Nikon D800 Technical Manual
  1. Manuals
  2. Brands
  3. Nikon Manuals
  4. Digital Camera
  5. D800
  6. Technical manual

Nikon D800 Technical Manual

Picture control edition
Hide thumbs Also See for D800:
Table of Contents

Advertisement

Quick Links

See also: User Manual
Technical Guide
Picture Control Edition
En

Advertisement

Table of Contents
loading
Need help?

Need help?

Do you have a question about the D800 and is the answer not in the manual?

Questions and answers

Subscribe to Our Youtube Channel

Related Manuals for Nikon D800

Summary of Contents for Nikon D800

  • Page 1 Technical Guide Picture Control Edition...

  • Page 2: Table Of Contents

    Table of Contents Introduction Introduction Using Picture Controls Using Picture Controls Preset Picture Controls Preset Picture Controls Modifying Existing Picture Controls Modifying Existing Picture Controls Modifying Picture Control Parameters: Sample Images ...9 Matching Settings to Your Subject Matching Settings to Your Subject Food ..................
  • Page 3 Managing Custom Picture Controls Managing Custom Picture Controls Creating Custom Picture Controls ........32 Sharing Custom Picture Controls ........34 The Picture Control Utility The Picture Control Utility Creating Custom Picture Controls ........38 • Level Adjustment .................40 • Using Custom Tone Curves ............42 Importing and Exporting Custom Picture Controls ..

  • Page 4: Introduction

    Available with compatible cameras and software, the fl exible, fully customizable Nikon Picture Control image enhancement system lets all photographers, from beginners to profession- als, fi ne-tune color, exposure, and other settings to create photographs and movies that better refl ect their artistic and creative vision.
  • Page 5 One setting changes the look; changing the look creates new worlds.

  • Page 6: Using Picture Controls

    Using Picture Controls Users of the D800/D800E can display Picture Control settings by pressing the L (Z/Q) button. Highlight a Picture Con- trol and press J. L (Z/Q) button J button Picture Controls can also be ac- cessed using the Set Picture Control option in the shooting menu.
  • Page 7 Picture Controls To modify tone, hue, and other pa- rameters (0 8 ), highlight a Picture Control in the Picture Control list and press 2. The Manage Picture Control option in the shooting menu can be used to save the modifi ed controls (0 32 32) or to copy them to a memory card for use in other cameras or compatible software (0 34 34, 44 44).

  • Page 8: Preset Picture Controls

    Preset Picture Controls The camera’s preset Picture Controls are described below. Standard (default) Pictures are processed for balanced sharpness, contrast, Description Description brightness, saturation (vividness), and hue. Parameters are tuned for an eff ect that appeals to most Concept Concept viewers, regardless of the subject.
  • Page 9 Monochrome Pictures are recorded in monochrome. Description Description Use Filter eff ects to reproduce the eff ects of color fi lters Concept Concept when taking pictures in black-and-white, or use Toning for monochrome pictures in other tints. Suggested for Portraits, snapshots, landscapes, and any other subject Suggested for that can be captured in monochrome.

  • Page 10: Modifying Existing Picture Controls

    Modifying Existing Picture Controls Existing Picture Controls can be modifi ed to suit the scene or your creative intent. Choose Quick adjust for a balanced combination of settings or adjust each parameter manually. Select a Picture Control. Highlight a Picture Control in the Picture Control list and press 2.

  • Page 11: Modifying Picture Control Parameters: Sample Images

    Modifying Picture Control Parameters: Sample Images Adjust the eff ect of the selected Picture Control by Quick Adjust Quick Adjust applying simultaneous adjustments to sharpening, contrast, and saturation. Not available with Neutral, Monochrome, or custom Picture Controls. Quick adjust: –2 Quick adjust: +2 Control the sharpness of outlines.

  • Page 12: Modifying Existing Picture Controls Modifying Existing Picture Controls 8

    Modifying Existing Picture Controls Modifying Existing Picture Controls Adjust brightness without aff ecting exposure. Brightness Brightness Brightness: –1 Brightness: +1 Saturation Control the vividness of colors. Lower values reduce Saturation saturation, while higher values increase it. Saturation: –3 Saturation: +3 Choose negative values to make reds more purple, blues more green, and greens more yellow, positive values to make reds more orange, greens more blue,...
  • Page 13 Modifying Picture Control Parameters: Sample Images Modifying Picture Control Parameters: Sample Images Simulate the eff ect of color fi lters when shooting in Filter Filter monochrome. eff ects eff ects Filter eff ect: OFF Filter eff ect: R Choose a tint for monochrome pictures. Toning Toning Tint: Sepia...

  • Page 14: Matching Settings To Your Subject

    Matching Settings to Your Subject Choose and modify Picture Controls according to your goals and creative intent. Food Shoot stimulating, delicious-looking pictures of food. Vivid Food Photos Selecting Vivid and adjusting contrast makes the roast and side dishes more vivid and appealing. ■...
  • Page 15 The photo on the previous page was taken using the Vivid Picture Control with Contrast set to –1 to make the meat ap- pear less greasy. “Vivid” Versus “Standard” While Standard produces bal- anced results, Vivid makes the food look freshly served. Quick Tip Greens That Pop Standard...

  • Page 16: Translucent Food Photos

    Matching Settings to Your Subject Matching Settings to Your Subject Translucent Food Photos The Vivid control can be modifi ed for a translucent eff ect. ■ Lens: AF-S Micro NIKKOR 60 mm f/2.8G ED ■ Exposure mode: Manual (¼ s, f/11) ■ White balance: Direct sunlight Note: This photo was shot in 14-bit NEF (RAW) and processed us- Photo ©...
  • Page 17 Food Food The photo on the previous page was taken using the Vivid Picture Control with Contrast, Brightness, and Saturation set to +1 and Hue to –1 to suppress the blue cast from natural light and bring out the red foods on the plate.

  • Page 18: Portraits

    Matching Settings to Your Subject Matching Settings to Your Subject Portraits Improve your portraits with Picture Controls. Adding Depth A slight increase in sharpening adds depth by heighten- ing the diff erences between in- and out-of-focus areas. Sharpening in- creases separation between subject and background.
  • Page 19 Portraits Portraits The photo on the previous page was taken using the Portrait Picture Control with Sharpening set to 4. Other parameters are left at default values for a soft eff ect. The Modifi ed Versus the Unmodifi ed Picture Control Unmodifi ed Picture Control Modifi ed Picture Control The modifi ed Picture Control sharpens outlines in eyelashes,...

  • Page 20: Brightening Colors In Fill-Flash Photos

    Matching Settings to Your Subject Matching Settings to Your Subject Brightening Colors in Fill-Flash Photos When using a fi ll-fl ash in daylight, increase Saturation to avoid washed out colors in areas lit by the fl ash. Sky is a beautiful clear blue.
  • Page 21 Portraits Portraits The photo on the previous page was taken using the Portrait Pic- ture Control with Saturation set to +3. Sharpening is left at its default value to suggest motion. The Modifi ed Versus the Unmodifi ed Picture Control Unmodifi ed Picture Control Modifi ed Picture Control The modifi ed Picture Control makes the sky and grass more...

  • Page 22: Emphasizing Shadows

    Matching Settings to Your Subject Matching Settings to Your Subject Emphasizing Shadows Reducing saturation emphasizes shadows for a still, calm ef- fect in photos taken under low natural light. Increased contrast tightens composi- tion. Reduced satura- tion produces near-monochrome eff ect. ■...
  • Page 23 Portraits Portraits The photo on the previous page was taken using the Vivid Picture Control with Contrast set to +1, Brightness to –1, and Saturation and Hue to –3 for a tighter overall composition. The Modifi ed Versus the Unmodifi ed Picture Control Unmodifi ed Picture Control Modifi ed Picture Control Where the unmodifi ed Picture Control softens the image,...

  • Page 24: Bright Lights, Healthy Complexion

    Matching Settings to Your Subject Matching Settings to Your Subject Bright Lights, Healthy Complexion Prevent washed-out, fl at-looking skin tones for an attractive, healthy look in photos taken under bright studio lights. Red increased for a healthy-looking complexion. Saturation increased to make redder areas a darker pink.
  • Page 25 Portraits Portraits The photo on the previous page was taken using the Portrait Picture Control with Sharpening set to 1, Saturation to +1, and Hue to –1. Contrast is left at its default value for a softer look. The Modifi ed Versus the Unmodifi ed Picture Control Unmodifi ed Picture Control Modifi ed Picture Control With Hue set to –1, the modifi ed Picture Control enhances...

  • Page 26: High-Contrast Black-And-White

    Matching Settings to Your Subject Matching Settings to Your Subject High-Contrast Black-and-White To record photos in both color and black-and-white, shoot using the Neutral Picture Control and then experiment with diff erent tints and fi lters in Capture NX 2. ■...
  • Page 27 Portraits Portraits The photo on the previous page was taken using the Neutral Picture Con- trol and then converted to black-and- white Monochrome in Capture NX 2 using the Yellow fi lter, with Contrast set to +1. Filter Eff ects Orange Filter eff ects change the look of monochrome pictures, par-...

  • Page 28: Interiors

    Matching Settings to Your Subject Matching Settings to Your Subject Interiors Create atmosphere with Picture Controls. Softening Highlights Bring out natural colors in roses shot under mixed lighting. ■ Lens: AF-S NIKKOR 50 mm f/1.4G ■ Exposure mode: Aperture- Priority Auto (1⁄50 s, f/5.6) ■ White balance: Incandescent Note: This photo was shot in 14-bit NEF (RAW) and processed us- Photo ©...
  • Page 29 Interiors Interiors The picture on the previous page was taken with the Portrait Picture Control, with Contrast set to +1 and Hue to +3, softening the image overall. The Modifi ed Versus the Unmodifi ed Picture Control Unmodifi ed: The Por- trait Picture Control en- hances highlights, mak- ing it a perfect choice for...

  • Page 30: Balancing Interior And Exterior Lighting

    Matching Settings to Your Subject Matching Settings to Your Subject Balancing Interior and Exterior Lighting Heighten the eff ect of looking through a window by empha- sizing the contrast between the window frame and the exte- rior while simultaneously reducing the eff ects of the window glass on the colors in the outdoor scene.
  • Page 31 Interiors Interiors The picture on the previous page was taken with the Landscape Pic- ture Control, with Contrast set to –2, Brightness to –1, and Hue to –3 to restore natural colors by reducing the eff ects of the window glass on the sky and buildings in the exterior scene.

  • Page 32: Giving Interiors A Soft, Fuzzy Feel

    Matching Settings to Your Subject Matching Settings to Your Subject Giving Interiors a Soft, Fuzzy Feel Interior photos in catalogs can have a hard, didactic feel. Use Picture Controls to create a soft, warm eff ect. ■ Lens: AF-S NIKKOR 14-24mm f/2.8G ED ■ Exposure mode: Manual (1⁄5 s, f/11) ■...
  • Page 33 Interiors Interiors The picture on the previous page was taken with the Neutral Picture Control, with Contrast set to –2, Brightness to +1, and Saturation and Hue to –3 for reduced vividness and a calmer feel. The Modifi ed Versus the Unmodifi ed Picture Control Standard: Contrast is heightened for a hard, didactic feel.

  • Page 34: Managing Custom Picture Controls

    Managing Custom Picture Controls Picture Controls that have been customized to suit your pref- erences can be saved to the camera under a new name and then copied for use in other cameras or software. Creating Custom Picture Controls Existing Picture Controls can be modifi ed and saved to create custom Picture Controls.
  • Page 35 Select a destination. Select a destination for the custom Picture Control (C-1 through C-9) and press 2. Name the custom Picture Control. Enter a name up to 19 char- acters long. After entering a name, press J to exit to the shooting menu.

  • Page 36: Sharing Custom Picture Controls

    Managing Custom Picture Controls Managing Custom Picture Controls Sharing Custom Picture Controls Custom Picture Controls created on a D800/D800E can be saved to a memory card for use with other cameras. Select Manage Picture Control > Load/save. Highlight Manage Picture Control in the shooting menu and press 2 to display the op- tions shown at right.
  • Page 37 Sharing Custom Picture Controls Sharing Custom Picture Controls Select Manage Picture Control > Load/save. Highlight Manage Picture Control in the destination camera shooting menu and press 2 to display the op- tions shown at right. Highlight Load/save and press 2. Copy the control.

  • Page 38: The Picture Control Utility

    The Picture Control Utility The Picture Control Utility is a computer application used to manage Picture Controls. It also lets you adjust Picture Controls while previewing the eff ect on a sample image of your choice. The modifi ca- tions can be saved as custom Picture Controls.
  • Page 39 Capture NX 2 Open an NEF (RAW) fi le and select Camera Settings > Picture Control in the “De- velop” section of the Edit List, then click the icon and se- lect Launch Picture Control Utility. When launched from Capture  NX  2, the Picture Control Utility displays a default sample image;...

  • Page 40: Creating Custom Picture Controls

    The Picture Control Utility The Picture Control Utility Creating Custom Picture Controls Select a Picture Control. Choose a preset Picture Control or a custom Picture Control imported from the camera or created in Capture NX 2. Adjust settings. Adjust settings as de- scribed in “Level Adjust- ment”...
  • Page 41 Creating Custom Picture Controls Creating Custom Picture Controls Save the Picture Control. To save the custom Picture Control under a new name, click New. The dialog at right will be displayed; name the new control (names may be up to 18 characters long) and click OK.

  • Page 42: Level Adjustment

    The Picture Control Utility The Picture Control Utility Level Adjustment The Picture Control Utility can be used to adjust Picture Control parameters or create custom tone curves. To adjust Picture Control parameters, enter values in the text boxes or select Auto to let the cam- era adjust the parameter au- tomatically according to the type of scene.
  • Page 43 Creating Custom Picture Controls Creating Custom Picture Controls Saturation Control the vividness of colors. Not available when a Saturation monochrome Picture Control is selected. Adjust hue. Not available when a monochrome Picture Control is selected. Filter Eff ects Choose a fi lter eff ect from the menu (monochrome Pic- Filter Eff ects ture Controls only).

  • Page 44: Using Custom Tone Curves

    The Picture Control Utility The Picture Control Utility Using Custom Tone Curves The following picture was taken using a high-contrast custom tone curve created with the Picture Control Utility. ■ Lens: AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor 105 mm f/2.8G IF-ED ■ Exposure mode: Manual (1⁄60 s, f/5.6) ■...
  • Page 45 Creating Custom Picture Controls Creating Custom Picture Controls The photo on the previous page was taken with the Standard Picture Control, us- ing the “S”-shaped custom tone curve shown at right for heightened contrast. In addi- tion, Sharpening was set to Auto, Saturation to +1, and Hue to –1.

  • Page 46: Importing And Exporting Custom Picture Controls

    The Picture Control Utility The Picture Control Utility Importing and Exporting Custom Picture Controls The Picture Control Utility can be used to import custom Pic- ture Controls created on the camera or to export custom Pic- ture Controls from the computer to the camera memory card. Importing Controls to the Picture Control Utility Custom Picture Controls created on a D800/D800E camera can be imported into the Picture Control Utility.

  • Page 47: Saving Custom Picture Controls To A Memory Card

    Importing and Exporting Custom Picture Controls Importing and Exporting Custom Picture Controls Saving Custom Picture Controls to a Memory Card Follow the steps below to save Custom Picture Controls to a memory card. The card can then be inserted into a camera and the Picture Controls copied as described in Steps 4 and 5 on page 35 35.
  • Page 48 “Acting: A Year with Actor Kanji Ishimaru” (2010) and “TOKYO ZOO”, the latter featuring works created with the Nikon D800; he has also held workshops on the D600. He was a member of the selection committee for the 2011/2012 Camera Grand Prix, helped judge the 2012 “Bunkyo Highlights Picture Postcard Contest”, serves on the committee for the...

This manual is also suitable for:

D800e

Table of Contents

Save PDF