Cinematographer
Das Macbeth Chart ist mein Farbstandard am Set. Ein Clip mit Chart zu Beginn jeder Lichtsituation gibt dem Colorist eine objektive Referenz.
A standardized color reference chart featuring 24 scientifically selected color patches – used on film and video sets to provide consistent color reference for cameras, facilitate accurate color correction in post-production, and enable automated color matching workflows across different cameras and lighting conditions.
What is a Macbeth Chart?
The Macbeth Chart (officially X-Rite ColorChecker Classic) is a standardized color reference chart with 24 scientifically defined color patches. It serves as an objective color reference on set and enables precise color correction in post-production.
Basic Principle
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Function | Color Reference |
| Patches | 24 Standard Colors |
| Standard | ISO/DIN Defined |
| Manufacturer | X-Rite (Calibrite) |
The 24 Color Patches
| Row | Patches |
|---|---|
| Row 1 | Skin Tones, Natural Colors |
| Row 2 | Primary/Secondary Colors |
| Row 3 | Primary/Secondary Colors |
| Row 4 | Grayscale (Black to White) |
Important Patches
| Patch | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Skin Tones | Caucasian, Dark |
| Blue Sky | Natural Reference |
| Foliage | Green Reference |
| Grayscale | Exposure/White Balance |
On-Set Application
| Situation | Procedure |
|---|---|
| New Lighting | Shoot Chart |
| Multi-Cam | For Each Camera |
| Different Takes | With Lighting Changes |
| VFX Shots | Always Recommended |
Shooting Protocol
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Place Chart in Light |
| 2 | Fill Frame |
| 3 | Correct Exposure |
| 4 | Shoot for a Few Seconds |
Variations
| Model | Description |
|---|---|
| Classic | 24 Patches, Standard |
| Passport | Compact, Foldable |
| Video | With Gray Card, Focus |
| Nano | Mini Version |
ColorChecker Video
| Element | Function |
|---|---|
| Color Patches | Color Reference |
| Gray Scales | Exposure |
| Focus Star | Sharpness Check |
| Chip Chart | Resolution |
Post-Production Workflow
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Import | Clip with Chart |
| Analysis | Software Recognizes |
| Match | Automatic Correction |
| Application | To Entire Clip |
Software Support
| Tool | Function |
|---|---|
| DaVinci Resolve | Color Checker Match |
| 3D LUT Creator | LUT Generation |
| ColorChecker Camera | Mobile Calibration |
| Premiere Pro | Plugin-Based |
DaVinci Resolve Workflow
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Select Chart Frame |
| 2 | Open Color Checker |
| 3 | Set Patch Positions |
| 4 | Generate Match |
LUT Creation
| Method | Description |
|---|---|
| Camera-to-Target | From Log to Rec.709 |
| Camera Match | Between Cameras |
| Custom Look | Creative LUTs |
| Technical | Exact Correction |
Multi-Camera Matching
| Application | Description |
|---|---|
| Problem | Cameras See Differently |
| Solution | Chart-Based Matching |
| Result | Consistent Colors |
| Time Savings | Significant |
Storage and Care
| Aspect | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Storage | Dry, Dark |
| Handling | Do Not Touch (Patches) |
| Lifespan | 2-3 Years Intensive Use |
| Replacement | If Faded |
Quality Control
| Check | Criterion |
|---|---|
| Fading | Compare with New |
| Dirt | Keep Clean |
| Damage | Scratches, Creases |
| Up-to-Date | Replace Regularly |
Shooting Tips
| Tip | Reason |
|---|---|
| Same Light | As Subject |
| No Spill | Avoid Reflections |
| Angle | Frontal to Camera |
| Frame | Chart Large Enough |
Alternatives
| Product | Description |
|---|---|
| DSC Labs | OneShot, CamAlign |
| Datacolor | SpyderCHECKR |
| QP Card | Budget Option |
| Custom Charts | Special Applications |
Common Mistakes
| Mistake | Avoidance |
|---|---|
| Incorrect Lighting | Shoot in Set Lighting |
| Too Small | Chart Large Enough |
| Overexposed | Correct Exposure |
| Only Once | With Every Lighting Change |
VFX Application
| Purpose | Description |
|---|---|
| On-Set Reference | For CG Integration |
| Plate Matching | Multi-Plate Shots |
| HDR Capture | Exposure Bracketing |
| Digital Doubles | Skin Tone Reference |
Best Practices
| Practice | Reason |
|---|---|
| Always Carry | Standard Equipment |
| New Lighting Situation | Shoot Chart |
| Label Clip | In Metadata |
| Inform DIT | Workflow |
Today
The Macbeth Chart (ColorChecker) is standard equipment in professional film and video production. It enables consistent colors across different cameras, lighting situations, and shooting days. An investment of under €100 saves hours in color correction and is fundamental for any workflow requiring color consistency.
From the crafts
Perspectives
Director
Wenn ich das Chart am Set sehe, weiß ich, dass mein Team an die Postproduktion denkt. Es garantiert konsistente Farben über verschiedene Takes und Tage.
Producer
Das Macbeth Chart kostet wenig, spart aber Stunden in der Color Correction. Es ist Standard-Equipment für jede professionelle Produktion.
More in the lexikon
Related terms
Test your knowledge
Quiz
1. Zu welchem Department gehört „Macbeth-Chart / ColorChecker / Farbkarte / Farbreferenzkarte"?
2. Wie viele verschiedene Fachperspektiven bietet dieser Eintrag?