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Effectively, right here’s one I missed whereas I used to be away in Amsterdam for IBC 2022, however it seems to be like Datacolor has lastly launched a pocket-sized model of their Spyder Checkr (overview right here) for simpler use on location. It’s known as the Spyder Checkr Photograph and incorporates the 48 acquainted swatches present in its greater and older sibling. The cardboard can be swappable, permitting you to flip them round for 12 extra gray scale swatches for checking brightness and distinction in addition to giant targets for white balancing.
It certain has taken them lengthy sufficient to make it simpler to get the Spyder Checkr out of the studio, though just like the bigger model, it nonetheless feels a little bit bit missing within the software program division. Basically, it makes use of the identical software program plugin, which means you possibly can create a HSL profile for Adobe Lightroom, Adobe Digicam RAW or Hasselblad Phocus however that’s just about it.
The software program for the Spyder Checkr Photograph seems to be precisely the identical as for the unique Spyder Checker. In equity, although, if all you’re utilizing is Lightroom or Adobe Digicam RAW (or Hasselblad Phocus), it’s a wonderful piece of package to get all your pictures to a constant place to begin – assuming you by no means need to manually tweak the HSL adjustment sliders whereas doing all your uncooked processing, which could mess up a few of your presets. I’ve used the full-sized Spyder Checkr fairly commonly through the years for some shoots on unfamiliar cameras the place I need to guarantee color accuracy and consistency from shot to shot.
The 48 traditional Spyder Checkr color swatches
The Spyder Checkr Photograph primarily brings Datacolor’s swatches into the realm of the favored Calibrite ColorChecker Passport sequence (previously the X-Ceremony ColorChecker Passport sequence), which let you slip them right into a pocket or digital camera bag for simple transport to the situation with out the chance of getting broken. They’re much more manageable on location, whereas the bigger calibration charts are extra ideally suited to the studio.
The Spyder Checkr Photograph incorporates the playing cards inside a sturdy plastic case, with “expanded pores and skin tone” swatches with an ultra-matte end on “long-lasting, ink-printed, museum-quality paper playing cards for the truest coloration renditions and deepest black”. The playing cards are produced from 78% bamboo, making them a renewable supply for paper. So, although the case continues to be plastic, they’re pondering considerably concerning the surroundings in its creation.
The white steadiness and greyscale targets on the Spyder Checkr Photograph
The X-Ceremony and Datacolor choices use roughly the identical set of swatches, kind of, besides they’re in a unique order. The 48 color swatches of the Spyder Checkr Photograph really combines the 2 24-colour swatch units of the ColorChecker Passport Photograph and ColorChecker Passport Video (overview right here) into one – besides that you just’ll discover that whereas the colors are very related between the Datacolor and Calibrite choices, they’re shuffled round a little bit bit between the 2, with numerous columns and rows being switched. The Datacolor product can be rather less saturated.
Left: Datacolor Spyder Checkr Photograph / Center: ColorChecker Video / Proper: ColorChecker Photograph
Calibrite has lately introduced that they’ve mixed their two color charts into the ColorChecker Passport Duo, priced at $199, whereas Datacolor’s new pocket-sized goal prices a mere $99.99. For some photographers, being restricted to solely utilizing it with Lightroom, Adobe Digicam RAW and Phocus with the Datacolor Spyder Checkr Photograph might be well worth the 50% price financial savings. For others, although, the advantages of making DNG profiles and ICC profiles that can be utilized in a really big selection of different software program, in addition to having true black/white/40IRE gray factors for video might be price the additional price of the Calibrite answer.
I feel it’s incredible that Datacolor now has this in a smaller type issue, though it’s one thing they need to’ve completed years in the past, actually. Should you’ve not purchased right into a calibration goal system to your pictures but, it’s properly price wanting into, particularly at this value (in the event you solely ever use Lightroom, Adobe Digicam RAW or Hasselblad Phocus).
The Datacolor Spyder Checkr Photograph is offered to purchase now for $99.99 and is already transport.
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