Nikon D3000 Reference Manual

81

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White balance can be selected using the White balance option in 
the shooting menu (

0 119), which also can be used to fine-tune 

white balance (

0 82) or measure a value for preset white balance 

(

0 83).

The 

I Fluorescent option in the White balance menu can be used 

to select the light source from the bulb types shown at right.

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The perceived color of a light source varies with the viewer and other conditions. Color 
temperature is an objective measure of the color of a light source, defined with reference to 
the temperature to which an object would have to be heated to radiate light in the same 
wavelengths. While light sources with a color temperature in the neighborhood of 5,000–
5,500 K appear white, light sources with a lower color temperature, such as incandescent 
light bulbs, appear slightly yellow or red. Light sources with a higher color temperature 
appear tinged with blue. The camera white balance options are adapted to the following 
color temperatures:
•

I (sodium-vapor lamps): 2,700 K

J (incandescent)/
I (warm-white fl.): 3,000 K

I (white fluorescent): 3,700 K

I (cool-white fl.): 4,200 K

I (day white fluorescent): 5,000 K

H (direct sunlight): 5,200 K

N (flash): 5,400 K

G (cloudy): 6,000 K

I (daylight fluorescent): 6,500 K

I (mercury-vapor lamps): 7,200 K

M (shade): 8,000 K

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For information on using the Fn (

E) button and the command dial for white balance, see 

page 134.