Taking Photographs—Image

Adjusting Contrast: Tone Compensation

As photographs are saved to the memory card, they are processed to adjust the distribution of tones in the image, enhancing contrast. Tone compen- sation is performed by means of tone curves that define the relationship between the distribution of tones in the original image and the compensated result. The Tone compensation menu controls the type of curve used.

Option

Description

 

Camera automatically optimizes contrast by selecting the appropriate

Auto

curve. Curve varies from shot to shot, even in scenes of same type;

(default)

to take multiple shots with same curve, choose different setting. For

 

best results, use a type G or D lens.

Adjustment

Normal

Less contrast

More contrast

Custom

Camera uses same standard curve for all images. Suited to most scenes, whether dark or bright.

Produces “softer” images. Prevents highlights on portrait subjects from being “washed out” in direct sunlight.

Choose this curve to preserve detail in misty landscapes and other low-contrast subjects.

Nikon Capture 4 version 4.2 or later (available separately) can be used to define a custom tone curve and download it to the camera. Choose Custom to select this user-defined curve. If no custom curve has been created, this option is equivalent to Normal.

1 Highlight Tone compensation in the shoot- ing menu ( 166) and press the multi selector to the right.

2 Highlight the desired option and press the multi selector to the right. The shooting menu will be displayed.

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Nikon 25215 manual Adjusting Contrast Tone Compensation, Best results, use a type G or D lens, Normal, Custom