A Comparison of White Balance Modes

A Comparison of White Balance Modes

It would be very helpful to pinpoint "strange color" problems in an image if we know the impact of white balance on tonality. Therefore, we shall look at the effects of different white balance modes. In the following, for each type of possible color temperature, a sequence of shots of the same scene using different white balance modes (i.e., automatic, fine, incandescent, fluorescent, cloudy, speedlight, and white balance preset) is shown for you to obtain a feeling the color tonality change. By comparing these images, we hope to gain some understanding of using an appropriate white balance mode, or to know how to obtain creative effects with white balance modes.

Sunlight

Under strong sunlight, the best choices are Auto, Fine or White Bal Preset. However, this does not mean these settings will produce the same result. In fact, some differences are usually visible. The following images were taken in a sunny day using different white balance modes. The one taken with Auto is similar to the one with Fine. But, the former seems brighter than the latter. However, both lack a touch of the late afternoon mood (around 4pm). In terms of tonality, the one taken with Fine is not as saturated as the one with Auto, and the tonality of one taken with White Bal Preset is better. However, the images taken with White Bal Preset, Cloudy and Speedlight are warmer than necessary, especially that the tonality of the sky is too warm. The most natural sky color is obtained with Fine, while the color of the bridge that is closest to the real one is by White Bal Preset. You may also compare the color of the water.

Auto mode White Bal Preset mode
Fine mode Cloudy mode
Incandescent mode Fluorescent mode
Speedlight mode
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Cloudy

In a heavy overcast or rainy day, the best choices are Auto, Cloudy, and White Bal Preset. The following images were taken in a cloudy day using different white balance modes. The images taken with Auto and Cloudy are quite similar. The images taken with White Bal Preset and Speedlight are greenish. The tonality of the one with Fine is a little colder and is not very accurate. Finally, the blue cast in the images taken with Incandescent and Flash is too strong, showing a wrong white balance mode was used.

Auto mode White Bal Preset mode
Fine mode Cloudy mode
Incandescent mode Fluorescent mode
Speedlight mode
Click on the image to see a larger one

Flash

Flashes are designed to have a color temperature similar to that of the sunlight. But, of course, flashes are "warmer" than sunlight! The Speedlight mode allows you to set the white balance to the one that matches electronic flashes. The following images illustrate the differences of various white balance modes. Note that it is impossible to do a preset white balance using flashes, because the internal flash does not fire while the camera measures the white color. The six images below were taken in the following way: (1) the internal flash always fires, and (2) each image was taken with a different white balance mode except for the White Bal Preset mode.

The images taken with Auto and Speedlight are almost identical in tonality. The one taken with Cloudy is a little bluish, while the blue cast in the one with Fine becomes stronger. Just like the case of sunlight, the blue cast in the images taken with Incandescent and Fluorescent is very strong.

Auto mode Speedlight mode
Fine mode Cloudy mode
Incandescent mode Fluorescent mode
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Fluorescent Light

Fluorescent lights have lower color temperature than those of flash lights. The best choices are Auto, Fluorescent, and White Bal Preset. The following images were taken in a room with only fluorescent lights. The images taken with Auto and Fluorescent are very similar to each other and are quite accurate. The images taken with Fine, Cloudy and Speedlight are similar with a touch of green. This is a typical sign of wrong white balance. On the other hand, the one taken using White Bal Preset is a little cold with a touch of blue.

Auto mode White Bal Preset mode
Fine mode Cloudy mode
Incandescent mode Fluorescent mode
Speedlight mode
Click on the image to see a larger one

Incandescent Light

For incandescent lights, the best choices are Auto, Incandescent and White Bal Preset. In fact, the last two are perhaps more accurate than the first. The following images were taken with a single 75 watt light bulb. Note that the background is a white paper. The one taken with Incandescent is similar to the one with White Bal Preset. It is surprised that the Auto mode does not perform very well and generates an image quite similar to that of the Fluorescent mode. Because incandescent lights have color temperatures lower than that of the sunlight, flashes and fluorescent lights, the images taken with the Fine, Cloudy and Fluorescent modes are too warm.

Auto mode White Bal Preset mode
Fine mode Cloudy mode
Incandescent mode Fluorescent mode
Speedlight mode
Click on the image to see a larger one

Summary

After seeing these correct and incorrect uses of white balance modes, it is clear that the Auto mode usually works well. Of course, if you are certain, setting the camera to the right white balance mode would work even better. However, occasionally, you still need the White Bal Preset mode in an environment illuminated with multiple types of light sources. Because the color temperature of light bulbs have a wide range color temperature, the use of White Bal Preset mode may provide a more accurate white balance. In summary, if one mode does not provide a satisfactory result or even wrong tonality, try White Bal Preset. Do not forget to carry a small white card (i.e., business card) with you for white balance measuring. And, do not forget to reset the white balance mode when lighting condition changes.