Shooting in N-Log 10-bit 4:2:2 is the best option right now for the Nikon Z6 (Amazon, B&H) – at least until RAW comes out.

• Set Picture Control Nikon
• Nikon Picture Control Download
• Custom Nikon Picture Controls
• Nikon Custom Picture Control Presets
• Nikon Picture Control Profiles

However, sometimes you don’t want to grade. There’s no time, or maybe you’re just not good at it. In this video I share my favorite picture control, how I’ve tweaked it, and how I’ve used it to shoot video:

First crappy shot: New $6,500 camera, as it came from the factory. Second photo: White Balance still on Auto, but set to A6 to make image warmer, Nikon Picture Control set to VIVID to pump colors, saturation set to +3 to pump colors more, and exposure compensation added to lighten to taste. Same camera, different settings.

1. When you open the application, you’ll see a listing of the Nikon Picture Controls on the left. These are the same as you see in-camera when you select the Picture Control menu on your Nikon. On the right hand side, you’ll see the adjustments you can make, which include Sharpening, Clarity, Contrast, Brightness, Saturation, and Hue.
2. Creating Custom Picture Controls The preset Picture Controls supplied with the camera can be modified and saved as custom Picture Controls. Select Manage Picture Control. Highlight Manage Picture Control in the shooting menu and press 2. Select Save/edit. Highlight Save/edit and press 2. Select a Picture Control. Page 202 Select a destination.

My favorite picture control

Set Picture Control Nikon

My favorite picture control is the Portrait Style. Here are the settings for you to use:

• Quick Sharp – 0
• Sharpnening – 0 (or -3 for a more filmic look)
• Clarity – o
• Contrast – -3
• Brightness – 0
• Saturation – 0
• Hue – 0

How to shoot cinematic videos with the Nikon Z6

Nikon Picture Control Download

For best results, use this method:

1. Record via an external recorder. I recommend DNxHR HQX or Prores 4444. You get better color and control for tweaks in post.
2. Select the following settings in HDMI:
   • 10-bit 4:2:2
   • Full Range – If your recorder shows negative blacks, switch to Limited Range (only for direct-to-YouTube videos, otherwise you can bring them back up in post).
   • N-log: Off
   • View Assist: Off
3. Native ISO of 100 (you can go to ISO 12800 without much penalty)
4. Middle grey is 45 IRE, similar to Rec. 709. However, the Portrait control is greater than Rec. 709, so your colors will not line up on a vectorscope.
5. Expose normally. You can do this because of the great low light ability of this camera.
6. Use Zebras to help you with highlight clipping and skin tone clipping.
7. Use the False Color tool and Waveform for perfect skin tone exposure.
8. The maximum dynamic range I’ve tested here is about 10.7 stops internally, and possibly 11 stops via HDMI.

Custom Nikon Picture Controls

Why not Neutral or Flat?

With both Neutral and Flat picture controls, you still need to grade. In that case, N-log is definitely the better option.

If you’re recording internally, the 8-bit 4:2:0 compressed footage falls apart even on simple grading. So there’s no point in shooting Neutral or Flat if you even need to grade even a little bit. Neutral is still okay, but avoid Flat completely – there’s just no benefit.

For me, skin tones are the most important thing – everything else is secondary. And, after testing all the styles, I’ve decided Portrait is the best setting overall, for my work. You can see the results for yourself.

Can you use this on the Nikon Z7?

Nikon Custom Picture Control Presets

Yes, no problem!

Nikon Picture Control Profiles