When people print images taken with digital cameras, they sometimes feel that the printed color tones differ from those of actual image or those displayed on the monitor.
To get the print results as close as possible to the desired color tones, you must select a printing method that is best suited to the application software used or to your purpose.
Devices such as digital cameras, scanners, monitors, and printers handle color differently. Color management (color matching) is a method that manages device-dependent "colors" as a common color space.
For Mac OS, a color management system called "ColorSync" is built into the operating system.
Adobe RGB and sRGB are popularly used as common color spaces.
Adobe RGB has a wider color space than sRGB.
ICC profiles convert device-dependent "colors" into a common color space. By using an ICC profile and carrying out color management, you can draw out the color space of the image data within the color reproduction area that the printer can express.
Normally, image files are saved in JPEG format. Some digital cameras allow you to save images in a format called RAW. RAW data refers to an image saving format that requires a computer to develop the image. You can embed an input ICC profile tag into a RAW file by using special application software.
The recommended printing method depends on the color space (Adobe RGB or sRGB) of the image data or the application software to be used.
There are two typical printing methods.
Check the color space (Adobe RGB or sRGB) of the image data and the application software to be used, and then select the printing method suited to your purpose.
Describes the procedure for printing by using the color correction function of the printer driver.
To print using Canon Digital Photo Color
The printer prints data with color tints that most people prefer, reproducing colors of the original image data and producing three-dimensional effects and high, sharp contrasts.
To print by directly applying editing and touch-up results of an application software
When printing the data, the printer brings out subtle color difference between dark and light areas, while leaving the darkest and lightest areas intact.
When printing the data, the printer applies fine adjustment results, such as brightness adjustments made with an application software.
When you correct an image while checking the print image on the monitor and want to achieve print effects that closely reflect the monitor display
This mode correctly applies the characteristics of the data displayed on the monitor and prints the data.
When you want to print an image by representing vibrant colors even more vividly
Use the VIVID photo function to print image colors vividly.
This function maintains the natural color tints of the people in the image while making the background stand out.
Describes the procedure for printing by using the color space of Adobe RGB or sRGB effectively.
You can print with a common color space by setting up the application software and the printer driver so that the color management matches the input ICC profile of the image data.
The method for setting up the printer driver differs depending on the application software to be used.
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