Cinematographer
Der Color Checker ist essentiell für konsistente Farben. Ich filme ihn bei jedem Setup – das gibt dem Coloristen eine verlässliche Referenz für akkurate Korrektur.
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.
From the crafts
Perspectives
Director
Farb-Konsistenz macht den Unterschied zwischen Amateur und Profi. Der Color Checker am Set ist Grundlage für den finalen Look in Post.
Producer
Ein Color Checker kostet wenig, spart aber viel Zeit in Post. Ohne Referenz wird Farbkorrektur zum Ratespiel – mit Referenz ist sie präzise.
More in the lexikon
Related terms
Test your knowledge
Quiz
1. Zu welchem Department gehört „Farbkarte / Farbreferenzkarte"?
2. Wie viele verschiedene Fachperspektiven bietet dieser Eintrag?