Nikon D300 D300 User's Manual - Page 192

To use active D-Lighting: 1 Select [Active D-Lighting]. In the shooting menu (pg. 254), highlight [Active D-Lighting] and press 2. 2 Choose an option. Highlight [Off], [Low], [Normal], or [High] and press J. J D Active D-Lighting When Active D-Lighting is on, the capacity of the memory buffer drops and additional time is required to record images (pg. 406). Matrix metering is recommended (pg. 100). Although exposure is in fact reduced to prevent loss of detail in highlights and shadows, highlights, underexposed areas, and mid-tones are automatically adjusted to prevent the resulting photograph from being underexposed. The [Brightness] and [Contrast] Picture Control settings (pg. 151) can not be adjusted while active D-Lighting is in effect. D "Active D-Lighting" versus "D-Lighting" The [Active D-Lighting] option in the shooting menu adjusts exposure before shooting to optimize the dynamic range, while the [D-Lighting] option in the retouch menu optimizes dynamic range in images after shooting. 166