Difficulty
Intermediate
X-Trans IVEternaColour4 photos
Softened Daylight Recipe
With vibrant colours and dreamy contrasts, Softened Daylight captures cinematic magic.
Film simulation
Eterna
Tested on
X-E4
Sample frames
4
The lookWhy this one earns a slot
Softened Daylight, using the Eterna simulation, brings a classic cinematic feel to your images. Its hallmark is the interplay of vibrant colours with a soft, dreamy contrast, reminiscent of vintage film aesthetics. The recipe's lowered highlights and shadows produce a mellow vibe, perfect for capturing nuanced indoor scenes or hazy outdoor vistas. The cool white balance shift infuses scenes with a subtle bluish cast, enhancing the tranquil mood. This recipe thrives under controlled lighting, such as mixed indoor settings where it can highlight subjects with rich colours without overpowering the frame. The muted, calm tones make it especially suitable for video work, where maintaining a consistent, cinematic look is crucial.
The settingsThe recipe
Eterna · X-Trans IV
- Film Simulation
- Eterna
- Dynamic Range
- DR200
- White Balance
- Auto Ambience Priority, −1 R / −6 B
- Highlight
- −1
- Shadow
- −1
- Color
- +4
- Sharpness
- −2
- Noise Reduction
- −4
- Clarity
- −3
- Grain
- Weak, Small
- Color Chrome Effect
- Strong
- Color Chrome FX Blue
- Strong
- ISO
- 6400
- Exposure Comp.
- 0 to +2/3
How to copy it to your camera
- Open the Image Quality (IQ) menu and select an empty custom setting slot (C1–C7).
- Set the base film simulation to Eterna.
- Enter each value from the settings above, then save the slot.
- Select that slot to shoot Softened Daylight JPEGs straight out of camera.
Sample framesShot on this recipe
Notes & caveatsWhat it nails, what to watch
What it nails
- Rich, cinematic colour palette
- Great for controlled indoor lighting
- Ideal for video work
- Soft, dreamy contrast
What to watch
- Not suited for harsh daylight
- Muted under bright sunlight
Explore similar
CinemaMutedVideo
CompatibilityWill it work on your camera?
Tested across the X-Trans IV and GFX generations — compatibility is defined by sensor, so any body on these generations can run it. On X-Trans V bodies, blue renders more deeply. If you adapt this recipe to X-Trans V, reduce Color Chrome FX Blue by one step (Strong → Weak).
Best forWhen to reach for it
Best used for indoor or overcast scenes where vibrant colours and dreamy contrasts are desired. Ideal for video work with its consistent cinematic tone. Avoid harsh daylight, where the muted profile might underwhelm. Embrace its charm for intimate portraits.
Best for
Scenes and subjects this recipe is tuned for.
CinemaMutedVideo
Less suited to
Where another look will likely serve you better.
Punchy daylight
Frequently asked questions
What cameras can use Softened Daylight?
Softened Daylight is compatible with X-Trans IV and GFX cameras like X-E4, X-T4, and GFX100S.
Is Softened Daylight suitable for video?
Yes, its consistent cinematic tone makes it ideal for video, especially in controlled lighting.
Can I use this recipe in daylight?
It's not recommended for harsh daylight as it might appear too muted and lacking vibrancy.
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