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General discussion

nikon dosn't do purple

May 18, 2005 11:24PM PDT

I recently purchased a nikon 7600 dital camera and we love it alot, but I have come across a problem. I took pictures of my son and he was wearing a navy blue shirt, when I printed it, it came out blue. I thought it was the printer. When i looked on the camera scene it was blue. I went out and took pictures of some very vivid purple flowers and they all came out blue even when I tried different settings. I spoke to a friend who just bought the 7900 and his camera is doing the same thing. We really love the camera but turning navy blue into alomost a royal blue is not cool. Did anyone else experience this.

Discussion is locked

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Are you using a color correction kit?
May 18, 2005 11:35PM PDT
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I should not have to.
May 19, 2005 12:05AM PDT

everytime I am taking a regular picture of somthing purple I don't feel I should have to use a corrective kit, or have to add the added expense. Today I took a picture of a police officer, his uniform is a dark navy blue. On my camera it is royal blue. A great picture but not true color. If i have to start buying additonal kits to take standard pics, I will just take the camera back.

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Yes, you do.
May 19, 2005 12:32AM PDT

Now that we are not using film and it's process, that is now moved onto your back to accomplish.

This area is fairly well discussed so dig in and see what's up with color correction. It also could be something simple in the camera settings you missed. See if dpreview.com has your camera and compare notes on settings.

Bob

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How do the pictures look if you have a place like Ritz print
May 19, 2005 2:43PM PDT

them? If the color of those prints are off, then you probably want to return the camera. If they are not off, then the camera is probably not at fault. That takes you into an area called color management which can get very complicated.

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The Color Purple
May 19, 2005 12:33AM PDT

This subject comes up occasionally.

Your camera has an adjustment called "white balance".
the 7600 has 5 settings and a custom setting.

Most likely you are using "auto".

Get the owner's manual out and find out how to change the setting. Try all of the optional settings. If that doesn't fix the problem, learn how to use the custom setting. This usually involves putting a white object in front of the lens while making the adjustment (some people use white coffee filters).

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Thank you Snapshot2
May 19, 2005 6:19AM PDT

I tried all of the settings, but they just made it different shades of blue. I chked the manual and it told me how to adjust the W/B which I did, and now the flower is purple, not the dark purple the flower is, but at least it is now purple. The manual said to put a gray card in front of the camera you said to put a white card. Do you think that would help. thank you again we really did not want to return the camera we really like it.

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White Balance
May 19, 2005 8:01AM PDT

Actually - a white or grey card should give similar results but usually not exactly the same.

So........give it a try with a gray card, maybe that purple will look even better.

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I had trouble once where the white paper was too white. I
May 19, 2005 2:46PM PDT

was told this is a problem, and a gray card should be used. Check a camera store for a gray card.

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a workaround for a store bought grey card
May 19, 2005 3:08PM PDT
from wayyyyyyyyy back when..slit open the box your cereal comes in or the cardboard tube in the roll of kitchen wipes...

Happy

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The Color Purple
May 19, 2005 4:07PM PDT

Snapshot, A coffee filter is ok. The best white card to use is a White Kleenex tissue. A white flower is used next to a Kleenex as a comparison to pure white.
What is used for a pure black card?
Does the Nikon have a color management software package included?
I have a Canon S400 Power Shot. I use Adobe Photoshop to color correct most shots. (Auto Levels plus curves plus color correction if necessary.
Any camera shot will benefit from professional software like Adobe Photoshop or Adobe

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Color Purple cont.
May 19, 2005 4:18PM PDT

Adobe ImageReady is also a thought. Download from Adobe.com. I think it is free.
I had clicked on preview with my last post and it was submitted instantly.
Has any one else noticed preview being submitted? Strange.

Kevin

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if memory serves me well
May 19, 2005 5:07PM PDT

there is no "black card" per se...

the so called "grey card" is in fact the #5 on ansell adams 1 to 9 "zone system" -returns about 20% of reflected light..

it's been a long time, but if it were me, i would 'calibrate' with a grey card approaching the #8 (you have to imagine the picture in shades of grey, and purple would be a "dark grey")


btw, you want a trick for "perfect black"?

you buy a whole bunch of spare blades for your utility knife -the one that has a 4" blade that slides out and is scored for easy breaking- (about 100 will give you a 4"x4" surface area) you stand them on edge and you have a perfect 99.99999999999999999999% light absorbing surface...


jonah "still missing that special 'click' of his Pentax SpotmaticF" jones

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