Standardized color reference card with precisely calibrated color patches – photographed at the start of each lighting setup to enable accurate color correction and consistent color reproduction in post-production.
What is a Color Checker?
A Color Checker (color chart, color reference card) is a standardized reference card with precisely calibrated color patches. It is photographed on set to enable accurate color correction and consistent color reproduction in post-production.
Structure (Classic)
| Row | Colors |
|---|---|
| 1 | Natural Colors (Skin, Foliage, Sky) |
| 2 | Primary and Secondary Colors |
| 3 | Primary and Secondary Colors (Variations) |
| 4 | Grayscale (White to Black) |
Color Patches (24-Patch Classic)
| Patch | Description |
|---|---|
| Dark Skin | Dark skin tone reference |
| Light Skin | Light skin tone reference |
| Blue Sky | Sky blue |
| Foliage | Leaf green |
| Blue Flower | Flower blue |
| Bluish Green | Blue-green |
| + 18 more | Primary, Secondary, Gray |
Manufacturers
| Brand | Product |
|---|---|
| X-Rite | ColorChecker Classic |
| Datacolor | SpyderCHECKR |
| DSC Labs | ChromaDuMonde |
| Sekonic | CineSCALE |
Variants
| Type | Application |
|---|---|
| Classic (24) | Standard |
| Passport | Compact, portable |
| Video | Extended for motion picture |
| Digital SG | 140 patches, comprehensive |
| Mini | For small setups |
On-Set Usage
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| Setup | With new lighting |
| Position | In the subject's lighting |
| Angle | Perpendicular to the camera |
| Exposure | Correctly exposed |
| Documentation | Note shot number |
Post-Production Workflow
| Step | Software |
|---|---|
| Import | Clips with Color Checker |
| Analysis | Automatic detection |
| Profile | Create LUT/Correction |
| Application | To all clips of the setup |
| Fine-tuning | Manual adjustment |
Software Support
| Program | Function |
|---|---|
| DaVinci Resolve | ColorChecker Tool |
| Lightroom/ACR | Camera Calibration |
| Capture One | Color Editor |
| 3D LUT Creator | LUT creation |
Advantages
| Advantage | Description |
|---|---|
| Consistency | Same colors across shots |
| Accuracy | Objective reference |
| Time-saving | Fast correction |
| Matching | Different cameras |
| Neutralization | Remove color casts |
Grayscale Usage
| Patch | Function |
|---|---|
| White | Highlight clipping |
| Light Gray | White balance |
| Middle Gray (18%) | Exposure |
| Dark Gray | Shadow detail |
| Black | Black level |
Care
| Measure | Reason |
|---|---|
| Keep clean | Avoid fingerprints |
| Store flat | Prevent creases |
| Protect from light | Prevent fading |
| Replace regularly | Colors change |
Cost
| Product | Price |
|---|---|
| ColorChecker Classic | €80–120 |
| ColorChecker Passport | €100–130 |
| ColorChecker Video | €150–200 |
| Digital SG | €300–400 |
Typical Mistakes
| Mistake | Avoidance |
|---|---|
| Incorrect exposure | Measure correctly |
| Casting shadows | Check position |
| Reflections | Adjust angle |
| Forgetting | Incorporate into routine |
Color Checker vs. Gray Card
| Aspect | Color Checker | Gray Card |
|---|---|---|
| Colors | Many | Only Gray |
| White Balance | Yes | Yes |
| Color Correction | Comprehensive | Limited |
| Cost | Higher | Lower |
Today
The Color Checker is standard equipment for professional productions. In a world with different cameras, codecs, and displays, it offers the objective reference for consistent, accurate colors – from set to final color grading.
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