Use white balance settings to match the light source

Article ID: ART168833 | Date published: 11/03/2017 | Date last updated: 02/20/2019
 

Description

Learn when to use white balance settings to match the light source.

Solution


Reasons to manually set the white balance

You can adjust the white balance (WB) to correct the color temperature for different light sources and make the white areas of your photos look white.

  • Normally, the <> (Auto) function sets the correct white balance.
  • If colors aren't looking natural, adjust the white balance to match the light source or set it manually by shooting a white object.
  • If natural-looking colors aren't appearing <AWB>, select the white balance to match the light source or set it manually. For example, when shooting a landscape in sunset, you might want to select the <  > (Cloudy, twilight, sunset) setting.

White balance mode and color temperature

Display Mode Color temperature (Kelvin)
  Auto 3000-7000
Daylight 5200
Shade 7000
Cloudy, twilight, sunset  6000
Tungsten light 3200
White fluorescent light 4000
Flash use Automatically set*
Custom 2000-10000
Color temperature 2500-10000
* Applicable with Speedlites having a color temperature transmission function. Otherwise, the color temperature is fixed to 6000K.

Good to know

  • <> is automatically set in the <> mode.
  • Custom white balance () enables you to manually set the white balance for a specific light source for better accuracy. Perform this procedure under the actual light source to be used. For more information, refer to Setting Custom White Balance (EOS 7D Mark II).
  • The composition ratio of three primary colors (red, green, and blue) differs depending on the color temperature.
  • At higher color temperatures, the color becomes bluish, and at lower temperatures, the color becomes reddish. As the color temperature becomes higher, the color changes from red, orange, yellow, white, to blue-white.

Rate this Article
Was this article helpful?
Yes, This document is helpful
No, This document needs a clearer explanation
 
Please provide your comments