Why does my Nikon D60 create corrupted NEF raw files while JPEGs are fine?
Asked 1/22/2016
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2 answers
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My Nikon D60 consistently produces corrupted .NEF raw files: the lower part of the image is replaced by white/static-like garbage or colorful lines. JPEG shooting works normally, and the embedded JPEG preview inside the NEF also appears fine.
I’ve already ruled out the obvious storage/transfer issues by testing multiple SD cards, card readers, and computers. I also tried opening the files in different software: Photoshop sometimes reports an unexpected end-of-file error, while Nikon ViewNX can open them but still shows corrupted image data. A hard reset did not fix it.
Before paying for repair, is there anything else worth checking to confirm whether the problem is in the camera rather than the cards, reader, or computer?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
10y ago
2 Answers
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You've tested with multiple cards/readers. That's definitely indicative of a problem with the camera itself. Some additional tests are:-
- plug a cable into the camera directly.
- copy the files to a different machine. You might have a USB problem there that you didn't know about.
- view the nef using different software (for example ViewNX.)
- copy the same file multiple times. Compare carefully to find out if the corruption is in the same place each time (it may not be, which would show that the camera may not be the problem.)
If the camera definitely is the problem, you should consider that you can replace the body with another D60 for about the same price as the repair cost quoted - it's worth remembering that and you may get an extra lens or at very least a spare battery out of the process.
You may have a local repairer who might be a good deal cheaper than Nikon's service centre if that's where you planned to send it.
Originally by user14028. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user14028
10y ago
0
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Given your testing, this strongly points to a camera-side fault rather than bad cards or a reader. Since multiple cards, readers, computers, and software show the problem, and JPEGs are fine while NEFs are not, the issue is likely in the camera’s raw data path or file writing.
Useful final checks:
- Transfer files directly from the camera via USB.
- Open the same NEF in Nikon ViewNX and other software.
- Copy the same NEF multiple times and compare whether the corruption is identical each time.
If the corruption remains consistent, the camera is almost certainly at fault. The fact that different programs render the damaged area differently suggests missing or damaged raw data, not a simple software compatibility issue.
At that point, there’s unlikely to be a user fix beyond workarounds such as RAW+JPEG or shooting JPEG only. Practically, compare repair cost against replacing the body, since an older D60 body may cost about the same as a repair.
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