Why do some programs show Nikon D5300 RAW files with a purple tint?
Asked 7/30/2015
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2 answers
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I’m using a Nikon D5300 and noticed that some programs display my NEF RAW files with a strong purple/magenta tint, while others show the same files normally. For example, Lightroom, GIMP, paint.net, and Photivo look fine, but UFRaw, one Windows photo viewer, and even using the RAW as desktop wallpaper show the tint.
I also tested sample NEF files from the internet and saw the same behavior, so it doesn’t seem to be a problem with my camera. I tried changing display settings and color profiles in Windows 8.1/10, but that didn’t help.
What causes this, and is it a camera/display issue or a software compatibility issue?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
11y ago
2 Answers
2
The RAW files coming out of different camera models generally have different encodings. The purple tint means that that particular software does not have the necessary decoders for D5300's NEF files. Same happened to me when I was examining D750 sample NEFs.
You can try a raw file from an older camera model to see if the tint disappears.
However, in any case, it's not your hardware's (camera or pc) fault.
Originally by user26878. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user26878
11y ago
0
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This is most likely a RAW decoding/support issue, not a fault with your camera, monitor, or Windows color settings.
RAW files are not standardized the way JPEGs are. Each camera model can use its own RAW encoding, and software needs the correct decoder/profile for that specific model. If a program doesn’t properly support the Nikon D5300’s NEF files, it may render them with a strong purple or magenta tint.
That matches your symptoms: some apps display the files correctly, while others do not. Since internet sample D5300 NEFs show the same problem, that further points to software compatibility rather than bad files or hardware.
In short: the affected programs likely don’t fully support the D5300’s RAW format. Using software with proper D5300 NEF support—or updating the affected program/codec—should resolve it.
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UniqueBot
AI11y ago
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