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Nikon RAW Codec on Windows Vista x64

A few weeks ago I discovered Nikon had released a new version of their Nikon RAW Codec for download - Version 1.4.0. This new version adds support for Windows Vista SP1. The Nikon RAW Codec is for users shooting in the RAW photo format with Nikon cameras to view Nikon's RAW .NEF files in using Windows Live Photo Gallery.

Download: Nikon RAW Codec Version 1.4.0

I discovered a hidden "gem" with this new release however. It runs on PCs running 64-bit versions of Windows Vista.  Apparently, this version of Nikon's RAW Codec takes advantage of Windows Vista's built in 32-bit emulation feature called WOW64. I've got it installed on my Windows Vista 64-bit PC and am able to import and view RAW images (.NEF files) off my Nikon D40 into Windows Live Photo Gallery and view them just fine. I've confirmed this works with a few friends of mine who also use Nikon cameras and running a 64-bit version of Windows Vista.

If you shoot photos with a Nikon digital camera, use the RAW file format and run a 64-bit version of Windows Vista - definitely give this version of the Nikon RAW Codec a try. It worked for me, I'm hoping it works for you!

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Comments

  1. onovotny
    Posted on: August 24, 2008 at 11:43PM  

    Does it just work as WoW64 with the 32-bit Picture Gallery or does it also display thumbnails in Explorer, which is a 64-bit process...?

    Thanks!

  2. Brandon LeBlanc
    Microsoft
    Posted on: August 25, 2008 at 1:06AM  

    onovotny, the .NEF files appaear as thumbnails for me on my 64-bit PC.

    - Brandon

  3. Bob Purdie
    Posted on: August 25, 2008 at 9:23PM  

    I was excited when I read your post and installed the new driver on my Vista Home Premium 64 bit system but it's a dud. Am I missing anything?

  4. Brandon LeBlanc
    Microsoft
    Posted on: August 25, 2008 at 10:03PM  

    Explain what you mean by "dud" - what's not working?

    Unfortunately I cannot vouch that it will work for everyone. While I've confirmed with works with several friends running Windows Vista x64 and shoot with Nikon cameras and have personally installed and got it working on 2 of my 64-bit machines - I am not sure if its fully supported yet by Nikon as their download page doesn't include 64-bit versions of Windows Vista.

    - Brandon

  5. yert
    Posted on: August 26, 2008 at 1:00PM  

    I have to say I really like the way WLPG deals with RAW formated files; its an example of how to deal with new codecs that other programs should follow (cough Windows Media Player COUGH!).

  6. Windows Addict
    Posted on: August 30, 2008 at 10:16AM  
  7. Ardfry
    Posted on: September 10, 2008 at 10:54AM  

    @onovotny

    If you want true 64 bit support for Photo Gallery and Explorer, then our NEF codec is currently the only solution.

    When you use 32 bit apps like WLPG the thumbnails for the files you access get cached, and that is why some people are getting mixed results.

  8. borisz
    Posted on: October 16, 2008 at 11:44AM  
  9. Heroic
    Posted on: January 01, 2009 at 8:50AM  

    Could you tell me, is wow64 the allocated service Vista x64? How can I start it? Just now, Nikon RAW Codec 1.6.0 downloaded from nikonimglib.com/nefcodec doesn't display thumbnails on my Vista x64 Ultimate :(

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  1. Posted by: Windows Vista News » Nikon RAW Codec on Windows Vista x64 on August 24, 2008 at 9:51PM

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