White balance idiot question

[nickzou]

So you know the white balance settings you get like Tungsten, Daylight, and such. Are they just predefined colour temperatures? If so, you know how on entry level DSLRs you can't can't white balance by colour temperature, if these presets are just colour temperatures, what gives? Why can't these cameras allow the user to set custom colour temperatures?

 

[BlairWright]

If you ask the everyday average best buy customer what color temp or white balance is you will get a blank stare.I would guess because they are "entry level" Nikon and Canon do not expect people with those bodies to worry about that.

 

[RebeccaAPhotography]

I need to check my manual but I'm almost 100% sure my t2i you can make you'r own presets for wb

 

[ann]

Mine can let me input what ever temperature i like.

However, how many people are running around with a temperature meter (abot $1500) or as has been suggested even know what that means. There are charts available that can give one an idea, and if shooting RAW you can change WB to a specific temperature.

There is also an Xrite passport checker for better white balance control.

 

[Overread36]

Marketing is your answer.

The entry level bodies use software which is basically limited by design (either by omission or by codes that block out those controls). This allows the company to produce a body and specifically limit the features of that body, thus encouraging the more advanced shooter to move up to the higher level bodies (ie invest more money in the company) to get those features.

With the rebels I suspect marketing also makes moves to ensure that their interface and overall functionality, whilst at SLR level, is also made simpler so that it does not discourage those moving up from point and shoots and into the DSLR world. Ergo that is why they have more auto modes and functions than midrange or toprange bodies.

 

[KenC]

This capability is not in the Rebel bodies, but Canon did incorporate color temperature to establish white balance into DPP, so you can set it while converting RAW files, and of course you can do this in ACR as well.

 

[MLeeK]

WHat? My XTi had a custom white balance on it. Or I should say still does... where ever it's hidden.

 

[Overread36]

*goes and checks his 400D*

Ohh actually mine does as well!

*then checks what Xti means in European and finds out its a 400D as well.....*

Well there goes me not realising it was a feature, though in my defence I've never felt the need to use it when shooting. Maybe this is a Nikon specific limitation or the OP hasn't found it in their manual

 

[nickzou]

*goes and checks his 400D*

Ohh actually mine does as well!

*then checks what Xti means in European and finds out its a 400D as well.....*

Well there goes me not realising it was a feature, though in my defence I've never felt the need to use it when shooting. Maybe this is a Nikon specific limitation or the OP hasn't found it in their manual

This was on my friend's D3100. I was at his house for a party and I didn't bring my camera so I used his. I noticed the auto WB was off so I tried to set my own only find I couldn't access colour temperature. It was either the D3100, D5100, of 350D... I can't remember, all three cameras were that that night and I was kinda wasted.

 

[MLeeK]

D3100, D5100 and 350D all have custom white balance. It was just your pickled brain that couldn't find it that night!

 

[nickzou]

D3100, D5100 and 350D all have custom white balance. It was just your pickled brain that couldn't find it that night!

However, no manual Kelvin temperature scale is possible, instead there's a pre-set white balance option which would be best set with a grey card.

Ah ha! I knew I wasn't crazy!

Or that drunk.

 

[Steve01]

They are predefined settings and most DSLR's also let you set a custom white balance.
Some newer cameras do let you set a specific color temperature but you may not get that in an entry level camera.

 

[Steve01]

However, no manual Kelvin temperature scale is possible, ...........

I can set a specific color temperature in increments of 100º on my Canon 60D

 

[nickzou]

Again, this is specifically about the D3100.

 

[enzodm]

Again, this is specifically about the D3100.

but since you have custom white balance, you can adjust it without knowing temperature (much easier than trying values at random). Just shoot something grey/white, and voilà (if you do not have mixed sources). In any case you may adjust again in post.