Minolta 7i instruction manual Custom White Balance

Calibration display

RECORDING MODE

CUSTOM WHITE BALANCE

Custom-white-balance function allows a photographer to calibrate the camera to a specific lighting condition. The setting can be used repeatedly until reset. Custom white balance is especially useful with mixed-lighting conditions or when critical control over color is needed.

To calibrate the camera, press the function button and turn the control dial until the custom white-bal- ance icon and “SET” appear on the data panel and red on the monitors. Select

a white object and fill the image area with it; the object does not need to be in focus. Press the shutter-release button to calibrate the camera. If an error occurs during calibration, an error message will appear on the monitors. Press

the controller to cancel the message, then recalibrate using a suitable refer- ence target and the shutter-release button. This sequence can be repeated as

many times as necessary.

The setting will remain until another calibration is made. If the custom white- balance setting needs to be used again, while pressing the function button, turn the control dial until the custom white-balance icon is displayed without

the “SET” on the data panel and white on the monitors. The camera will use the last custom setting.

The built-in flash can be used with the custom setting. However, since the flash is daylight balanced, it will give an unusual color cast to an image if the camera is calibrated to any other light source.

Shooting tips

When making the calibration, the color of the object used is critical. The object should be white. A colored object will cause the calibration to compensate for the object color rather than the color temperature of the ambient light. A blank piece of white paper is an ideal surface and can easily be carried in a camera bag.

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