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Question about Flat Picture Control

picture control flat

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4 replies to this topic

#1
DocPit

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The Nikon D5 has a Picture Control setting of Flat. My understanding is that neither the Flat control setting nor any other Picture Control setting actually changes the information captured by the sensor and contained in RAW files. However, it does change the embedded jpeg that is displayed on the camera's monitor, as well as the histogram based on that jpeg. Using a Flat control causes the jpeg and its histogram to more accurately represent the RAW file (especially, the dynamic range of the RAW file), which provides better guidance to optimize exposure. Is that accurate or off-base?

 

As a follow-up:  Would adjusting the Picture Control / Contrast setting to low provide a better representation of the full dynamic range being captured by the sensor (understanding that the image will require post-processing)?



#2
Merco_61

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True, unless you use Capture NX-D. If you use NX-D on the other hand, changing the Picture control is only a click and can be automated if you want to change it in batches.



#3
TBonz

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I've always used Standard on my D4 and the histogram seems pretty much the same as I get in LightRoom...I might have to give Flat a try to see if it is more accurate...Sounds like a good plan for the day games tomorrow :)!



#4
Merco_61

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Tom, LR applies an emulation of the [SD]Standard picture control as default. What the flat control does is present highlights and deep shadows in the histogram more true to how they will be in a carefully processed photo. 



#5
DocPit

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Thanks for the feedback.







Also tagged with one or more of these keywords: picture control, flat