Custom Settings and User Profiles
Objective: Configure the X2D so you can quickly switch between Portrait, Landscape, and Indoor setups without rebuilding the camera menu each time.
The idea is simple: first set the camera exactly the way you want it, then save that setup as a User Profile. Later, you load that profile before the shoot.
How to Save a Custom Setup
Step 1 – Configure the Camera First
Do not save a profile before setting the camera. First choose file format, exposure mode, ISO, focus mode, white balance, drive mode, and display options.
Why: A profile saves the current camera state. If the camera is in the wrong state, the profile will also be wrong.
Avoid: Saving a profile while a temporary setting is active, such as timer, exposure compensation, high ISO, or flash mode.
How to Load a Custom Setup
Why: Loading a profile restores a complete working setup for a type of photography.
After loading a profile, always check the control screen before shooting.
Recommended User Profiles
| Profile | Purpose | Use When |
|---|---|---|
| Portrait | People, family, natural light portraits | You want sharp eyes and soft background blur |
| Landscape | Tripod, outdoor scenery, architecture-style precision | You want maximum detail and clean files |
| Indoor | Home, events, low light, flash or available light | You need reliable shutter speed in changing indoor light |
Profile 1 — Portrait Setup
| Setting | Recommended Value | Why |
|---|---|---|
| File Format | RAW / 3FR | Maximum editing flexibility for skin tones |
| Exposure Mode | Aperture Priority | You control background blur |
| Aperture | f/2.8–f/4 | Soft background but reliable face sharpness |
| ISO | Auto ISO, 64–1600 | Keeps shutter speed practical without too much noise |
| Focus Mode | AF-S | Precise focus for mostly still subjects |
| Focus Area | Single Point | Place focus on nearest eye |
| White Balance | Auto | Works well in changing natural light |
| Drive | Single | Encourages careful expression and timing |
Menu Steps
Avoid: Saving the Portrait profile with exposure compensation accidentally active.
Profile 2 — Landscape Setup
| Setting | Recommended Value | Why |
|---|---|---|
| File Format | RAW / 3FR | Best dynamic range and editing quality |
| Exposure Mode | Aperture Priority or Manual | Stable scene; deliberate exposure |
| Aperture | f/8 | Strong sharpness and depth of field |
| ISO | 64 | Cleanest file quality |
| Focus Mode | AF-S or Manual | Static subjects do not need continuous AF |
| Timer | 2 seconds | Prevents shake on tripod |
| Display | Histogram and level on | Protect highlights and keep horizon straight |
Menu Steps
Avoid: Using the Landscape profile handheld indoors without changing ISO and timer.
Profile 3 — Indoor Setup
| Setting | Recommended Value | Why |
|---|---|---|
| File Format | RAW+JPEG | RAW for editing, JPEG for quick family sharing |
| Exposure Mode | Aperture Priority | Fast and flexible in changing rooms |
| Aperture | f/3.5–f/5.6 | Balances light, sharpness, and group depth |
| ISO | Auto ISO, 64–3200 | Prevents motion blur in low light |
| Focus Mode | AF-C for moving people, AF-S for posed | Indoor subjects often move unpredictably |
| White Balance | Auto or fixed Kelvin | Auto for mixed home light; fixed for consistent sessions |
| Drive | Single or low continuous | Useful for children and family moments |
Menu Steps
Indoor variation with flash: If using flash, consider Manual exposure, ISO 64–200, and a fixed white balance.
Avoid: Fixed ISO 64 indoors unless the camera is on a tripod or flash is providing enough light.
How to Use the Profiles in the Field
| Before Shooting | Check |
|---|---|
| Load profile | Portrait / Landscape / Indoor |
| Check ISO | Make sure it matches the situation |
| Check focus mode | AF-S, AF-C, or Manual |
| Check timer | Turn off timer when leaving tripod work |
| Check exposure compensation | Reset to 0 unless intentionally used |