Photo Answers
Andrew is a highly experienced writer and photographer – if you have a problem, he is here to help.
Sharpen up
Q Does my Nikon D500’s Sharpening adjustment setting in Picture Controls really have that much of an effect?
Joe MacLean
A To answer this, Joe, we need to clarify the difference between getting your image sharp by accurate focusing and ‘sharpening up’ an image by the use of processing. No amount of software sharpening will truly make an out-offocus photo in focus!
Accurate focusing therefore remains critical, coupled with the right choice of aperture that governs the band of sharpness (the depth of field) within your image, and a shutter speed that is fast enough to freeze any motion from your subject or the camera itself.
Your Nikon D500’s Picture Control settings enable you to select a ‘style’ of image that you like – whether that’s Standard, Neutral, Vivid and so on. Within each setting you can make further adjustments to how the camera processes the file. Increasing the slider for Sharpening will only apply extra contrast to edges and won’t make any difference
