TS2518 My RAW (nikon .NEF) files changing to a dull, darker version of themselves after selecting them for the first time after import.

Question

My RAW (nikon .NEF) files are literally changing to a dull, darker version of themselves after selecting them for the first time after import. I.e. The correct photo (light/color/etc) seems to be there and then a second later the photo changes. It's almost like it's showing a quick enhanced version then back to basic raw image. Started within last two updates.
Is there a fix or is this the straw that forces a switch to Lightroom?

Answer 1

Just recall that Aperture (or any other 3rd party raw converter) has NO information about the JPEG preview and how it was made.  That information is camera-vendor proprietary.
Also note that there are like 6 "picture styles" in camera and this change you're seeing is entirely dependent on how you have them set.  If you have your camera set to "vivid" or something you'll see more of a change than if your on-camera is set to "faithful."
That said, people here ALSO complain that Aperture's initial renders are TOO vivid, the exact opposite of your complaint, so you can't please everybody (in some cases, it seems you can't please ANYBODY ;-)
Aperture provides a starting point.  Again, if you don't like it, you can tell Aperture to go with a "punchier" interpretation at its first render.  In the import dialog, try setting Aperture to use the "auto enhance" preset which is built in.  Aperture will add a little vibrancy adjustment, and it will add a curve, which will greatly add punch to the image.  If you want adjustments in a different direction, you can create a preset and set it at import.
The only thing Aperture CANNOT do is what you're asking, which is "take the JPEG that my camera vendor generates through some voodoo and try and render the raw file just like that."  It's, unfortunately, impossible to do.