Macbeth and color eyes

[Ron_Ross]

Hello Hoggy,

You want to get the Macbeth Color Checker, the one with the 24 squares.

Having played with ColorEyes for about 4 months now, I can tell you that it is one great program. The one important thing to remember,and away keep in mind, is follow the instructions. Jack and company did a terrific job of detailing exactly what you need to do in order to create a great profile. One short-cut on your part will, most certainly muck up the works. The most demanding part of the job is shooting the target. It's going to take some time to get the values listed on the instruction exactly as they need to be. A few things you'll need are:

• A studio strobe w/lightbox
  
• Space the size of a 2-car garage(if you don't have a studio)
  
• A laptop with either Bibble or NC so you can shoot tethered. (This beats running back and forth to the computer to check values)
  
• Patience[/list]
  RSR

[Steven_Schlansky]

Thx Ron
The space is going to be the hard part for me. Can't use outside sunlight? As most of my shots arte outside anyway. Maybe this isn't for me. I have lots of time as I'm waiting for PMA to decide what my next DSLR is going to be.
hoggy

[Steven_Schlansky]

I'm thinking of getting color eyes and Nacbeth color checker. Any other recommendations would be more than welcome. Also notice the Macbeth comes in 2 differnt sizes. 3 1/2 x 2 1/2 or 8 x 11.5(I think that's correct or close). Which size do most of you use? I assume the smaller size is for on the go. I just want to profile my next camera.
Thx
hoggy

[Scott_Trebble]

Jack and company sell a target that is better than the MacBeth color checker. The problem with the MacBeth is a lack of saturated colors. I would recomend you go for the ColorEyes target.

[Ethan_Hansen]

Hoggy,

I do not know how well ColorEyes responds to sunlight. Other profiling packages can work reasonably well with full sun. There are two problems, however. First, the angle the light comes from is constantly changing. The moment you think everything is aligned, the sun has shifted enough to screw things up. Also, you are fading your target during the process. If you go this route, get a couple of cheap gray cards to balance on, check the exposure, and most importantly, get even lighting. When you do, attach the ColorChecker, and fire away.

If you are without studio, garage, or other such large enclosed space, the next easiest solution is to work outside at night. You can use a camera strobe with diffuser, or for better and far easier results, a strobe and softbox (rent one if you don't already have on -- they're cheap). If you have space in your back yard, use it and annoy the neighbors.

[JackBingham]

I'm with Ethan on this. Direct sunlight is not ideal. Working outdoors at night would be much better.

[Steven_Schlansky]

Jack they recommend on their website to get Macbeth color checker and didn't mention theirs. Hmmm I'll recheck. Still have plenty of time. I'll see if I can't do this in a friends garage when the time comes.
Thx for all of you guys input.
hoggy

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