Camera Settings: Utilizing Minimum Contrast

contrast: 0

0 (zero) is the default contrast value for Canon cameras. Some photographers may find this misleading since 0 is actually the median in the set of possible values ranging from -4 to +4. What this means is, by default, your camera is already adding contrast to your photos. This can have a detrimental effect if the scene you are shooting requires a wide dynamic range.

With so many online tutorials advocating the use of RAW files for post-production editing, it's easy to take the in-camera JPEG settings for granted. However, dropping your camera's contrast settings to the minimum value can have benefits whether you shoot in JPEG or in RAW format.

contrast: -4

1) For JPEG shooters

Minimum contrast prevents your camera from immediately losing the details in the shadows and in the highlights.

Note how the Sun and the clouds become more distinct in the sky as the contrast is decreased. Details in the darker foreground also become more visible even though the shutter speed, ISO, and aperture are identical for all 3 shots.

contrast: +4

contrast: 0 (default)

contrast: -4

If you're one of the handful of people who happen to use JPEG for editing, this gives you a little more flexibility since adding contrast in post is significantly easier than trying to recover details.

2) For RAW shooters

Minimum contrast allows you to more accurately assess the dynamic range of the scene you are shooting. Even if you are shooting exclusively in RAW format, the previews shown by your camera and your editing software are dependent on the JPEG image embedded in the RAW file. This JPEG preview is influenced by your camera's JPEG settings.

The following screenshots show the RAW files being opened in the photo editing application digiKam. Even though the settings (ISO, aperture, shutter speed) and histograms are identical, the embedded JPEG previews are visibly different.

contrast: +4

contrast: 0

contrast: -4

At this point, some purists might scoff, "Pfft. Who cares about image previews? True professionals rely on the histogram!"

Unfortunately, the in-camera histogram is also dependent on the JPEG preview rather than the actual RAW data. Again, note the histogram on the right and the preview on the left. The black regions above the horizon show the overexposed areas around the Sun.

contrast: +4

contrast: 0

contrast: -4

Photographers who practice ETTR (exposing to the right) can use minimum contrast settings to judge how much more they can increase their exposure without losing details in the highlights.

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The menus for contrast adjustment will vary among camera companies and specific camera models. For Nikon, this can be done via Picture Controls. For Canon EOS cameras, this can be done via Picture Styles. For advanced compact cameras such as the Powershot S110, contrast can be changed in the Custom Colors menu.