What is the Flexible Color Picture Control?

What is the Flexible Color Picture Control?

Flexible Color Picture Control is the latest tool introduced with NX Studio (Version 1.7.0) with the aim to provide simple and effective ways of creating a unique look for your images & videos by adjusting colour, hue, chroma, brightness, and many more.
The adjustment can be exported as a custom profile for the supported camera to transform the look of the images or videos in real-time.

It can be used in various scenarios and combinations of products. Please refer to the following table for each supported feature under different scenarios.

Note:
* As of Jan, 2026.  The Z 8, Z 9, Z6III, Z5II, Z50II, Zf & ZR with the latest firmware installed support Flexible Color Picture Control in camera.
** Creation of recipes is possible with images captured by Z camera series, D6 or the D780. The uploaded images (NEF/JPEG) should remain unaltered and retain the original metadata.

Other frequently-asked-questions:

• Can I use the custom profile created in Flexible Color with my Z 8 & Z 9?
  • Yes, the Z 8 & Z 9 support "Flexible Color" picture control with the latest firmware installed.
  • Both models, however, do not support downloading Imaging recipes via Nikon Imaging Cloud directly.
• Can I use the custom profile for video files in real time?
  • Yes, you can. The custom profiles made with Flexible Color Picture Control in NX Studio, can be exported in NP3 format and then imported into compatible models that support "Flexible Color" picture control.
  • You can utilize any installed Custom profiles and apply them to 8-bit or 10-bit SDR (Rec. 709) video files, similar to applying a LUT file transformation in post.
  • Please note that the profiles are applied to the video files and are not reversible in post.
• How do I create a custom profile using the new Flexible Color?
  • We recommend first shooting a photo of the scene in RAW NEF format and opening it with NX Studio.
  • In NX Studio, under Picture Control, choose [FC] Flexible Color.
  • You will then have multiple options to adjust the overall HUE, CHROME & BRIGHTNESS. Choose the tools that you are most familiar with, and begin adjusting the parameters.
  • Once you are done, save the adjustments as a profile and you can then export the profile with the Custom Picture Control menu.
• Where can I get the NX Studio?
  • NX Studio is provided free for Nikon users, please download only from the official site.
• Where can I learn more about NX Studio?
  • Digitutor, a Nikon website would be a good start to learn more about NX Studio.