Why do Nikon NEF RAW files look green when converted to JPEG?
Asked 6/5/2014
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I’m converting NEF files from a Nikon D5100 to JPEG and the results have a noticeable green tint. I’ve seen the same issue using Nikon software and Adobe software. The files were copied to a Windows 7 laptop by both card reader and USB cable, so I’m wondering whether this is a conversion problem, white balance issue, or software/settings issue. What should I check, and how can I export JPEGs without the green cast?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
12y ago
2 Answers
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This kind of thing can happen if your NEFCDC is out of date, since it needs to be updated for every new camera that comes out.
If that doesn't work then try opening the NEF with with the View NX or Capture NX 2. Each NEF image includes a JPEG preview image. If the embedded JPEG preview has a green tint, then the NEF will too.
You can also get a green tint if your camera's white balance is set for sun and you shoot with a florescent light source. Try mixing and matching "incorrect" white balance settings, it can be quite fun.
Originally by user17196. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user17196
12y ago
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Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
A green cast is usually caused by RAW processing settings, not by how the files were transferred. A few likely causes:
- White balance/tint: RAW files need to be developed, and software may not choose the best white balance automatically. Fluorescent lighting with the wrong white balance can easily produce a green tint.
- Outdated Nikon software: Older Nikon RAW converters may not handle newer camera files properly unless updated.
- Color management issues: If the export/viewing workflow is unmanaged, colors can look wrong. Exporting to sRGB can help for general use.
What to try:
- Open the NEF in Nikon ViewNX / Capture NX / Capture NX-D or Adobe Camera Raw/Lightroom.
- Manually adjust white balance and tint before exporting.
- Make sure your Nikon software is up to date.
- Export JPEGs in sRGB.
- Check whether the embedded JPEG preview in the NEF also looks green; if it does, the issue may already be in-camera settings or lighting.
So: this is most likely a RAW development/white-balance problem, not a card reader or USB transfer problem.
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