I bought the xrite passport video and color finale a few years ago after watching your videos. I do a lot of green screen work for interviews and wanted something to help me get consistent color between a variety of cameras (from a Sony FS100 and a7rii to GoPros and iPhones). It’s a great starting point but not magic, still a good investment. Then last month I had some trouble with a subject’s hair and the green screen on a single camera shoot in my own studio. I was so glad I had taken the time to use the Passport because it made it easy for me to try out different combinations of LUTS and key matte settings in FCPX until I found one that worked great. Thanks for all the work you put into these videos. Watching them has been informative, entertaining, and extremely valuable.
Hi Curtis, I'm sure this is not my first time commenting on your video, but besides the wealth of information and your tone, what I really appreciate is the fact that your audio is superbly mixed. Often time I open up a filmmaking tutorial video and voice-over is clipping in multiple places or certain frequencies drive me nuts. Coming to your channel means I don't have to worry about any of those things. Thanks again for your work.
This is an excellent tutorial for anyone starting to long journey into understanding color and color correction. Very helpful...please do more of this!
Unfortunately, the current version of ColorFinale does not display the tools needed to implement this tutorial. the controls i see in the tutorials are just not there! All I get is "Control Panels - Open) which works fine in all functions, and "Mix." I don't get the options for "Use Chart" and the others. "Use Chart" is what I'm trying to do.
Hi video vermont, after I shot this, Color Finale was split into two versions: ColorFinale and ColorFinale Pro. The pro version has the color chart matching feature under the gear with color wheel icon. Sorry for the confusion on that.
I bought the x-rite checker and exposure cube a year ago. Used it once and couldn't understand what was wrong. Now I know I had glare on my blacks. I was thinking of selling it on but I'll give it another go. Even though I'm pretty good at balancing by eye and scopes in Davinci. As you said, some cool little tricks here to learn more about color science and what each camera color profile is doing.
This is a great technique for matching footage from different cameras. Its not going to do all the color work, obviously, but it will certainly expedite some of the post production process. I hope Adobe will implement this in Premiere Pro.
+Dave Patterson Just put in my request! It's such a pain in the arse round tripping from premiere to davinci and back, so this would be a great addition to premiere.
I may actually invest in one of these later on this year. Working in my small studio/office, it isnt a issue as I got my WB fine tuned to taste over time. But I am starting to add more cameras (camera angles) over time and getting all the video to match is a pain. Sure I can fiddle with it till its close enough, but time is money and I rather not be screwing with it for half an hour or so. Thanks for this video. Thumbs Up.. Cheers, Joe
I have been following you from the start and this is just what we need now, we have the gear and are shooting, now we need to deal this level of detail, outstanding !! Great video Curtis! And I love the way you demo on the two programs. Can you go into this more detail?
Hallo Curtis, I have one question more. I bought the Color Finale for FCPX but I don´t habe Color Checker Passport Video in the Packet. Could you help me ?
Hi Victor, I'm not sure I understand. Did you purchase the color checker passport video along with color finale? If so, you'll want to get in touch with Denver. You can do that at www.colorgradingcentral.com/support/ If I've misunderstood your question, apologies!
Hi Curtis, I bought X-Rite Color Checker Passport Video from Amazon, then went bought ColorFinale from ColorGradingCentral. When I open ColorFinale I don't have all the same tools you do for X-rite. All mine says is Controls Panel with the Open button and then the mix slider. I've contacted ColorGradingCentral but have now heard back from them. Any idea what's going on?
Hi Wayne, it is the beta version which has the color correction functionality. I think you'll want to find out how to get that from him (he sent out an email back in December or January on how to get that). Thanks and good luck!
I actually found the URL for the beta version, installed it and still no go. I think I need to remove the paid version and try reinstalling the beta. Thanks Curtis for verifying that it's the beta version I need!
Hey Curtis, HELP! After seeing your video I ran out and brought one from Amazon. It's been a hit and miss for me all the time when I use this in post. For some reason I always seems to have a glare in mine from lighting and when I try to color match in post using Color finale I get some weird colors. And yes, I click from Yellow to green etc. I follow the instructions. Any tips on how to use this little tool consistently? It seems to be the glare on the black dot thats hurting me and can't get good color consistently.
Hi, one thing I do which seems to work is when I hold the color checker in frame, I slowly turn it toward and away from the light. Then in post, I almost always have a glare-free frame I can work with. I hope that helps!
Hi Curtis. Thank you for this! I never quite understood, why w/b is such a hazzle in video, and a push of a button in fx Lightoom, so this makes it much more easy. However, I already got the X-Rite Color Checker for photo - can I also use that in FCPX, or do I need the new Video one? Thanks again!
Had a two camera interview gig recently, this color checker could've helped matching the colors from two different cameras. Didn't realize video would need a specific one though.
Hi Curtis Thanks for this! I want to know how to use this color chart to correct but with premiere pro because I am an adobe user. Any help on that please?
I've been using the Colour Checker for a short period mainly as a visual reference for using Film Convert, but didn't know there was a colour finale app so will give that a try! I'm very interested in how different cameras capture colour and light in different ways, I think this is pivotal for if your choosing colours for production design for example.
When you use color finale to correct everything, can you then copy those corrections to other clips? For example, if you are shooting a scene in one environment I would use the color chart before the first shot as reference and then would want to apply those corrections to all other shots in that same environment so I don't have to throw a color card up before every take and shot. I don't even use Final Cut X. I'm just curious.
+Bart Johnson Productions Yes, you just copy the clip with the plugins you want to copy, select the clips you want to copy to and then paste attributes. You can then select which of the effects you want to paste. Pretty slick.
+Bart Johnson Productions +Curtis Judd I personally love this in premiere and resolve. I have the regular photo color checker... would love to get the video passport... notice any differences in color shifting/accuracy Curtis between the photo and video versions?
+Sully Cortez Hey Sully, I haven't noticed any differences between the new video chart and the older version in terms of using Resolve's color match and Color Finale to automatically color & exposure correct, but I still need to do some more testing. Where the video version seems to have an advantage is when using it during production. The big gray patch makes getting exposure super easy when you have a waveform scope or false color-just line it up to 40 IRE and make sure you're good with where the highlights and shadows fall. My sense is that they're both great in terms of the accuracy of the color patches but the video version is laid out with video in mind (i.e., much easier to identify the white/gray/black patches on a waveform scope, rather than use the traditional set of color patches, focus on the primary and secondary colors on the vectorscope and adds more greyscale patches).
+Curtis Judd Oh wonderful that's a huge help. I know I've sometimes struggled with the photo version as you're absolutely right when as the name implies it's mainly for photography, so when rolling with two or more cameras, I'm sure the video version would be much more applicable and useful. One last question, what is the expected lifespan of the color checker video is it still the recommended '2 years then replace' deal? Thanks for the info!
Hi Curtis, I'm a big fan! I have a question about using the xrtie passport video for costumed WB! I have Canon 70d and when I take the picture of the grey card for the WB with the canon lens kit 18-135mm, I got it right, but when I take my picture of the gray card with sigma 18-35mm/ f1.8, the result turns to be greenish! any thoughts why?
One last question Curtis and this also pertains to your 'automate' color corrector video back in 2014, can you use the passport and video passport in After Effects? or does it HAVE to be used in Resolve?
+Sully Cortez Hi again Sully, you can use it manually in any color, video editing, or compositing app, including After Effects. I used resolve in this case because that's the app I usually use for color correction.
+Bryce Dearden Absolutely and most likely, yes. While the CRI on these LED panels is 96 and they look good, there is a very good possibility the color "miss" is attributable to both. Thanks for that!
you show we can also do a color correction with a gray card ? does this multi-color card gives better results than with a gray card for color correction ? if not why not just use a cheaper gray card ?
+amanieux A gray card is great for white balance corrections but not as good at matching cameras where two cameras respond to different colors in different ways. That's where a color chart and color match (whether in Resolve or Color Finale) can do more sophisticated corrections where individual colors are tuned independent of other colors. I don't mean to suggest you always need this, but if you do, this color chart works quite nicely for such jobs.
I'm in the market to buy this for interviews, etc. I'm doing with a Canon C100 MKII (matching with a Canon G30 as B Camera) and wondering if this could be used to do custom white balance on set, too? Thanks!
i'm confused there is an x-rite color checker passport photo and there is x-rite color checker passport photo 2 and finally there is x-rite color checker passport Video can anybody please check me with the usage for each one and let's say that you have the color checker for Video does it work on the photos as well ? thanks
The process we showed here will ONLY work with the video version of the passport or the larger version video color chart. This is because the application knows only the color chip layout and color values for the video version. I assume that photography tools do a similar thing but expect the color chip layout and values of the non-video versions of the charts.
I recently bought the datacolor SpyderCheckr® 24. I haven't yet had time to use it, but seeing this video I'm beginning to wonder if it isn't just another too expensive toy that you don't really need. You obviously know a lot more than I do, and yet you seem to be fiddling around tweeking this and that in your software and kind of experimenting to see what gives the result you want. It seems like a lot of trouble one way or the other.
+Lau Bjerno It depends on how picky you are, how picky your clients are, and whether you need consistency. If you need consistency, this is one way to get closer more quickly. If you're not getting paid and just posting to CZcams, definitely not necessary.
I can see how that would be a huge help, the only thing I can't understand is the price. Is it really worth that much? I'm not so much into color correction and grading (though I should be), but all I see is a piece of plastic with some colors painted on it. Is there more to it than that?
It is only useful if it helps save you time and get better results. For me, I have clients that need reliable color and no distracting cuts so it is useful and worth the investment. But for those that don't have the budget, maybe not worth it.
+James Griffith hi James, if shooting with a log profile, my guess is that you'll want to apply the LUT first but you'll probably want to confirm that with a real colorist.
hey Chris- Did the exact same test with the x-rite and the GH4 and had the same results - thought it might be a picture profile thing so ran the same test with RAW - the Red was still off ( toward yellow ) but the blue looked right. So straight off the sensor, certain reds can appear orange - this has been posted over and over on the GH4 technical group on FB. The "Why is this dress orange?" - post is quite common. Don't know if it something Panasonic is doing to make skin tones pop straight out of the camera for consumers but I suspect it to be so. Also - stop telling people that you are not a colorist. Color grading is subjective - you certainly have the eye. Don't sell yourself short- nice little tutorial there.
Thanks for that. I have the colour passport photo version. And to be honest haven't used it as much as I should have. Can you share any tips on using that passport for video. (Mostly I use premiere pro cc)
+biscuitsalive Yes, as a start here's one using Resolve's color match with the original Color Checker Passport: czcams.com/video/onom8tpiof8/video.html And here's another one where we work on matching cameras (the and resolve's color match are not perfect here, but give you a bit of a head start): czcams.com/video/Zr7FQKzxl68/video.html
+Curtis Judd Nice one! appreciate your time.. by the way, I'm just finishing up a review of the Syrp genie mini, should be on my channel tomorrow in case your interested. :)
Would this work to try to offset a color cast from an ND filter? I’ve tried a bunch of different ND filters on my GH5 and find it often ruins the colors. Wondering If that can be fixed in post with this?
Hi Evan, hmm, that's a tough one. If you shoot in 10-bit 4:2:2 you might be able to use this to correct the color cast if it isn't too bad. Of course the best fix is to use an ND that doesn't cast color.
Curtis Judd Thanks! I’ve bought a tiffen, Hoya, and aurora aperture variable filters, and more recently got a breakthrough fixed Nd filter and they all effect the color. Got any recommendations? Is it possible the issue is IR, I read that was a possibility. Thanks, this issue has been driving me nuts
Hi Curtis. Is this useful for people that don't use different cameras? I'm shooting a short film and will be revisiting scenes on different days where lighting may change slightly. Will I need this?
Hey Curtis, would you mind doing an episode on XLR cables and how to use them in the field where a boom mic operator is moving around? I have trouble with handling noise even when it's rolled up the boom
I wonder why have a color chart if we are already doing in camera custom white balancing with a card or collapsible? My guess is that different camera manufacturers render their colors a bit differently and that they vary across different camera models. The purpose of white balancing is making sure that one's neutral remain neutral (free of reds, greens and blues). Once this is secured, the colors themselves are subject to how each camera model handles them. Contrarily, color chart offers actual reference points for individual colors which would make for better color accuracy and reduce color difference across camera models. Is this interpretation correct?
Thank you for the tutorial Curtis, quick question, when you isolate the color and look at the vectorscope and see the vectors are off, is the goal to try to color correct to get the color vector dots in those boxes?
You're welcome! Yes, you could do that though I generally would just use that information as a reference. Every camera "interprets" color a little differently - have sort of a unique way of interpreting color. So you could correct to get perfectly correct color or just use that info as a way to understand what your camera and lighting is doing. Then you can make decisions on when it might be best to use that combination of camera and lighting. Does that make sense?
Hi Curtis, good video! would this tool/product be able to use as the same with still photos? Or should I get specific xrite product for separate applications between videos and stills? thanks for your great informative tutorials.
Hi, they have a separate color checker for photography. I haven't used it for still photos but I believe XRite has a Lightroom plugin for the color checker photo which may be worth a look.
Hi Curtis thank you for the informative video. I just bought the colorchecker passport video and I was wondering how you would use this during the production process. Would you need to film this for each new shot you do? Or whenever there is a new lighting set-up? Not really clear about the workflow process of how and when to use the passport during production.
Hi! i usually just use this for testing cameras or lights and not so much during production. However, if you did want to use it during production, you would include it in the head or tail for each new camera angle or lighting setup. That should make it easier to match the clips in post. Best wishes!
Apparantly there is one versin for Video and one for Photo. Pardon the ignorance, but they look the same on the pics, is there such a difference between both, that I would us the video one for photo work. The price is steep and cannot afford both. Your advice would be greatly appreciated... thanks
They use different color chips so they are actually different. The question of which one to buy comes down to how you plan to use it. If you plan to use it with DaVinci Resolve's color match feature, then you'll want the photo version. If you're going to use it with Color Finale (like I did here), you'll want the video version. I hope that helps!
Hi Curtis, Is this a good tool if you are going to apply a LUT in post as well? the correct workflow would be something like?: - edit all your video, (is ok with different cameras lenses or locations) - get the base colour correct using Color Checker and Color Finale - Apply any preset LUTs over the top Is This Correct? or is this tool not so useful if you are applying preset LUTs? Love Your Videos, Thankyou for your content!
Hi David, the same principle will work in any app with RGB curves, though I haven't used either Premiere or AE in so long, I'm not sure whether they have RGB curves. I *think* they do, but not sure.
I've been researching information on video camera color checkers and this is a very information production. I'm often working with different camera and color matching is taking too much time away from actually editing. Using this method will save a lot of time in post. I'd be interested in any further tips and tutorials you can show.
Awesome info to have! I'm curious about your lighting setup for this video - were you working with led/cfl lights, or tungsten/hmi/etc? Just thinking about the anomalies in your gh4's colour rendition, and hoping that it's a lighting cri issue and not a camera issue (myself being another gh4 user)
+Kate Cutting Hi Kate, in this case I was using Aputure Lightstorm LEDs. They are rated at a CRI of 96 (if memory serves). That could certainly be part of the issue. But most GH4 owners are finding that the red channel tends slightly toward yellow. I don't think it is necessarily an issue, but interesting to know so that when shooting, you can take that into account or in post, perhaps plan to correct (if you need the reds to be true red).
Curtis Judd thank you Curtis. I am currently using a prosumer editor Pinnacle 18 and eventually I will switch to Premiere Pro...love to learn what all those little icons do!
Hello Curtis Your videos have been a great deal of inspiration for me as a beginner into the video world. I own a Panasonic G7 and have ordered a X-rite ColorChecker Passport Video after watching this. The one area I always struggle with is getting exposure right. If you would do a hands-on video using your GH4 and the colochecker (most of it would apply for the G7, I presume) on how to setup correct exposure in controlled as well as uncontrolled lighting situations would be a great help. I am planning a visit to my hometown in India in a months time and would like to shoot tons of video. If time permits you to post a video it would be a great help. I apologize if I am asking too much.
Hi Dilson, thanks for the feedback. I have an older piece on manually setting exposure which you might find helpful but I'll also add to the list a new episode on setting exposure: czcams.com/video/z1rDYKtnqkU/video.html
Hi Dario, I think the main advantage that I see is that the color chips are made to represent the primary and secondary colors on a vectorscope (which is used much more in video than in photography). So I would not say it is better, just more suited to the types of tools which are more commonly used in video production and post production.
So if my vectorscope shows that the "color science" of my a7sii is slightly off, how can I correct each individual color to make sure the colors are truly accurate?
I figured it out! While the power window is still isolated on those color you can play with the hue vs hue curve to precisely adjust each color, works absolutely wonderfully!
If using Color Finale, isolate the colors that correspond to the vector scope, apply the 6 vector tool, and you can move the respective colors towards where they should be.
Awesome video Curtis! Looks like you are making me spend more money... I will definitely be going out to get one of those charts (and the new Aputure VS2 monitor when it's released). I was really fascinated by the last test you did focusing on the top row of colours on the chart. I would like to see you do a video on correcting your GH4 footage using that method and then possibly creating a colour setting for your GH4 to compensate for it's lack of saturation and off colours. Is there anything for Premiere Pro that does this yet?? I hope so. Keep up the fantastic work Curtis!!
+Colin Leask Thanks Colin, don't spend unless you have a specific issue to solve. ;-) We'll definitely come back to color correction in a future piece.
It would be interesting to learn more about that row of colors and how to balance according to the vectorscope.. Curious how it will also compare Gh4 vs A7sii vs Canon Dslr color with the colorochart
+Lyubo Yanev Thanks, I'll see if we can get that out in the next little bit. I don't have the A7SII or any Canons on hand but if I do, I'll try to put out a comparison.
+Curtis Judd // Hello Curtis. Im also interested in that row of 6 primary (?) colors and how they fit into the vectorscope of Davinci Resolve 11. Since CMY seem to look "pure" atleast Red seems to be kind of orange and Blue seems to be kind of Red, true ?
Is there any cheaper but reliabble alternative to this product or Spydercheckr? I guess for ensamble shots I would need something bigger that would be visible in wider frame...
There's a larger version of the Color Checker Video but it isn't cheaper. I haven't tested any less expensive alternatives but I would be wary of anything under $50 USD in terms of color accuracy.
@@curtisjudd That is unfortunate, as I only found products at $15-$20 and $90+ But anyway thanks. I will start with white and middle grey card to set my WB.
Hi, you'd need some sort of reasonably accurate reference and that's where an ordinary large sheet of paper may not work, unfortunately. At least for anything other than white balancing the camera, in that case white paper may work.
Hi, Great tutorial. I am fcpx user But i have question is colour checker passport not show in my inspector widow ,There is only show in penal control like these names use chart, show chart, chart type and match also. if i try more it see error .please sir give me guidance. I have learned much from your tutorial.I am technical poor, But i can do any type of colour grading because its my passion and for your kindly information i am self deducted regarding resolve and fcpx ,Because of your type mentor living in this world.
+GIFF India It sounds like there may be an issue with your Color Finale plugin? You will want to contact Denver Riddle over at color grading central to help resolve that. Best wishes!
Assume I have the color chart, but no fcp x plugin. Can I manually correct color using the chart in fcp? I suppose I could do a white balance using the white area.
+Curtis Judd Ah, great. Last time I used FCP X is a while off, but I need to get into it again for a project. If I have a shot consisting of someone speaking against a white background, and use auto white balancing in my camera (a5100), would you suggest doing a color balance again in FCP during the edit? Sorry if you have answered all these color questions before. I will definitely search through your videos. Great explanations by the way of all sorts of stuff and it's always useful. So, if one doesn't have the color chart and only FCP, would you say there is a way to balance it correctly, or do you need at least one reference point, like a color chart or grey card? Without at least a grey card its probably tough to white balance and to grade, do I have that right? Or do people sometimes just color grade videos simply by feel? Right now, when I use auto white balance in my camera and have plenty of lighting, the simple shot of someone against a white background looks good enough, but I have no idea how much could or should be done, in terms of tweaking color or doing more/different sort of white balancing.
+Ernoburger You can use anything in the black to white range that should NOT have color in it to color balance. A white background is a good example. I prefer to have a proper gray card because it is closest to skin tones in terms of luminance (in most cases), so it will yield the best results. If you're already happy with how things look, you don't *have* to color correct. Ideally, you don't have to color correct. Thanks!
+Curtis Judd Thanks for the info! By the way, I've been watching your videos off and on over the years (depending on how much help I need !) and I was wondering, are you a runner? Im a trail runner myself and was just wondering. Anyway, thanks for the help!
Hi, thanks for all your videos! You are a great copilot in post production techniques! Just a question: I've bought just ten minutes ago Color Finale, but I can't see the panel to match the x rite panel! Do you know where to find it?
+Luca Pischedda Yes, you need the beta version. Sorry for the confusion on that, I forget to mention that the feature is in the beta version. If you email Denver Riddle (color grading central), he'll send you the link for that.
+Curtis Judd Hi, thanks so much, you are really fast! Now it works! But I should buy again the color checker :( By now it's enough that I can use the old one in davinci, export the LUT and use it in FCPX.
Hey Curtis! I'm curious if you're using the checker for your own videos these days or if you already became so good with whitebalance that such a tool is no longer necessary?
Hey Dave, I usually use a gray card on regular shoots. I still use the color charts when testing new cameras or lights because then I can get a sense for what the new gear does in terms of color response.
+Nick Laws Thanks! I'll have to look around to see if there is any sort of auto-color plugin for Premiere. That would be pretty handy to avoid a round-trip to Resolve.
super helpful and much appreciated! would you mind please doing a bit of a deeper exploration as you did in resolve, but instead in fcpx? that would be awesome!
+doubledark2 Hi! I'm not sure about Lightroom - does it have a similar colour chart reader function? If so, I assume it is using the original color checker vs. the video version. I'll have to do some research. Good question!
Fantastic video!! As usual :) I'm wondering if I used auto white balance on camera most of the time and then used this with color finale in post do you think I will still be able to get a very good outcome? Wondering if I could avoid setting custom white balance while I'm out shooting and just use this with color finale to save time while running around with the camera:) thanks!! Love your videos!!
+JT Fore that would probably work in most cases. If you're shooting on a camera that records 8 bit 4:2:0 color, you don't get a lot of room to fix things if it's way off but auto WB is usually just a little off. Thanks and if you adopt that workflow, please let us know how it goes!
Cool video. One thing I'll say though is that the info in the section about vectorscope is not exactly correct, that's because you have to take into consideration light source's ability to render color accurately, it is not necessarily your camera that is causing (in this particular example) red to be off, it could have been the light source, lens and most likely the combination of all three. In that regard it does not give a definitive answer about the particular camera's color science tendency unless compared with other cameras in the same setup, same lens or with a reference "perfect" light source. If you did use "perfect" tungsten source for this, you should mention that it's absolutely necessary in order to draw any conclusions.
That use of the qualifier tool is VERY helpful. Really obvious in retrospect, as all clever things tend to be!!!
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I bought the xrite passport video and color finale a few years ago after watching your videos. I do a lot of green screen work for interviews and wanted something to help me get consistent color between a variety of cameras (from a Sony FS100 and a7rii to GoPros and iPhones). It’s a great starting point but not magic, still a good investment. Then last month I had some trouble with a subject’s hair and the green screen on a single camera shoot in my own studio. I was so glad I had taken the time to use the Passport because it made it easy for me to try out different combinations of LUTS and key matte settings in FCPX until I found one that worked great. Thanks for all the work you put into these videos. Watching them has been informative, entertaining, and extremely valuable.
Thanks Adrian and I agree, not perfect, but useful.
Hi Curtis, I'm sure this is not my first time commenting on your video, but besides the wealth of information and your tone, what I really appreciate is the fact that your audio is superbly mixed. Often time I open up a filmmaking tutorial video and voice-over is clipping in multiple places or certain frequencies drive me nuts. Coming to your channel means I don't have to worry about any of those things. Thanks again for your work.
+Rintaro Wada thank you Rintaro, much appreciated.
Curtis Judd. One of the best channel. I learn interesting stuff from you. Thank you for your work.
+Madalin Ungureanu Thanks Madalin!
Just had a color checker delivered today for a shoot tomorrow, so thanks so much for this great tutorial!
Good luck!
This is an excellent tutorial for anyone starting to long journey into understanding color and color correction. Very helpful...please do more of this!
Thanks and will do!
Unfortunately, the current version of ColorFinale does not display the tools needed to implement this tutorial. the controls i see in the tutorials are just not there! All I get is "Control Panels - Open) which works fine in all functions, and "Mix." I don't get the options for "Use Chart" and the others. "Use Chart" is what I'm trying to do.
Hi video vermont, after I shot this, Color Finale was split into two versions: ColorFinale and ColorFinale Pro. The pro version has the color chart matching feature under the gear with color wheel icon. Sorry for the confusion on that.
awesome!
yes, deeper dive will be welcome!
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Thank you Curtis! I decided to buy it after watching your convincing demo!!
I hope it works well for you!
I bought the x-rite checker and exposure cube a year ago. Used it once and couldn't understand what was wrong. Now I know I had glare on my blacks. I was thinking of selling it on but I'll give it another go. Even though I'm pretty good at balancing by eye and scopes in Davinci. As you said, some cool little tricks here to learn more about color science and what each camera color profile is doing.
Thanks Paul. Hopefully that checker becomes a little more useful now.
This is a great technique for matching footage from different cameras. Its not going to do all the color work, obviously, but it will certainly expedite some of the post production process. I hope Adobe will implement this in Premiere Pro.
I agree, would be great to see Adobe add the automated color correct feature.
+Curtis Judd I urge Adobe customers to make a feature request for this.
www.adobe.com/products/wishform.html
+Dave Patterson Just put in my request! It's such a pain in the arse round tripping from premiere to davinci and back, so this would be a great addition to premiere.
Great video Curtis! I have been thinking of picking up an X-Rite Color Checker and this pretty much pushed me over the edge to order one.
Thanks for the feedback Todd!
I may actually invest in one of these later on this year. Working in my small studio/office, it isnt a issue as I got my WB fine tuned to taste over time. But I am starting to add more cameras (camera angles) over time and getting all the video to match is a pain. Sure I can fiddle with it till its close enough, but time is money and I rather not be screwing with it for half an hour or so. Thanks for this video. Thumbs Up.. Cheers, Joe
+Joe's Photo & Video Channel Thanks Joe, great point!
LOL, I saw this video and thought- "Why did Cary cut his hair?!" Clearly, we have never met before. Great tutorial!
Haha! but he did cut his hair :)
Thanks man! This was one of the best color grading intro I’ve ever seen. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Michael!
Very useful, as a filmmaker and a cg artist im super appreciated! Again, THANKS!
Thanks Jacys!
Yet another great video, with immense value of the content.
Thanks.
I have been following you from the start and this is just what we need now, we have the gear and are shooting, now we need to deal this level of detail, outstanding !! Great video Curtis! And I love the way you demo on the two programs. Can you go into this more detail?
+pyt2music Thanks, sure!
+clarity2106 Ah, I'll need to look into getting a lightworks license...
Really helpful in my understanding of this process. Thank you for what you do!
👍
Nice clear tutorial. Very helpful, thanks.
+tdcat.com thanks!
Nice I wish premiere had something like that. Super quick and effective
Me too.
Absolutely great tutorial! Thanks Curtis.
+Yossy Mendelovich Thanks Yossy!
Hallo Curtis, I have one question more. I bought the Color Finale for FCPX but I don´t habe Color Checker Passport Video in the Packet. Could you help me ?
Hi Victor, I'm not sure I understand. Did you purchase the color checker passport video along with color finale? If so, you'll want to get in touch with Denver. You can do that at www.colorgradingcentral.com/support/ If I've misunderstood your question, apologies!
This was very informative, as always. Would love to see more videos on color grading and video post processing. Thanks Curtis!
+Shlomi Cohen Thanks Shlomi, will do!
Hi Curtis, I bought X-Rite Color Checker Passport Video from Amazon, then went bought ColorFinale from ColorGradingCentral. When I open ColorFinale I don't have all the same tools you do for X-rite. All mine says is Controls Panel with the Open button and then the mix slider. I've contacted ColorGradingCentral but have now heard back from them. Any idea what's going on?
Hi Wayne, it is the beta version which has the color correction functionality. I think you'll want to find out how to get that from him (he sent out an email back in December or January on how to get that). Thanks and good luck!
I actually found the URL for the beta version, installed it and still no go. I think I need to remove the paid version and try reinstalling the beta. Thanks Curtis for verifying that it's the beta version I need!
You bet, good luck!
Hey Curtis,
HELP!
After seeing your video I ran out and brought one from Amazon.
It's been a hit and miss for me all the time when I use this in post. For some reason I always seems to have a glare in mine from lighting and when I try to color match in post using Color finale I get some weird colors. And yes, I click from Yellow to green etc. I follow the instructions. Any tips on how to use this little tool consistently? It seems to be the glare on the black dot thats hurting me and can't get good color consistently.
Hi, one thing I do which seems to work is when I hold the color checker in frame, I slowly turn it toward and away from the light. Then in post, I almost always have a glare-free frame I can work with. I hope that helps!
Hi Curtis. Thank you for this! I never quite understood, why w/b is such a hazzle in video, and a push of a button in fx Lightoom, so this makes it much more easy. However, I already got the X-Rite Color Checker for photo - can I also use that in FCPX, or do I need the new Video one? Thanks again!
Hi Flemming, unfortunately Color Finale only works with the video colorchecker. Thanks!
perfect episode
Thanks Davoud
Had a two camera interview gig recently, this color checker could've helped matching the colors from two different cameras. Didn't realize video would need a specific one though.
In DaVinci Resolve you can also use the older Color Checker just like demonstrated here: czcams.com/video/onom8tpiof8/video.html
Curtis Judd any simple way of using the video one just with FCPX?
With Color Finale as demonstrated here. FCPX on its own does not have this feature, unfortunately.
Hi Curtis Thanks for this! I want to know how to use this color chart to correct but with premiere pro because I am an adobe user. Any help on that please?
I create a LUT from the color chart in Resolve, then apply the LUT in premiere pro with the Lumetri Effect.
Excellent! Thank you!
👍
I've been using the Colour Checker for a short period mainly as a visual reference for using Film Convert, but didn't know there was a colour finale app so will give that a try!
I'm very interested in how different cameras capture colour and light in different ways, I think this is pivotal for if your choosing colours for production design for example.
Great point regarding production design, thanks for that!
Wow thanks, That's ok :-)
Such an amazing tool
Very informative! Thanks Curtis!
+mattcarlson12 Thanks Matt!
This is a great video. Thankyou.
Thanks Steve
Curtis Judd your very welcome. I’m doing some camera, post, learning at the moment.
So, when you white balance on set, do you use the large square on the other side of the card, above the focus card?
Yes, exactly.
Curtis Judd Audio Thank you for your quick response and excellent video!
Thanks, that was an outstanding tutorial...
Thanks!
Great work again (business is usual here, actually...), thanks, Curtis.
Thanks!
When you use color finale to correct everything, can you then copy those corrections to other clips? For example, if you are shooting a scene in one environment I would use the color chart before the first shot as reference and then would want to apply those corrections to all other shots in that same environment so I don't have to throw a color card up before every take and shot.
I don't even use Final Cut X. I'm just curious.
+Bart Johnson Productions Yes, you just copy the clip with the plugins you want to copy, select the clips you want to copy to and then paste attributes. You can then select which of the effects you want to paste. Pretty slick.
+Curtis Judd Very cool. Just like Lumetri Color effects applied in Premiere.
+Bart Johnson Productions +Curtis Judd I personally love this in premiere and resolve. I have the regular photo color checker... would love to get the video passport... notice any differences in color shifting/accuracy Curtis between the photo and video versions?
+Sully Cortez Hey Sully, I haven't noticed any differences between the new video chart and the older version in terms of using Resolve's color match and Color Finale to automatically color & exposure correct, but I still need to do some more testing. Where the video version seems to have an advantage is when using it during production. The big gray patch makes getting exposure super easy when you have a waveform scope or false color-just line it up to 40 IRE and make sure you're good with where the highlights and shadows fall. My sense is that they're both great in terms of the accuracy of the color patches but the video version is laid out with video in mind (i.e., much easier to identify the white/gray/black patches on a waveform scope, rather than use the traditional set of color patches, focus on the primary and secondary colors on the vectorscope and adds more greyscale patches).
+Curtis Judd Oh wonderful that's a huge help. I know I've sometimes struggled with the photo version as you're absolutely right when as the name implies it's mainly for photography, so when rolling with two or more cameras, I'm sure the video version would be much more applicable and useful. One last question, what is the expected lifespan of the color checker video is it still the recommended '2 years then replace' deal? Thanks for the info!
Hi Curtis, I'm a big fan!
I have a question about using the xrtie passport video for costumed WB! I have Canon 70d and when I take the picture of the grey card for the WB with the canon lens kit 18-135mm, I got it right, but when I take my picture of the gray card with sigma 18-35mm/ f1.8, the result turns to be greenish! any thoughts why?
+Ali Ismail hmm, not sure. Did you fill most of the frame with the gray chip? If not, that can throw things off.
One last question Curtis and this also pertains to your 'automate' color corrector video back in 2014, can you use the passport and video passport in After Effects? or does it HAVE to be used in Resolve?
+Sully Cortez Hi again Sully, you can use it manually in any color, video editing, or compositing app, including After Effects. I used resolve in this case because that's the app I usually use for color correction.
Dear sir i have watched this tutorial and thanks for replied
So, is it necessary to get proper white balance before filming if you can always use the color checker passport in post?
Best if you can, yes, unless filming in raw.
Thank you so much
+Gunho Jang You're welcome!
Curtis, do you just leave the source gamma in Auto since Resolve has no V-log option?
+UnorthodoxWriter Usually, yes, but don't be afraid to experiment. I haven't done a lot of testing with V-Log yet.
Useful, thank you.
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Could the varied color responses in the vectorscopes be due to imperfect color output from the lighting used?
+Bryce Dearden Absolutely and most likely, yes. While the CRI on these LED panels is 96 and they look good, there is a very good possibility the color "miss" is attributable to both. Thanks for that!
Nice demo. Thank you.
Thanks Alex!
such an intense facial expression lol. Very informative thanks Curtis!
I'm very serious about color 😉
you show we can also do a color correction with a gray card ? does this multi-color card gives better results than with a gray card for color correction ? if not why not just use a cheaper gray card ?
+amanieux A gray card is great for white balance corrections but not as good at matching cameras where two cameras respond to different colors in different ways. That's where a color chart and color match (whether in Resolve or Color Finale) can do more sophisticated corrections where individual colors are tuned independent of other colors. I don't mean to suggest you always need this, but if you do, this color chart works quite nicely for such jobs.
I'm in the market to buy this for interviews, etc. I'm doing with a Canon C100 MKII (matching with a Canon G30 as B Camera) and wondering if this could be used to do custom white balance on set, too? Thanks!
Hi Deborah, yes, the color checker video also has a white balance card. Good luck!
i'm confused there is an x-rite color checker passport photo and there is x-rite color checker passport photo 2 and finally there is x-rite color checker passport Video can anybody please check me with the usage for each one and let's say that you have the color checker for Video does it work on the photos as well ? thanks
The process we showed here will ONLY work with the video version of the passport or the larger version video color chart. This is because the application knows only the color chip layout and color values for the video version. I assume that photography tools do a similar thing but expect the color chip layout and values of the non-video versions of the charts.
I recently bought the datacolor SpyderCheckr® 24. I haven't yet had time to use it, but seeing this video I'm beginning to wonder if it isn't just another too expensive toy that you don't really need. You obviously know a lot more than I do, and yet you seem to be fiddling around tweeking this and that in your software and kind of experimenting to see what gives the result you want. It seems like a lot of trouble one way or the other.
+Lau Bjerno It depends on how picky you are, how picky your clients are, and whether you need consistency. If you need consistency, this is one way to get closer more quickly. If you're not getting paid and just posting to CZcams, definitely not necessary.
Wow. Thanks! Great info!
Thanks!
I can see how that would be a huge help, the only thing I can't understand is the price. Is it really worth that much? I'm not so much into color correction and grading (though I should be), but all I see is a piece of plastic with some colors painted on it. Is there more to it than that?
It is only useful if it helps save you time and get better results. For me, I have clients that need reliable color and no distracting cuts so it is useful and worth the investment. But for those that don't have the budget, maybe not worth it.
How would using the color checker effect camera specific LUTs, such as the Impulz LUTs from Vision Color?
+James Griffith hi James, if shooting with a log profile, my guess is that you'll want to apply the LUT first but you'll probably want to confirm that with a real colorist.
hey Chris- Did the exact same test with the x-rite and the GH4 and had the same results - thought it might be a picture profile thing so ran the same test with RAW - the Red was still off ( toward yellow ) but the blue looked right. So straight off the sensor, certain reds can appear orange - this has been posted over and over on the GH4 technical group on FB. The "Why is this dress orange?" - post is quite common. Don't know if it something Panasonic is doing to make skin tones pop straight out of the camera for consumers but I suspect it to be so.
Also - stop telling people that you are not a colorist. Color grading is subjective - you certainly have the eye. Don't sell yourself short- nice little tutorial there.
+Jim Robinson Great info, thanks Jim!
Thanks for that. I have the colour passport photo version. And to be honest haven't used it as much as I should have. Can you share any tips on using that passport for video. (Mostly I use premiere pro cc)
+biscuitsalive Yes, as a start here's one using Resolve's color match with the original Color Checker Passport: czcams.com/video/onom8tpiof8/video.html And here's another one where we work on matching cameras (the and resolve's color match are not perfect here, but give you a bit of a head start): czcams.com/video/Zr7FQKzxl68/video.html
+Curtis Judd Nice one! appreciate your time.. by the way, I'm just finishing up a review of the Syrp genie mini, should be on my channel tomorrow in case your interested. :)
+biscuitsalive Nice review, thanks for that! Looks like a decent little unit.
+Curtis Judd praise indeed!
Can I use this to calibrate my monitor? Colorimeter is too expensive (even more so since I need to import it)
No, unfortunately.
Thjank you Gary Busey of video and audio!
Thanks.
Would this work to try to offset a color cast from an ND filter? I’ve tried a bunch of different ND filters on my GH5 and find it often ruins the colors. Wondering If that can be fixed in post with this?
Hi Evan, hmm, that's a tough one. If you shoot in 10-bit 4:2:2 you might be able to use this to correct the color cast if it isn't too bad. Of course the best fix is to use an ND that doesn't cast color.
Curtis Judd Thanks! I’ve bought a tiffen, Hoya, and aurora aperture variable filters, and more recently got a breakthrough fixed Nd filter and they all effect the color. Got any recommendations? Is it possible the issue is IR, I read that was a possibility. Thanks, this issue has been driving me nuts
@@erbartlettInteresting. I have one of the Aurora Aperture variable NDs and haven't noticed any color shift issues. Do you have any samples online?
Curtis Judd I can put one up, but I don’t think I have a with and without the ND shot to compare. Let me see what I can find
Hi Curtis. Is this useful for people that don't use different cameras? I'm shooting a short film and will be revisiting scenes on different days where lighting may change slightly. Will I need this?
Hi Douglas, this can be helpful even if using one or several of the same camera, but not absolutely necessary.
Thanks Curtis.
Hey Curtis, would you mind doing an episode on XLR cables and how to use them in the field where a boom mic operator is moving around? I have trouble with handling noise even when it's rolled up the boom
+Edvard Christie Sure, thanks Edvard.
I wonder why have a color chart if we are already doing in camera custom white balancing with a card or collapsible? My guess is that different camera manufacturers render their colors a bit differently and that they vary across different camera models. The purpose of white balancing is making sure that one's neutral remain neutral (free of reds, greens and blues). Once this is secured, the colors themselves are subject to how each camera model handles them. Contrarily, color chart offers actual reference points for individual colors which would make for better color accuracy and reduce color difference across camera models.
Is this interpretation correct?
Hi bluewhalie, yes, exactly, it is to simplify the process of matching cameras. Thanks for the good question!
@@curtisjudd Thanks for the clarification.
Well Done !
👍
Very helpful, thank you!
You're welcome and thanks for the feedback!
As far as what was done in Final Cut, is there a Premiere Pro CC Equivalent?
Unfortunately, not that I am aware of...
Thank you for the tutorial Curtis, quick question, when you isolate the color and look at the vectorscope and see the vectors are off, is the goal to try to color correct to get the color vector dots in those boxes?
You're welcome! Yes, you could do that though I generally would just use that information as a reference. Every camera "interprets" color a little differently - have sort of a unique way of interpreting color. So you could correct to get perfectly correct color or just use that info as a way to understand what your camera and lighting is doing. Then you can make decisions on when it might be best to use that combination of camera and lighting. Does that make sense?
They have a limited time life as indicated in the notice, is that right ? (a year i think for perfect colour warranty)
Yes, 12-24 months they say on the packaging.
This is so great, thanks man! Do you know if theres any similar tool like ColorFinal for Premiere Pro?
Thanks! Not sure as I do most of my work in FCP.
Great video! It’d be great to see how the passport helps to get the exposure right as well. Thanks!
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love u curtis judd thanks for the help
+axsa info Thanks and you're welcome!
Hi Curtis, good video! would this tool/product be able to use as the same with still photos? Or should I get specific xrite product for separate applications between videos and stills?
thanks for your great informative tutorials.
Hi, they have a separate color checker for photography. I haven't used it for still photos but I believe XRite has a Lightroom plugin for the color checker photo which may be worth a look.
Hi Curtis thank you for the informative video. I just bought the colorchecker passport video and I was wondering how you would use this during the production process. Would you need to film this for each new shot you do? Or whenever there is a new lighting set-up? Not really clear about the workflow process of how and when to use the passport during production.
Hi! i usually just use this for testing cameras or lights and not so much during production. However, if you did want to use it during production, you would include it in the head or tail for each new camera angle or lighting setup. That should make it easier to match the clips in post. Best wishes!
really too helpful.Thanks...
very rarely find this kind of detailed informations on youtube...or may be; I don't know proper searching keywords :-p
Thanks!
Apparantly there is one versin for Video and one for Photo. Pardon the ignorance, but they look the same on the pics, is there such a difference between both, that I would us the video one for photo work. The price is steep and cannot afford both.
Your advice would be greatly appreciated... thanks
They use different color chips so they are actually different. The question of which one to buy comes down to how you plan to use it. If you plan to use it with DaVinci Resolve's color match feature, then you'll want the photo version. If you're going to use it with Color Finale (like I did here), you'll want the video version. I hope that helps!
Hi Curtis, Is this a good tool if you are going to apply a LUT in post as well?
the correct workflow would be something like?:
- edit all your video, (is ok with different cameras lenses or locations)
- get the base colour correct using Color Checker and Color Finale
- Apply any preset LUTs over the top
Is This Correct? or is this tool not so useful if you are applying preset LUTs?
Love Your Videos, Thankyou for your content!
Hi Fala, yes, this just helps get things setup for using a LUT. You do all this first, then apply the "look" LUT.
@@curtisjudd Great thank you for the reply, I purchased the X-Rite yesterday because of this video. looking forwards to giving it a try!
Curtis,
When you were grey balancing with the 3 dots on curves, is there a way to do that in Premiere Pro or AE. Great tutorial thanks.
Hi David, the same principle will work in any app with RGB curves, though I haven't used either Premiere or AE in so long, I'm not sure whether they have RGB curves. I *think* they do, but not sure.
Thanks for the reply.
I've been researching information on video camera color checkers and this is a very information production. I'm often working with different camera and color matching is taking too much time away from actually editing. Using this method will save a lot of time in post. I'd be interested in any further tips and tutorials you can show.
+SpaceAgeConsulting Thanks, will do!
Awesome info to have! I'm curious about your lighting setup for this video - were you working with led/cfl lights, or tungsten/hmi/etc? Just thinking about the anomalies in your gh4's colour rendition, and hoping that it's a lighting cri issue and not a camera issue (myself being another gh4 user)
+Kate Cutting Hi Kate, in this case I was using Aputure Lightstorm LEDs. They are rated at a CRI of 96 (if memory serves). That could certainly be part of the issue. But most GH4 owners are finding that the red channel tends slightly toward yellow. I don't think it is necessarily an issue, but interesting to know so that when shooting, you can take that into account or in post, perhaps plan to correct (if you need the reds to be true red).
+Curtis Judd Thanks! That's exactly why I was asking - time to get on some tests on my own camera :)
Love this one too! Who would you recommend on more about color correcting and grading using the vector scope? Thank you Curtis!
+Charlie Sill I recommend Alex Jordan, he has some free and paid courses at filmsimplified.com/?affcode=u1425569190s63
Curtis Judd thank you Curtis. I am currently using a prosumer editor Pinnacle 18 and eventually I will switch to Premiere Pro...love to learn what all those little icons do!
Hello Curtis
Your videos have been a great deal of inspiration for me as a beginner into the video world. I own a Panasonic G7 and have ordered a X-rite ColorChecker Passport Video after watching this.
The one area I always struggle with is getting exposure right.
If you would do a hands-on video using your GH4 and the colochecker (most of it would apply for the G7, I presume) on how to setup correct exposure in controlled as well as uncontrolled lighting situations would be a great help.
I am planning a visit to my hometown in India in a months time and would like to shoot tons of video.
If time permits you to post a video it would be a great help. I apologize if I am asking too much.
Hi Dilson, thanks for the feedback. I have an older piece on manually setting exposure which you might find helpful but I'll also add to the list a new episode on setting exposure: czcams.com/video/z1rDYKtnqkU/video.html
Hi Curtis, thanks for the video. Is there any real advantage over the " regular " x-rite color checker passport ?
Hi Dario, I think the main advantage that I see is that the color chips are made to represent the primary and secondary colors on a vectorscope (which is used much more in video than in photography). So I would not say it is better, just more suited to the types of tools which are more commonly used in video production and post production.
ok. thank you very much.
So if my vectorscope shows that the "color science" of my a7sii is slightly off, how can I correct each individual color to make sure the colors are truly accurate?
This is where secondary corrections are needed. That's more than can be answered in a comment but a great topic for a future episode!
I figured it out! While the power window is still isolated on those color you can play with the hue vs hue curve to precisely adjust each color, works absolutely wonderfully!
Yes! Good work!
If using Color Finale, isolate the colors that correspond to the vector scope, apply the 6 vector tool, and you can move the respective colors towards where they should be.
Awesome video Curtis! Looks like you are making me spend more money... I will definitely be going out to get one of those charts (and the new Aputure VS2 monitor when it's released).
I was really fascinated by the last test you did focusing on the top row of colours on the chart. I would like to see you do a video on correcting your GH4 footage using that method and then possibly creating a colour setting for your GH4 to compensate for it's lack of saturation and off colours.
Is there anything for Premiere Pro that does this yet?? I hope so.
Keep up the fantastic work Curtis!!
+Colin Leask Thanks Colin, don't spend unless you have a specific issue to solve. ;-) We'll definitely come back to color correction in a future piece.
It would be interesting to learn more about that row of colors and how to balance according to the vectorscope.. Curious how it will also compare Gh4 vs A7sii vs Canon Dslr color with the colorochart
+Lyubo Yanev Thanks, I'll see if we can get that out in the next little bit. I don't have the A7SII or any Canons on hand but if I do, I'll try to put out a comparison.
+Curtis Judd // Hello Curtis. Im also interested in that row of 6 primary (?) colors and how they fit into the vectorscope of Davinci Resolve 11. Since CMY seem to look "pure" atleast Red seems to be kind of orange and Blue seems to be kind of Red, true ?
+Thomas Reuter True! I'm planning to have a look at that again in the near future. Thanks!
Is there any cheaper but reliabble alternative to this product or Spydercheckr? I guess for ensamble shots I would need something bigger that would be visible in wider frame...
There's a larger version of the Color Checker Video but it isn't cheaper. I haven't tested any less expensive alternatives but I would be wary of anything under $50 USD in terms of color accuracy.
@@curtisjudd That is unfortunate, as I only found products at $15-$20 and $90+ But anyway thanks. I will start with white and middle grey card to set my WB.
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Let's say for beginner who does not have this passport, but uses a large sheet of paper for color correction, how can they use this with a LUT?
Hi, you'd need some sort of reasonably accurate reference and that's where an ordinary large sheet of paper may not work, unfortunately. At least for anything other than white balancing the camera, in that case white paper may work.
Hi, Great tutorial. I am fcpx user But i have question is colour checker passport not show in my inspector widow ,There is only show in penal control like these names use chart, show chart, chart type and match also. if i try more it see error .please sir give me guidance. I have learned much from your tutorial.I am technical poor, But i can do any type of colour grading because its my passion and for your kindly information i am self deducted regarding resolve and fcpx ,Because of your type mentor living in this world.
+GIFF India It sounds like there may be an issue with your Color Finale plugin? You will want to contact Denver Riddle over at color grading central to help resolve that. Best wishes!
Does adobe premiere work with the x-rite color checker?
+Anthony Reese unfortunately not with the included effects/plugins but perhaps someone will develop a plugin to do that at some point.
Assume I have the color chart, but no fcp x plugin. Can I manually correct color using the chart in fcp? I suppose I could do a white balance using the white area.
Certainly! It is just a little more time consuming.
+Curtis Judd Ah, great. Last time I used FCP X is a while off, but I need to get into it again for a project. If I have a shot consisting of someone speaking against a white background, and use auto white balancing in my camera (a5100), would you suggest doing a color balance again in FCP during the edit? Sorry if you have answered all these color questions before. I will definitely search through your videos. Great explanations by the way of all sorts of stuff and it's always useful. So, if one doesn't have the color chart and only FCP, would you say there is a way to balance it correctly, or do you need at least one reference point, like a color chart or grey card? Without at least a grey card its probably tough to white balance and to grade, do I have that right? Or do people sometimes just color grade videos simply by feel? Right now, when I use auto white balance in my camera and have plenty of lighting, the simple shot of someone against a white background looks good enough, but I have no idea how much could or should be done, in terms of tweaking color or doing more/different sort of white balancing.
+Ernoburger You can use anything in the black to white range that should NOT have color in it to color balance. A white background is a good example. I prefer to have a proper gray card because it is closest to skin tones in terms of luminance (in most cases), so it will yield the best results. If you're already happy with how things look, you don't *have* to color correct. Ideally, you don't have to color correct. Thanks!
+Curtis Judd Thanks for the info! By the way, I've been watching your videos off and on over the years (depending on how much help I need !) and I was wondering, are you a runner? Im a trail runner myself and was just wondering. Anyway, thanks for the help!
+Ernoburger Thanks! No, I do a lot of walking and have a lot of respect for those that can run trails, especially in the mountains.
awesome !!! thanks !
Hi, thanks for all your videos! You are a great copilot in post production techniques! Just a question: I've bought just ten minutes ago Color Finale, but I can't see the panel to match the x rite panel! Do you know where to find it?
+Luca Pischedda Yes, you need the beta version. Sorry for the confusion on that, I forget to mention that the feature is in the beta version. If you email Denver Riddle (color grading central), he'll send you the link for that.
+Curtis Judd Hi, thanks so much, you are really fast! Now it works! But I should buy again the color checker :( By now it's enough that I can use the old one in davinci, export the LUT and use it in FCPX.
Hey Curtis! I'm curious if you're using the checker for your own videos these days or if you already became so good with whitebalance that such a tool is no longer necessary?
Hey Dave, I usually use a gray card on regular shoots. I still use the color charts when testing new cameras or lights because then I can get a sense for what the new gear does in terms of color response.
Curtis - could you do a video on how to use the Color checker Passport Video in Premiere Pro, Aug. 2016 update version?
Hi Tricia, yes, I've got that on my list of future episodes. The process is not quite as automated as with Final Cut but not difficult.
Can you use the same color chart for photos and video?
Yes, but most photo software works with the photo version of the color checker.
I love that "Blue Steele" look you're giving! Anybody know of any plugins that will take advantage of this in Premiere Pro?
+Nick Laws Thanks! I'll have to look around to see if there is any sort of auto-color plugin for Premiere. That would be pretty handy to avoid a round-trip to Resolve.
super helpful and much appreciated! would you mind please doing a bit of a deeper exploration as you did in resolve, but instead in fcpx? that would be awesome!
Thanks, will do!
Curtis; great video, as always. Is there one colour chart that can be used for both video & stills(so the software works across Lightroom and FCPX)
+doubledark2 Hi! I'm not sure about Lightroom - does it have a similar colour chart reader function? If so, I assume it is using the original color checker vs. the video version. I'll have to do some research. Good question!
Fantastic video!! As usual :) I'm wondering if I used auto white balance on camera most of the time and then used this with color finale in post do you think I will still be able to get a very good outcome? Wondering if I could avoid setting custom white balance while I'm out shooting and just use this with color finale to save time while running around with the camera:) thanks!! Love your videos!!
+JT Fore that would probably work in most cases. If you're shooting on a camera that records 8 bit 4:2:0 color, you don't get a lot of room to fix things if it's way off but auto WB is usually just a little off. Thanks and if you adopt that workflow, please let us know how it goes!
Curtis Judd thank you sir!!
Cool video. One thing I'll say though is that the info in the section about vectorscope is not exactly correct, that's because you have to take into consideration light source's ability to render color accurately, it is not necessarily your camera that is causing (in this particular example) red to be off, it could have been the light source, lens and most likely the combination of all three. In that regard it does not give a definitive answer about the particular camera's color science tendency unless compared with other cameras in the same setup, same lens or with a reference "perfect" light source. If you did use "perfect" tungsten source for this, you should mention that it's absolutely necessary in order to draw any conclusions.