Nikon has released Capture NX ? a new image-editing tool that is designed specifically for photographers.

The software can be used with JPEG and TIFF format images from any source, and its patented U Point technology offers photographers a simplified way to enhance specific areas of a picture selectively, without the use of masks, selections, or layers.

Capture NX works with Nikon's RAW (NEF) format images, and features over 25 new tools, including powerful batch processing capabilities, advanced colour management features, Distortion Correction enhancement and the ability to make every edit non-destructively (when a JPEG, TIFF or NEF image is saved in NEF format).

Available in July, Capture NX has an estimated street price of US$149.95. A special limited-time upgrade price of $89.95 will be offered to current owners of Nikon Capture 4 software in the US. The 30-day trial version of Capture NX software is available for download at http://www.nikonusa.com, in the Software Download section.