What do you use for White Balance? at DVinfo.net

Dany Nativel · January 20th, 2003, 10:41 AM

For manual white balance you need to show anything white to the cam so it gets the reference. Today I use a single sheet of paper. It works but it's not practical on the field.

I'm looking at something more rugged so I can use it everywhere. Also something with a true white (if this exists) because all the papers have different whites too.

I've heard about the warmcard system but don't need the blue card just a basic white card.

Any recomendations on places I can get that from ?

Mark Argerake · January 20th, 2003, 10:44 AM

What about using a slate with color bars on the clapper?

Dany Nativel · January 20th, 2003, 11:37 AM

Looking for something very portable I can use on the field when shootin documentary.

A slate would be ok but can I find one that will not produce any glare ?
Is the white used on a slate a good white reference ?

Ken Tanaka · January 20th, 2003, 12:03 PM

Dany,
The back of a white acrylic slate will work ok as long as (a) you don't get the clapper bars in the frame, and (b) avoid glare (as you remarked).

PortaBrace, the professional bag manufacturer, includes a 6" x 9" stiff white plastic white-balance card with many of their bags as an added "thank you" bonus.

Any stiff white piece of cardboard or plastic will do, preferably with a matte finish.

January 20th, 2003, 10:41 AM	#1
Dany Nativel Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Odenton, MD Posts: 106	What do you use for White Balance? For manual white balance you need to show anything white to the cam so it gets the reference. Today I use a single sheet of paper. It works but it's not practical on the field. I'm looking at something more rugged so I can use it everywhere. Also something with a true white (if this exists) because all the papers have different whites too. I've heard about the warmcard system but don't need the blue card just a basic white card. Any recomendations on places I can get that from ?

January 20th, 2003, 12:03 PM	#4
Ken Tanaka Retired DV Info Net Almunus Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 6,943	Dany, The back of a white acrylic slate will work ok as long as (a) you don't get the clapper bars in the frame, and (b) avoid glare (as you remarked). PortaBrace, the professional bag manufacturer, includes a 6" x 9" stiff white plastic white-balance card with many of their bags as an added "thank you" bonus. Any stiff white piece of cardboard or plastic will do, preferably with a matte finish. __________________ 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

January 20th, 2003, 10:44 AM	#2
Mark Argerake Major Player Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Murrieta, CA Posts: 227	What about using a slate with color bars on the clapper?

January 20th, 2003, 11:37 AM	#3
Dany Nativel Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Odenton, MD Posts: 106	Looking for something very portable I can use on the field when shootin documentary. A slate would be ok but can I find one that will not produce any glare ? Is the white used on a slate a good white reference ?