More adjustments with AP2 than Capture NX?

Question

I use a D50 and shoot in RAW+JPG mode. The colors and white balance of the RAW files in Capture NX are similar to the JPG and require little or no editing. The same RAW files in AP2 or CS3 are much darker and require adjustments. I would like to use AP2 but don't want to adjust every "keeper" image.
Is there a work around? Do all Nikon users have the same problem?
Thanks!

Answer 1

Conceptually what NX does is to apply your in-camera settings when you bring the raw file into its environment (doing it after the fact, rather than applying it in camera then saving to your card). When you shoot raw+jpeg, it simply retains the raw file that in-camera settings are applied to create the jpeg file.
As a Aperture and NX user, my recommendation is to decide which and how you want to use the sw. I only use NX by exception. I really like the result I get from Aperture and now that Aperture 2 saves round trip files using NX as an external editor in the same folder as the original nef files are stored, I have started edit Aperture created tiff files in NX (I use referenced master files so this was a big deal when Ap saved tiff file in its library).
What you can do, if you decide to use Aperture, is to save many of common settings as presets and apply it that way. Also lift and stamp is quite handy for series of shots done in a same settings.
From macro-workflow perspective, I import images into a folder from the card, and do a quick review for keepers versus discards using ViewNX (I used to use Bridge but it creates XMP sidecar file instead of embedding matadata into nef, if I want to tag them). VewNX also picks up the camera settings as it display nef files. Once reviewed, I move the folder to permanent location and import as referenced masters into Aperture. So I am not dealing with many deletes from Aperture and I don't have to spend lot of time adjusting images that I will not keep.
As for your comment about "Do other Nikon owners have the same problem?", well it is not a problem. It is the nature of working with raw files with sw other than that offered by the manufacture, such as NX.
One last thing. If you decide to use Aperture, take the time and really learn the subtleties of Aperture. It is a multivariable challenge. Unlike NX, where the raw files are essentially rendered as what jpeg will look like coming out the camera, you will have a lot more creative license with the image. That also means that you will need to provide more inputs and horn your technique in Aperture (or LR/ACR or any other raw developers).
Hope this helps.
Cheers