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Shooting Options: The Shooting Menu
Shooting, Playback, and Setup Menus

B White Balance

The color of light reflected from an object varies with the color of the light source.
The human brain is able to adapt to changes in the color of the light source, with
the result that white objects appear white whether seen in the shade, direct
sunlight, or under incandescent lighting. Digital cameras can mimic this
adjustment by processing images according to the color of the light source. This is
known as “white balance.” For natural coloration, choose a white balance setting
that matches the light source before shooting. Although the default setting, Auto,
can be used under most types of lighting, you can apply the white balance setting
suited to a particular light source to achieve more accurate results.
The effects of the selected option can be previewed in the monitor. At settings
other than Auto, the icon for the current setting is displayed in the monitor (A6).
BFlash Mode
At white-balance settings other than Auto or Flash, turn the flash off (W) (A30).
aAuto (default setting)
White balance automatically adjusted to suit lighting conditions. Best choice in
most situations.
bPreset manual
Neutral-colored object used as reference to set white balance under unusual
lighting conditions, see “Preset Manual” (A86) for details.
cDaylight
White balance adjusted for direct sunlight.
dIncandescent
Use under incandescent lighting.
eFluorescent
Use under most types of fluorescent lighting.
fCloudy
Use when shooting under overcast skies.
gFlash
Use with the flash.