Get Perfect Color Balance with the Datacolor SpyderHD Color Calibration Suite

Striving to achieve proper color balance, system-wide, can be quite the task for any photographer or videographer due to so many variables, from capture to editing to exporting. In order to streamline this system and provide heightened and consistent control across all aspects of the process, Datacolor has just announced the SpyderHD Color Calibration Suite.

Included in this advanced color-calibration solution is a range of tools designed to afford the greatest control, configurability, and adjustment capabilities for all stages of a workflow. Beginning with the capture stage, the included SpyderCHECKR is a durable, foldable, and tripod-mountable 48-color test chart comprising well-known spectrally engineered color swatches. This solution enables quick setting of white balance on site, for both photo and video applications, and can also be used as a reference during post production. A dedicated gray target is also incorporated into the SpyderCHECKR's design for precise exposure balance and neutral color settings from camera to camera. Also helping to achieve precise color settings during shooting, the included SpyderCUBE features a compact, multi-faceted design to detect both primary and secondary light sources in any situation. This mountable tool can rest atop the SpyderCHECKR and is used to confirm on-set lighting calibration as well as white balance information and exposure settings for RAW image adjustments.

In regard to the display-based aspects of color calibration, this suite includes the versatile and advanced Spyder4ELITE HD calibration system, which utilizes Spyder4 sensor technology for assured and consistent results. This tool can be utilized with a range of types of displays, including LED, OLED, LCD, and CRT monitors, as well as laptop displays, video reference displays, TVs, and front projectors. The system strives to ensure accurate color and brightness settings in relation to their location and ambient light levels. When calibrating video reference displays, as well as TVs, these monitors can be configured to represent NTSC, PAL/SECAM, Cineon, or L-Star standards, as well as custom-profiling options with adjustable brightness, contrast, color, tint, white point preset, and sharpness tuning.

Computer monitors and other photo-dedicated screens can be customized to display a range of standard ICC 2 and ICC 4 profiles with an unlimited range of color temperature and gamma options. Multiple displays can be calibrated to the same standards for greater editing consistency, and a unique StudioMatch feature allows calibration of all displays within a grouped location to be calibrated to match the same settings. For specifically working with black and white imagery, customizable B&W luminance control is available and iterative gray balance purveys the most accurate gray settings available for critical monochromatic work.

When the time comes for an updated calibration, an integrated re-calibration Wizard is available for faster performance and a display history utility is able to visually show how the display's settings change with age to ensure up-to-date color profiling. Additionally, the SpyderProof can display the before-and-after effects of a change in calibration, for greater understanding of specific settings adjustments. For more personalized configuration, user-defined gamma calibration curves and tone settings can be employed and checked against a continuous profile and calibration check system to ensure precise profile specifications.

When in use, the Spyder4ELITE HD can be positioned using the included desktop cradle with integrated tripod mount. For use on larger displays, the unique SpyderWEB can be utilized for mounting the Spyder to most screens up to 70". Additionally, this entire suite comes bundled in a durable 14.8 x 5.3 x 10.2" metal case for easy portability and use on location.