Picture Controls

Selecting a Picture Control
Modifying Picture Controls

Selecting a Picture Control

Choose a Picture Control according to the subject or type of scene.

nAuto: The camera automatically adjusts hues and tones based on the Standard Picture Control. The complexions of portrait subjects will appear softer, and such elements as the foliage and sky in outdoor shots more vivid, than in pictures taken with the Standard Picture Control.
QStandard: Standard processing for balanced results. Recommended for most situations.
RNeutral: Minimal processing for natural results. Choose for photographs that will later be processed or retouched.
SVivid: Pictures are enhanced for a vivid, photoprint effect. Choose for photographs that emphasize primary colors.
TMonochrome: Take monochrome photographs.
oPortrait: Process portraits for skin with natural texture and a rounded feel.
pLandscape: Produces vibrant landscapes and cityscapes.
qFlat: Details are preserved over a wide tone range, from highlights to shadows. Choose for photographs that will later be extensively processed or retouched.

Press L (Z/Q).

A list of Picture Controls will be displayed.

L (Z/Q) button
Select a Picture Control.

Highlight the desired Picture Control and press J.

Custom Picture Controls

Custom Picture Controls are created through modifications to existing Picture Controls using the Manage Picture Control option in the photo or movie shooting menu (0 Manage Picture Control, Manage Picture Control). Custom Picture Controls can be saved to a memory card for sharing among other cameras of the same model and compatible software.

The Picture Control Indicator

The current Picture Control is shown in the information display when the R button is pressed.

The Shooting Menus

Picture Controls can also be selected using the Set Picture Control option in the photo or movie shooting menu (0 Set Picture Control, Set Picture Control).

Modifying Picture Controls

Existing preset or custom Picture Controls (0 Custom Picture Controls) can be modified to suit the scene or the user’s creative intent. Choose a balanced combination of settings using Quick adjust, or make manual adjustments to individual settings.

Select a Picture Control.

Highlight the desired Picture Control in the Picture Control list (0 Selecting a Picture Control) and press 2.
Adjust settings.

Press 1 or 3 to highlight the desired setting and press 4 or 2 to choose a value in increments of 1, or rotate the sub-command dial to choose a value in increments of 0.25 (0 Picture Control Settings; the options available vary with the Picture Control selected). Repeat this step until all settings have been adjusted, or select a preset combination of settings by highlighting Quick adjust and pressing 4 or 2. Default settings can be restored by pressing the O (Q) button.
Press J.

Modifications to Original Picture Controls

Picture Controls that have been modified from default settings are indicated by an asterisk (“U”) in the Set Picture Control menu.

Picture Control Settings

Quick adjust

Mute or heighten the effect of the selected Picture Control (note that this resets all manual adjustments). Not available with custom Picture Controls (0 Custom Picture Controls).

Manual adjustments

Sharpening: Control the sharpness of outlines. Select A to adjust sharpening automatically according to the type of scene.
Clarity: Adjust clarity manually or select A to let the camera adjust clarity automatically. Depending on the scene, shadows may appear around bright objects or halos may appear around dark objects at some settings. Clarity is not applied to movies.
Contrast: Adjust contrast manually or select A to let the camera adjust contrast automatically.
Brightness: Raise or lower brightness without loss of detail in highlights or shadows.
Saturation: Control the vividness of colors. Select A to adjust saturation automatically according to the type of scene.
Hue: Adjust hue.
Filter effects: Simulate the effect of color filters on monochrome photographs (0 Filter Effects (Monochrome Only)).
Toning: Choose the tint used in monochrome photographs (0 Toning (Monochrome Only)).

The “n Auto” Picture Control

If n Auto is selected for Set Picture Control, settings can be adjusted in the range A-2 to A+2. Rotating the sub-command dial has no effect.

“A” (Auto)

Results for auto sharpening, clarity, contrast, and saturation vary with exposure and the position of the subject in the frame. Use a type G, E, or D lens for best results.

Switching Between Manual and Auto

Press the X button to switch back and forth between manual and auto (A) settings for sharpening, clarity, contrast, and saturation.

Previous Settings

The j indicator under the value display in the Picture Control setting menu indicates the previous value for the setting. Use this as a reference when adjusting settings.

Filter Effects (Monochrome Only)

The options in this menu simulate the effect of color filters on monochrome photographs. The following filter effects are available:

Option		Description
Y	Yellow	Enhances contrast. Can be used to tone down the brightness of the sky in landscape photographs. Orange produces more contrast than yellow, red more contrast than orange.
O	Orange
R	Red
G	Green	Softens skin tones. Can be used for portraits.

Toning (Monochrome Only)

Pressing 3 when Toning is selected displays saturation options. Press 4 or 2 to adjust saturation. Saturation control is not available when B&W (black-and-white) is selected.

Touch Controls

Tapping the indicator displays touch controls that can be used to adjust Picture Control settings.