Nikon have taken the unusual step of issuing an apology about their new camera before it is even available in the shops.
As with most high end cameras, the D2XS contains features that could not be supported in the current raw file format (nef). Since Nikon own the format this is no real problem - they simply change the format. Unfortunately this means all the other software companies have to change their code or they will not be able to open raw files from the D2XS. For example, Adobe will need to update their camera raw code before you will be able to use it to import D2XS raw files into Photoshop.
This is nothing new and is an annoyance with most camera upgrades - it is sometimes a month or two before the other vendors can catch up with the new file format. What makes it bearable is that Nikon usually release their own plug-in for Photoshop and other applications and support their new cameras immediately in Nikon View (which is their own browser software) and Nikon Capture their editor.
The apology on the Nikon Europe technical support site makes it clear this isn't going to happen with the D2XS. Nikon are releasing major new versions of Nikon Capture and Nikon View and it looks like they simply won't be ready in time. It's great that Nikon are delaying the software launch until the product is ready (we see too many companies rushing software out in a less than perfect state) but it's disappointing that it won't be ready in time for the D2XS.
In the meantime users will be able to view and edit their raw files with Picture Project and nothing else. Nikon have stated that they are working flat out to get Capture NX ready to ship and that there will be a free 30 day trial download released as soon as possible.
Obviously none of this stops you using jpegs on a D2XS or shooting raws and editing them when the software is available but it's likely that many of the target market will be disappointed with this news. The D2XS is Nikon's flagship professional camera and by their own admission Picture Project is a consumer level product that does not allow the same creative control with their raw files.
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