Picture Style/Control/Creative Style
Camera manufacturers provide a number of preset picture styles enabling you to take pictures in the color tones best suited to each subject. Choose a picture style just as you would a film type to create exactly the image you want. If you shoot JPEG it is important to set the picture style in advance.
When an image is processed by the camera for saving as a JPEG file the camera settings for color, contrast, saturation and sharpening are all “baked” into the final image. The following are common picture styles or color profiles the camera may use to process the image.
Standard – Gives you standard, balanced images with no inconsistencies in the strength of the subject’s sharpening, contrast, brightness, saturation and coloration.
Neutral – Delivers images that are closest to the actual original scene. Neutral reproduces the subject’s unique colors and gradations with maximum authenticity.
Vivid – This setting places emphasis on saturating primary colors for intense imagery. The contrast is higher for striking shadow contrast, and the sharpness is higher, too.
Monochrome – Gives you monochromatic shading, such as black-and-white or sepia.
Portrait – Imparts a more natural look to skin. Skin tones project a real sense of depth as if shot with professional-quality film with a clear, authentic finish.
Landscape – Subjects are recorded in rich detail, giving the greatest latitude for image processing. Using this mode enhances the vibrancy and liveliness of landscapes, nature and even city street scenes.
Your camera may have other choices for creative styles (Sony) or film simulations (Fuji). Consult your camera manual to learn more.