NEF Files appear 2 stops underexposed in CS5 Mac version

Hi,

I recently bought a Mac Book Pro so I can edit my photo's on the move, before this I was using CS5 on a windows desk top. I am in the BVI at present, and we have major storms and dark conditions, and I have noticed on the last 2 days when downloading my photo's that my NEF images look darker than my jpegs when reviewing.

I'm using a D90 and a Nikon 10.5 fish eye, set at F9.5 and 1/60 to 1/90th. Yesterday I just this down to the algae bloom and dark skies, and pushed the images by 2 stops in CS5. It wasn't until today, when after diving the HMS Rhone in clear visability conditions, albeit with dark sies again, that I have noticed that after download the images look dark. On camera they look good, and when reviewing the Jpegs (I shoot raw +jpeg.norm) that I notice the jpegs look about a stop and half lighter.

I'm wondering if this is a mac issue with the way it renders nef files in camera raw. I'm new to mac's, and wondered if anyone else had come across this ?

From the histograms it's clear conditions are dark, but on these very standard settings I am sure the images should not need pushing 2.5 stops in CS5.

Any input appreciated.

Whats the histogram showing?

jpg /= NEF. The jpgs are being modified. Look at the menu settings for jpg, e.g. sharping, contrast, etc. As for the under exposure with a w/a lens, do manual or spot metering and manual exposure.

Bob

Just asking for the obvious. You dont have your exposure compensation on -2 right?

This is because your D-Lighting is turned-on.

I also have a D90 and I have D-Lighting set to minimal. When I look at my NEF files in Lightroom or CS5, they always look pale and I can not find the same vivid colors as the JPEG's created by my D90.

I usually have to add +0,2 or +0,3 exposire and +10 or +15 "fill light" to get the same look & feel.

I also change the coloer settings to the same applied to the JEG (Standard most of the time).

Damien