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Sekonic C-800
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Sekonic C-800

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sekonic l 858d sekonic spectrometer

Sekonic C-800 handheld spectrophotometer that measures color temperature, illuminance, and color rendering indices (CRI, TLCI, TM-30, SSI) from on-set light sources.

Overview

The Sekonic C-800 (also known as C-800 SpectroMaster or C-800-U in its US version) is a handheld spectrometer from the Japanese manufacturer Sekonic. It analyzes the spectrum of a light source using a CMOS linear sensor and outputs not only the color temperature and illuminance but also a range of color rendering metrics. Unlike a classic color temperature meter, which only provides a Kelvin value and a green-magenta correction, the C-800 captures the complete spectral curve, making it possible to visualize the spectral peaks and gaps typical of modern LED sources.

On set, the C-800 is used by camera and lighting crews to match luminaires of different types, assess the suitability of LED panels and tungsten imitations, and determine filter or gel corrections.

Technical Data

ParameterValue
Device TypeSpectrometer / Color Meter, Handheld
SensorCMOS Linear Image Sensor
Wavelength Range380 nm to 780 nm
Color Temperature Range1,600 to 40,000 K (Continuous Light); 2,500 to 40,000 K (Flash)
Illuminance1 lx to 200,000 lx (Continuous Light)
Display4.3-inch Color Touchscreen (Dot-Matrix LCD)
Power Supply2 x AA (1.5 V) or USB Bus Power
Dimensions (H x L x W)2.7 cm x 18.3 cm x 7.3 cm
Weightapprox. 0.23 kg

Measured Quantities and Indices

The C-800 displays its measured values in several modes and provides color quality metrics relevant to film production:

  • CRI (Ra and R1 to R15) - Color Rendering Index
  • TLCI (Television Lighting Consistency Index) and TLMF
  • TM-30 with Rf (Fidelity) and Rg (Gamut) values
  • SSI (Spectral Similarity Index)
  • CIE 1931 Color Coordinates (x, y) as well as hue and saturation information

Additionally, the device can directly match the measured source with correction filter or gel values, allowing the necessary filter correction to be read without a separate table.

On-Set Use

Typical applications include matching multiple luminaires for identical color temperature and color rendering, assessing new LED fixtures before purchase or rental, identifying spectral gaps that cause color deviations in skin tones or specific materials, and determining the appropriate CTO/CTB or green-magenta correction. Because the device graphically displays the full spectral curve, it is particularly suitable for mixed lighting environments involving daylight, HMI, LED, and incandescent light, where pure Kelvin values are insufficient for accurate assessment.

From the crafts

Perspectives

Cinematographer

Aus DoP-Perspektive ist dieses Element essentiell für die visuelle Gestaltung. Es ermöglicht mir die gewünschte Farbstimmung und das ästhetische Bild konsistent umzusetzen.

Producer

Diese professionelle Lösung erhöht die Produktionseffizienz und reduziert Post-Production-Anforderungen. Sie ermöglicht flexible, schnelle Anpassungen während des Drehs.

Gaffer

Als Gaffer ist dies ein unverzichtbares Werkzeug meines täglichen Handwerkszeugs. Es ermöglicht mir professionelle Lichtkontrolle und schnelle Anpassungen auf Set, was Zeit spart und Qualität sichert.

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