Nikon NX Studio vs ON1 Photo RAW

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.

ON1 Photo RAW is paid desktop software for photographers who want RAW processing, editing, organization and export in one application. It supports batch editing, layers, masking, AI retouching and cloud sync, and browses files where they are stored while providing tags, albums, stacking and AI keywording. Built-in AI tools include NoNoise AI, Resize AI, Generative Erase, Sky Swap AI, Restore AI and Brilliance AI. Super Select AI, subject and background masks and AI depth masks target specific areas. Optional connections are listed for Photoshop CC, Photoshop Elements, Lightroom Classic, Apple Photos and Affinity Photo; MAX adds Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom plugins. Restore AI uses cloud processing, and ON1 says submitted photos are not used to train models. The standard edition installs on two computers, MAX on three, and subscriptions on up to five, depending on plan. A 30-day trial is available, with no free plan.