full version and just need an unlock code. Sorry, they say. We don't have them.
THIS IS NUTS! Every software manufacturer in the universe has figured out a secure way to allow an unlock code, without having to wait for the package to arrive 5 days from now. What's with them? (and I can tell you that while I think Nikon Capture is ok, this little debacle will mandate my IMMEDIATE allegiance to PSCS NEF file processing when it's released. Nikon got $100, (oh, yeah, and five grand for the D2X) but they won't get it again.
SO FRUSTRATED!!! (this, of course, in the context of having huge D2x images that I want to process on the desktop, and simply can't--at least not for 5 days...
what are they thinking?
L. |
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Landon Finch, Photographer, Assistant
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Colorado Springs | CO | USA | Posted: 10:17 AM on 03.14.05 |
->> This same thing happened to me. I downloaded the trial version of NC and it was good for 30 days. The trial version also said something to the effect of: "Click here to purchase the full version and activate immediately." I can't remember the exact wording, but it clearly said that you would be able to activate the full version immediately after purchase.
Like Leslie, I bought the full version and expected to activate it immediately. NOPE! Had to wait a week to get it in the mail...4 days TOO LATE for a gig I wanted it for.
I also spoke with the "supervisor" and she said that too many people were getting the "key" for the software over the phone/email/internet (however they did it) and then would cancel their order for NC.
Like Leslie said, they should be able to figure it out...thousands of other compaines out there have figured it out.
I like my Nikon gear, but come on Nikon, figure it out. |
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Landon Finch, Photographer, Assistant
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Colorado Springs | CO | USA | Posted: 10:20 AM on 03.14.05 |
->> I forgot to mention that my 30 day trial had expired a couple of days before I needed it for the gig.
I know I should have bought it well in advance and been prepared, but the program said I would be able to activate it immediately. |
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Leslie Billman, Photographer
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Annapolis | Md | USA | Posted: 12:32 PM on 03.14.05 |
| ->> They acknowledged to me as well that LOTS OF PEOPLE waited till the last minute, and that, presumably, is why they have elected to punish everyone who does the same thing. Bad marketing. If that's what the market does, take advantage of it and be responsive. I agree with you, Landon--Come On, Nikon! get with it. |
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Chuck Steenburgh, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Lexington | VA | USA | Posted: 7:21 PM on 03.14.05 |
->> Maybe they don't use unlock codes because they figure the same people who will use their software with no intention of paying would also swap unlock codes once they actually got their hands on one?
As a former software developer, Leslie, I'm afraid I have little sympathy for you. You have basically admitted you wanted to use Nikon's software without paying for it. They make available a "trial" version -- emphasis on "trial" -- and not an "Adobe Stopgap Bailout Version."
Intellectual property is intellectual property, whether it's owned by Nikon or owned by an individual photographer.
Let me tell you another story: when I ordered my D70 last year, I bought a copy of Nikon Capture with it. I was able to access my RAW files as soon as I got the camera. And then when I ordered my new D2H, I could go to Nikon's site, download the latest update, and access my RAW files as soon as I got the camera. Couldn't have worked better for me!
Chuck |
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Nick Adams, Student/Intern, Photographer
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Friendswood | TX | USA | Posted: 8:03 PM on 03.14.05 |
| ->> I was the same problem with Nikon while photographing NCA cheerleading in Dallas. I needed the capture software, so I could shoot right into my laptop. Called Nikon, paid... then no code. Call NPS to get the "key," but they never called back. I had to shoot into cards then rename. It was a pain. That weekend is a big reason why I am Canon now. |
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Leslie Billman, Photographer
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Annapolis | Md | USA | Posted: 7:50 AM on 03.15.05 |
| ->> Chuck: I take umbrage at your conclusion that I wanted to use the software without paying for it. I wanted to use the software, period. I was absolutely willing to pay for it, and in fact HAD paid for it when I made the call asking for the code. I had already ordered it online, put in the credit card info, and received confirmation that the order would be shipped--in five days or so. I would have paid EXTRA to have it when I needed it. It's not a money issue. Your conclusion is simply wrong. |
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Chuck Steenburgh, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Lexington | VA | USA | Posted: 10:24 AM on 03.15.05 |
| ->> No Leslie - you only paid after you couldn't use it for free. Which is sort of Nikon's point. Re-read the first sentence of your first post. |
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Joe Andras, Photographer
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Laguna Beach | CA | USA | Posted: 10:45 AM on 03.15.05 |
->> In January of 2004, I paid for Nikon Capture over the phone. The number I called from California was 1-800-NIKON UX. (yes, UX, not US).
The rep gave me the Product Key over the phone, but maybe they have changed policies. |
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Mark Applebaum, Photographer
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Guilford | CT | USA | Posted: 11:09 AM on 03.15.05 |
| ->> PC version download has a registry sweep utility included - you are supposed to run it after uninstall to remove all old registry entries. If you run this utility, then reboot, you may be able to run the new trial version. |
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Leslie Billman, Photographer
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Annapolis | Md | USA | Posted: 4:08 PM on 03.15.05 |
->> You know what? Mea Culpa. I re-read my own post, Chuck's reply, my bristly retort, and his response. I've concluded he's absolutely right. when it all started out, I WAS trying to get it for free. When I could not do that, I was quite willing to pay (and did), and my irritation was more about what a hassle it is to have to wait for the mailing of software when it is usually so readily available online. However, I apologize to Chuck for the bristly retort. It was undeserved.
L. |
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Stanley Leary, Photographer
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Roswell | GA | USA | Posted: 7:44 PM on 03.15.05 |
->> While I know this post is about the Nikon Capture Software, I do think Chuck Steenburgh hit it on the head.
We have been through NAPSTER problems which were taking money out of the back pockets of musicians.
Almost weekly we are having the same issues posted here about someone stealing their photos.
Then as Leslie admits to we start complaining about how photographers have been stealing from Nikon and Nikon had to do something to protect their intellectual property, which is inconvenient, but now clearly warranted.
I think the apology should be as much to NIKON as to Chuck. But how many of us should be apologizing for this other than to Nikon. Does Canon, PhotoShop, Photo Mechanic, and other software companies deserve out apologies and money for illegal pirated copies of software on our computers? Most likely.
My point is—if we take a good look at how we operate our on businesses is it all above board? |
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Ronnie Montgomery, Photographer
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Houston | TX | USA | Posted: 7:51 PM on 03.15.05 |
| ->> I am licensed to use every piece of software on my computers. |
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Trent Nelson, Photographer
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Salt Lake City | UT | USA | Posted: 8:35 PM on 03.15.05 |
->> I went over to the local Honda dealer and test-drove a brand new Civic Hybrid. After running a long list of errands (library, Pictureline for a Sigma flash, post office, local macintosh dealer, my kids' school) the salesman called me on my cel phone. Imagine my surprise when he told me they actually wanted the car back!
I said, "But I'm going to pay for it eventually!"
No use.
I'll never shop there again. |
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Leslie Billman, Photographer
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Annapolis | Md | USA | Posted: 8:47 PM on 03.15.05 |
->> Gosh. I don't want everyone thinking I'm some scumbag out to scarf up free software and cheat the software companies out of their just rewards. I played it straight at every turn, tried for the freebie trial version, capitulated when they said I'd had one and that's enough, was willing to, and did pay for it upon request, and sought to expedite the usability once I'd paid. I'm really a little Rules Person, loyal, honorable, trustworthy and reliable. I paid as requested, but it seemed that, having done so, I should have use of the product upon the software company's receipt of my payment. THAT's my beef; once you pay, in this world of techno-expediting, you should be able to get instant access to the product. the technology's there, the demand is there, and my only real question is how come Nikon won't/doesn't capitulate to the demand?
geez. I really didn't mean to offend anyone or project an impression of Scumbag. I'm really straight up.
L. |
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Greg Francis, Photographer
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Rochester | NY | USA | Posted: 9:15 PM on 03.15.05 |
| ->> This is veering a little from the topic, but is it still true Canon supplies their version of Capture for Canon RAW files with their cameras. If so, why doesn't Nikon do the same, I rarely shoot RAW, but shouldn't Nikon provide the complete package to get the most from the camera? |
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