I have a lot of guys asking me ( and others ) wether to have D Lighting turned on or off
I’m not an expert, but here is a simple 40 second test i done at the oval,
Top pic is D-Lighting Off
Bottom has it turned on
Now i simply pointed the camera and shot, then without changing anything, turned the active D Lighting on HIGH and shot again
This was a very basic and quick test to satisfy myself, these two pics are straight from the card and i think you will agree the skintones with it on are better.
Below is the official Nikon statement about D Lighting, and if they rave about it, and spent Millions developing it then i guess i’m going to take their word over the other self appointed experts.
Active D-Lighting is effective in high-contrast situations. When used with 3D Color Matrix Metering II, the exposure is determined with emphasis on gradations in the highlighted area. With the Nikon D3 or D300, Highlight Analysis of the Scene Recognition System is applied for exposures of greater precision while compensating for lost shadows with digital processing for clearer reproduction. Digital processing applies only to the necessary portion, as with dodge techniques used in printing, and maintains partial contrast that is likely to be lost with tone-curve control. Even when shooting a subject of a wide dynamic range, which is conventionally difficult, Active D-Lighting is able to reproduce a realistic image retaining natural contrast while reducing blown-out highlights and lost shadows.
Unlike conventional D-Lighting, which makes adjustments after the image is converted to JPEG, Active D-Lighting allows exposure and image processing optimization prior to JPEG conversion, ensuring natural results. This feature is the result of repeated shooting in actual field conditions and simulation trials by Nikon engineers who know what it takes to produce a natural look in any section of a photograph.
