5600K

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5600K is the standard color temperature for daylight in film and television — the reference point for daylight, HMI, and daylight LED sources.

Overview

5600K (5600 Kelvin) is the standardized reference value for daylight-white light in film and television production. The film industry knows two classic color temperature standards: Tungsten at around 3200K (warm, yellowish) and Daylight at 5600K (cool, daylight-white). 5600K approximates direct midday sun under a clear sky and serves as a common reference point so that artificial light sources, natural daylight, and daylight-balanced film material or the camera's white balance match each other.

5600K does not denote a manufacturer or a single device, but a technical characteristic of the emitted light. If a source is close to 5600K, white light will appear neutral to the camera with a daylight white balance.

Color Temperature Classification

Color temperature is specified in Kelvin (K). Low values appear warm/orange, high values appear cool/blue. 5600K falls within the daylight-white range, above Tungsten.

Source / Standard	Approximate Color Temperature	Character
Tungsten / Incandescent	approx. 3200K	warm, yellowish
Daylight (5600K)	approx. 5600K	daylight-white
HMI / Daylight LED	typically around 5600K (conditioned/set to Daylight)	daylight-white

HMI lamps are designed as daylight sources; fresh lamps may start above the target value and are regulated to the daylight range around 5600K. Daylight LEDs and daylight-balanced fluorescent sources are also assigned to the 5600K standard.

Usage on Set

5600K is the working mode when shooting in or with daylight. If artificial light is to match daylight, daylight sources (HMI, Daylight LED) are used, or Tungsten light is shifted towards daylight using CTB (Color Temperature Blue). Conversely, a 5600K source is lowered towards Tungsten (approx. 3200K) with CTO (Color Temperature Orange) to match incandescent light or an interior mood.

Source Matching: All daylight sources in a scene are kept as close to 5600K as possible so they harmonize with each other and with window light.
Conversion: CTB raises Tungsten to Daylight, CTO lowers Daylight to Tungsten; each correction gel costs light output.
Brightness: To compete with bright daylight, daylight sources must be very powerful – HMI is therefore the common choice for outdoor daylight tasks.
Camera: With a daylight white balance (Daylight preset), the camera expects light around 5600K as neutral.

From the crafts

Perspectives

Cinematographer

From a DoP's perspective, this element is essential for the visual design. It allows me to consistently implement the desired color mood and aesthetic image.

Producer

This professional solution increases production efficiency and reduces post-production requirements. It allows for flexible, quick adjustments during the shoot.

Gaffer

As a gaffer, this is an indispensable tool in my daily toolkit. It allows me professional light control and quick adjustments on set, which saves time and ensures quality.