Nikon 25446 Image Quality, (QUAL)

Image Quality

The camera supports the following image quality options (listed in descending order by image quality and file size):

Option	File type	Description
		Raw 12-bit data from the image sensor are saved directly to the memory
		card. Choose for images that will be processed on a computer. JPEG
NEF (RAW)	NEF	copies of NEF (RAW) images can be created using the NEF (RAW)
		processing option in the retouch menu (pg. 220) or software such as
h		ViewNX (supplied) or Capture NX 2 (available separately; pg. 240).
		Record JPEG images at a compression ratio of roughly 1 : 4 (fine image
JPEG fine		quality).
JPEG normal	JPEG	Record JPEG images at a compression ratio of roughly 1 : 8 (normal
(default)		image quality).
JPEG basic		Record JPEG images at a compression ratio of roughly 1 : 16 (basic image
		quality).
NEF (RAW) +		Two images are recorded: one NEF (RAW) image and one fine-quality
JPEG fine		JPEG image.
NEF (RAW) +	NEF/	Two images are recorded: one NEF (RAW) image and one normal-quality
JPEG normal	JPEG	JPEG image.
NEF (RAW) +		Two images are recorded: one NEF (RAW) image and one basic-quality
JPEG basic		JPEG image.

Image quality can be set by pressing the X(QUAL) button and rotating the main command dial until the desired setting is displayed in the control panel. Image quality can also be adjusted from the shooting menu (pg. 165).

X(QUAL) button Main command dial Control panel

ANEF (RAW) Images

Note that the option selected for image size does not affect the size of NEF (RAW) images. When opened in software such as Capture NX 2 (available separately) or ViewNX (supplied), NEF (RAW) images have the dimensions given for large (L-size) images.

ANEF (RAW)/NEF+JPEG

When photographs taken at NEF (RAW) + JPEG Fine, NEF (RAW) + JPEG Normal, or NEF (RAW) + JPEG Basic are viewed on the camera, only the JPEG image will be displayed. When photographs taken at these settings are deleted, both NEF and JPEG images will be deleted.

White balance bracketing (pg. 191) is not available when an NEF (RAW) + JPEG option is selected for image quality. Selecting an NEF (RAW) + JPEG option cancels white balance bracketing.

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