white balance for multipule shots in a scene with my GL2 at DVinfo.net

Dennis Parker · August 17th, 2004, 03:39 AM

I have been experimenting with my gl2 for the best possible shots for a short I'm shooting this weekend. I will be using all manual settings. I am aware (thanks to the great archives here at dvinfo!!!!) that setting your own white balance will give you a better picture and control over the final image than the automatic wb settings.

Here's my question; Should I/do I need to reset my white balance everytime I change my camera position when shooting the same scene?

I will have a lock down master shot of two people talking about 4 feet apart. I also want a hand held shot from person A's pov and then a hand held shot from person B's pov for the exact same scene.

Should I reset my white balance everytime I change camera position or keep the original white balance from the master shot? I was concerned that if I do or don't reset white balance, my colors would be way off when editing all three shots together. Or is the color difference a common problem when editing it all together?!? I have final cut express and I'm learning about the color correction filter. I will be conducting my own tests over the next few days...but any advice greatly appreciated!!

Robin Davies-Rollinson · August 17th, 2004, 03:52 AM

Dennis,
If you're not changing your lighting - or if you know that the light source is stable - then you shouldn't need to re-balance at all in the same location.

Robin.

Dennis Parker · August 17th, 2004, 04:10 AM

Thanks Robin!!

I'll be relying on the rooms natural light and a couple of Chinese lanterns that I'll keep in the same position for each shot. Thanks again!

Ken Tanaka · August 17th, 2004, 10:23 AM

As Robin notes, no, you should not have to adjust white balance for the same set/scene. In fact, you would be causing yourself endless grief if you attempted to do so. As you will likely be inter-cutting shots from different camera positions in that room you would end up having to color correct each snippet to get them to blend when editing. Ugh!

Dennis Parker · August 17th, 2004, 11:09 AM

<<<-- Originally posted by Ken Tanaka : As Robin notes, no, you should not have to adjust white balance for the same set/scene. In fact, you would be causing yourself endless grief if you attempted to do so. As you will likely be inter-cutting shots from different camera positions in that room you would end up having to color correct each snippet to get them to blend when editing. Ugh! -->>>

Thanks for the advice Ken!

I'll set the white balance once for the master shot and keep that setting for when I move the gl2 for the secondary shots around the same set.

Now I have to decide whether to use frame mode or not.....(Believe me I know this topic has been discussed on way more than a few occasions) ;)

August 17th, 2004, 03:39 AM	#1
Dennis Parker Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Jacksonville, Florida Posts: 58	white balance for multipule shots in a scene with my GL2 I have been experimenting with my gl2 for the best possible shots for a short I'm shooting this weekend. I will be using all manual settings. I am aware (thanks to the great archives here at dvinfo!!!!) that setting your own white balance will give you a better picture and control over the final image than the automatic wb settings. Here's my question; Should I/do I need to reset my white balance everytime I change my camera position when shooting the same scene? I will have a lock down master shot of two people talking about 4 feet apart. I also want a hand held shot from person A's pov and then a hand held shot from person B's pov for the exact same scene. Should I reset my white balance everytime I change camera position or keep the original white balance from the master shot? I was concerned that if I do or don't reset white balance, my colors would be way off when editing all three shots together. Or is the color difference a common problem when editing it all together?!? I have final cut express and I'm learning about the color correction filter. I will be conducting my own tests over the next few days...but any advice greatly appreciated!!

August 17th, 2004, 10:23 AM	#4
Ken Tanaka Retired DV Info Net Almunus Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 6,943	As Robin notes, no, you should not have to adjust white balance for the same set/scene. In fact, you would be causing yourself endless grief if you attempted to do so. As you will likely be inter-cutting shots from different camera positions in that room you would end up having to color correct each snippet to get them to blend when editing. Ugh! __________________ Lady X Films: A lady with a boring wardrobe...and a global mission. Hey, you don't have enough stuff! Buy with confidence from our sponsors. Hand-picked as the best in the business...Really! See some of my work one frame at a time: www.KenTanaka.com

August 17th, 2004, 03:52 AM	#2
Robin Davies-Rollinson Trustee Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Gwaelod-y-garth, Cardiff, CYMRU/WALES Posts: 1,215	Dennis, If you're not changing your lighting - or if you know that the light source is stable - then you shouldn't need to re-balance at all in the same location. Robin.

August 17th, 2004, 04:10 AM	#3
Dennis Parker Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Jacksonville, Florida Posts: 58	Thanks Robin!! I'll be relying on the rooms natural light and a couple of Chinese lanterns that I'll keep in the same position for each shot. Thanks again!

August 17th, 2004, 11:09 AM	#5
Dennis Parker Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Jacksonville, Florida Posts: 58	<<<-- Originally posted by Ken Tanaka : As Robin notes, no, you should not have to adjust white balance for the same set/scene. In fact, you would be causing yourself endless grief if you attempted to do so. As you will likely be inter-cutting shots from different camera positions in that room you would end up having to color correct each snippet to get them to blend when editing. Ugh! -->>> Thanks for the advice Ken! I'll set the white balance once for the master shot and keep that setting for when I move the gl2 for the secondary shots around the same set. Now I have to decide whether to use frame mode or not.....(Believe me I know this topic has been discussed on way more than a few occasions) ;)