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The Picture Control System (PCS) optimizes image features and replaces the color mode options used in previous Nikon D-SLR cameras such as the D200 and D80. PCS influences the appearance of pictures in terms of sharpening, contrast, brightness (gamma), color saturation, and hue.

The purpose of the PCS is to provide a single, all-encompassing solution for obtaining consistent results with different Nikon cameras, while also integrating Nikon software, particularly Nikon Capture NX2. Once you have adjusted settings to achieve your desired result on one body, this can be replicatedto produce pictures with identical attributes by using the same settings on another D300s camera. Furthermore, using Nikon Capture NX2 software, it is possible to apply the same settings to a NEF (RAW) file recorded by any Nikon D-SLR camera that has the PCS.

It is important to mention that full integration of the PCS with Capture NX2 means that the settings made within the PCS on the D300s are only relevant if you shoot in the JPEG format. The values for the various parameters are embedded in those file types and cannot be altered at a later stage, at least not without a lot of trial and error testing, and even then, there is no guarantee the process will be successful! Since the full range of the PCS settings is replicated in Nikon View NX and Nikon

Capture NX2 (both are RAW-compatible), it is possible to adjust all PCS settings at will subsequently, if pictures are recorded in the NEF format.

The Picture Control System of the D300s offers four preset Picture Control items: Standard, Neutral, Vivid, and Monochrome, plus two more Picture Controls—Portrait and Landscape—can be downloaded from any Nikon technical support website and uploaded to the camera. For the purposes of the following description of the PCS, I will assume that the two optional Picture Controls have been added to the camera. Depending on which item is selected, a range of attributes can be adjusted, including sharpening, contrast, brightness, saturation, and hue. The monochrome item offers controls to simulate traditional contrast-control filters used for black-and-white photography, as well as toning effects. The Standard, Vivid, Portrait, and Landscape items also have a quick adjustment feature that allows sharpening, contrast, and saturation to be adjusted simultaneously. Plus, there is also an automated option to adjust sharpening, contrast, and saturation. Finally, a graphical display available on the camera’s monitor maps contrast against saturation to help you understand how one group of settings relates to another.

The full flexibility of the PCS comes with the ability to either modify the Nikon preset Picture Controls or create your own Custom Picture Controls within the D300s. A maximum of nine Custom Picture Controls can be saved in the camera; they can also be copied to a memory card and transferred to other compatible cameras or to a computer for use with Nikon View NX and/or Nikon Capture NX2. Likewise, Custom Picture Controls can be created using the Picture Control Utility within Nikon View NX or Nikon Capture NX2 software and uploaded to the camera.

SELECTING A NIKON PICTURE CONTROL

In the P, S, A, and M exposure modes, select one of the preset Nikon Picture Controls to suit the type of subject or scene being photographed by pressing the button to open the Information Display, and then press the button again and use the multi selector button to highlight the [Set Picture Control] item and press . Highlight the required option from the list of preset Picture Controls using the multi selector button, pressing it up or down as required, and then press .

Alternatively, open the Shooting menu and navigate to the [Set Picture Control] item, then press to display the 4 preset Nikon Picture Control options (if the optional Picture Controls [Landscape] and [Portrait] have been uploaded to the camera, they will also be displayed in this list). Highlight the required option andpress .