Corel AfterShot Pro vs Nikon NX Studio

Corel AfterShot Pro 3 is RAW photo-editing software for organizing, editing, and outputting photos on Windows, macOS, and Linux. Non-destructive editing lets users create multiple image versions while preserving the original file. Photos can be accessed in existing folders without catalog import, or managed with optional catalogs. Preset-based batch controls can be applied to one photo or thousands, and bulk renaming and resizing are supported. The Blemish Remover offers circle, brush, polygon, and freehand tools. Text and graphic watermarks can be applied to individual images or batches, with controls for size, rotation, position, and transparency. Listed formats include JPG, TIFF, and RAW formats from leading camera manufacturers; JPG and TIFF are output formats. TIFF files can be sent to PaintShop Pro, Photoshop, or another external editor. A Plugin Manager helps find and install plugins, and the maker provides an API and SDK for plugin creation. The software is 64-bit only. The listed purchase is $79.99 USD as a one-time payment, and a 30-day trial is listed.

Nikon NX Studio is free desktop software for viewing, processing, and editing photos. It supports Nikon NEF and NRW RAW files along with HEIF, JPEG, TIFF, NEFX, and MPO images, and exports JPEG, HEIF, and TIFF in 8-bit or 16-bit formats. Editing tools include tone curves, brightness and contrast adjustments, LCH controls for lightness, chroma, and hue, and Flexible Color Picture Control. Users can edit XMP/IPTC metadata, manage presets, and choose sidecar-file or original-file saving. A merge function combines pixel-shift shots into high-resolution images while minimizing moiré, false colors, and noise. The software also supports video editing and file conversion, though some video formats lack thumbnail display, preview, or playback. Nikon offers Windows and macOS versions, with listed supported systems including Windows 11 and macOS versions 13 through 26. An internet connection is required for all features, including sign-in, online help, web services, and update information. Camera and file-format support varies.