Picture Control System's image optimization functions enable easy adjustments

Tokyo – Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the development of their new Picture Control System, which enables users to easily adjust images as desired, and to obtain the same picture tones with different cameras at the same settings.

Picture Control is a new function to adjust images that responds to users' various requirements. It enables selection and adjustment to create pictures easily according to the skills of users ranging from novices to professionals. When settings are the same, even with different cameras, you can achieve the same picture tone.

Picture Control System offers four fundamental setting options — Standard, Neutral, Vivid and Monochrome — enabling image parameters (sharpening, tone compensation, brightness, tone and saturation) to be easily adjusted and customized. Especially, the Standard and Vivid options feature a Quick Adjustment setting that allows image parameter (sharpening, tone compensation and saturation) adjustments simultaneously. Also, a grid display function helps you to understand each Picture Control feature by showing it visually on the LCD monitor.

Each Picture Control can be managed as a file by saving the settings. Customized Picture Control settings can be stored as Custom Picture Controls. Furthermore, stored Custom Picture Control files can be used with other Picture Control-compatible cameras via memory card, or transferred to PCs to be used with Nikon original software, stored in memory cards or hard disks, or shared among users through the internet.

The system can also be used in conjunction with Nikon software. Photo Finishing Software Capture NX, to be released at the same time as the D3 and D300, for example, lets you adjust Custom Picture Control and develop a RAW image taken with a digital SLR camera that does not have the Picture Control System.

To make the most of the Picture Control System's advantages, Nikon is also planning to offer “Option Picture Control” to be downloaded from Nikon websites, and will introduce additional Option Picture Controls to meet changing market needs.