As I’ve admitted in a couple of my previous posts, I’m prone to the odd mistake, some of which have led to interesting, if imperfect, images. But, not all accidents are happy ones.
The camera I use the most is my Sony RX10 IV, and it’s a very capable piece of equipment. However, there have been two occasions when shots have been spoiled by the camera switching, seemingly unbidden, into the “Art Illustration” setting. This is one of a range of special effects that are accessible from deep within the camera’s menu system. The result of the effect on an image is illustrated by the sample shot here.
The switch occurred mid-shoot, after having taken many “normal” shots. I had no idea how it happened – it certainly wasn’t by choice. The effect is applied to the single image. It doesn’t save a normal copy of the shot in addition to the altered image. I don’t always “chimp” my shots, so I didn’t notice the switch until I’d taken quite a few photos with the setting in place.
I navigated the menu system to find the option to save custom settings to the C1, C2, and C3 buttons, to find the cause. I noticed the option to customise the control dial on the rear of the camera and, guess what? It was set to the “Art Illustration” feature. I must have touched the dial inadvertently when setting up for a shot.
I certainly hadn’t added that custom setting. I bought the camera second-hand, so I guess the previous owner had set it. Heaven knows why – I think it’s horrible, and would never use it by choice. The up-side is that, having canceled it, I’m confident that it won’t happen again. At least I know a little bit more about my camera.
