Get perfect color consistency in your shoots with this pocket-sized color card and software combo
(Image credit: Datacolor)
Datacolor is launching a new addition to its Spyder Checkr range of color reference tools: Spyder Checkr Photo is a convenient, pocket-sized color card containing 62 color patches across four interchangeable cards. These include expanded skin tones for use when shooting portraits, additional large targets for easy white/gray balancing, and a 24-step gray scale for checking dynamic range.
By displaying the color patches in a reference shot, the included software then calculates color correction data for hue, saturation and luminance and then creates an HSL preset for use in software such as Adobe Lightroom Classic. This then makes it easy to maintain color consistency across a series of images shot under the same lighting conditions, even when changing cameras or lenses during the shoot.
Spyder Checkr Phot develops the traditional grey card method of standardizing white balance for a series of images as it allows you to correct individual hues rather than the overall white balance of each image. If the software detects that some color patches have been captured accurately, these remain unchanged.
Spyder Checkr Photo improves on past Spyder Checkr versions with its use of ultra-matte color patches. These have extremely low reflectivity, regardless of viewing angle, reducing the need for precise positioning or the need to shield the tool from light sources in a scene which could cast reflections onto the color patches, potentially compromising their color accuracy.
The color patch cards are encased within a durable rugged case that can be stowed in any size camera bag, while the case can also act as a self-supporting stand for easy placement in your reference image.
Ben is the Imaging Labs manager, responsible for all the testing on Digital Camera World and across the entire photography portfolio at Future. Whether he's in the lab testing the sharpness of new lenses, the resolution of the latest image sensors, the zoom range of monster bridge cameras or even the latest camera phones, Ben is our go-to guy for technical insight. He's also the team's man-at-arms when it comes to camera bags, filters, memory cards, and all manner of camera accessories – his lab is a bit like the Batcave of photography! With years of experience trialling and testing kit, he's a human encyclopedia of benchmarks when it comes to recommending the best buys.
