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COLOUR ACCURATE Use the colour pattern card alongside the built-in vectorscope to check and adjust hues
the Datacolor Spyder Checkr Video is compatible with standard vectorscopes and waveform displays in pro video editing applications like DaVinci Resolve, Adobe Premiere Pro and Final Cut Pro. These all work in a similar way, by creating a quick mask so only the chart is viewable, then using the vectorscope and waveforms to make adjustments. The pattern card will create patterns of all the colours being captured – not just primary and secondary hues. It’s best to begin by correcting white- balance. Mask out everything except the large grey target card, which is a standard, neutral 18% grey and so perfect for white- balancing and basic exposure. Then adjust exposure levels while using a waveform, ideally so the grey target area is at 82% or as close as possible. The next step is to fine-tune contrast levels by masking out everything except the greyscale card, which is designed to give accurate reference points for both exposure and contrast levels. It’s best to use the large bar levels first, then work with the greyscale for fine-tuning. On the three large bars, white is 95-98%, grey is 50% and black is 5-8%. Now it’s time to adjust colours with a vectorscope, using the colour card. Just mask out everything except the patches, which should all be within the required colour space – that’s typically Rec. 709. Each colour has two patches at different saturation levels – 100% and 75%. Adjust the hue and saturation levels for each so they match the red, magenta, blue, cyan, green and yellow. And you’re done! In a matter of seconds, you will have colour-accurate footage – no matter the camera-and-lens combination. Then, if you’d like to add a specific LUT or
colour grade, you’ll know that everything already matches. Making adjustments that deliver natural, neutral colours which always match is a massive bonus – and it takes the guesswork out of nailing your colours. And you can have this for £139/$130 with the Datacolor Spyder Checkr Video; a small price to pay to get your colour house rules in order and speed up your workflow. expanded skin tones for portraits with large targets for easy white/grey balancing, and a 12-step greyscale for perfect exposure, definition and dynamic range. A licence for Spyder Checkr software is included with the Spyder Checkr Photo. If you buy a Spyder Checkr Video in the UK, you can add a Spyder Checkr Photo Card Set for free. Usually priced at £79.99, this customises your Checkr targets for a stills- specific workflow. The Photo Card Set includes four ultra-matte colour target cards with a comprehensive collection of 62 targets, including 24 hues plus six skin tones, 24 greyscales, two large greyscales, three white adjustments and three black adjustments. These interchangeable cards provide MAKE YOUR SPYDER CHECKR PERFECT FOR STILLS
To avoid having to lug around full-size charts, Datacolor’s pocket-sized Spyder Checkr Video encourages filmmakers to actually carry one at all times and use it often. A set of target cards are held inside a light and compact case that you can even wear around your neck on a lanyard. The case is designed to fit comfortably in the hand while preventing your fingers from casting shadows on the cards. Housed inside the case are four high- gloss video target cards. There’s a 22-step gradient greyscale card, an 18% grey card for white-balance, a focus star card and a choice of two colour cards. The colour pattern card and colour patch cards include 12 sets of six specific hues in two different saturation levels, one at 100% and one at 75% on a vectorscope. There are also black, grey and white patches plus six skin tone patches. The only difference between the two colour targets is how they display on a vectorscope, so you can choose which works best for you. These high-gloss cards provide more saturated colour, wider colour gamut and easier identification of flare. That’s essential because, especially in bright light, flare isn’t the easiest to spot. Anything that helps is a bonus. Instead of needing particular software as a plug-in on your editing program,
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