X-Rite’s New Tools Allow More Accurate Color Checking for Video [Tech Tuesday]

Color charts are nothing new to the world of filmmaking, but if you shoot video and you don’t have one yet (or want an upgrade), you should check out X-Rite’s new ColorChecker targets: ColorChecker Video and ColorChecker Passport Video.

ColorChecker Video measures 8.5 x 11 inches, a size ideal for wide shots. Since it’s dual-sided, you’ll find a solid white balance target on the back with multiple patches on the front. The latter includes a half dozen chromatic color patches, with a second parallel set of desaturated chromatic color chips to the right; both are designed to be used with a vectorscope to determine the perfect color balance. A series of skin tone patches are positioned on the left edge of the target to help achieve accurate flesh tones.

Parallel to the skin tone section of the chart, dynamic range is addressed with a linear grayscale series of chips (ranging from white to black, e.g., highlights and shadows). In the upper corners, you’ll find black and white Illumination Check chips for assessing illumination across the target. Large white, 40 IRE gray and black patches fill the center of the target to assist with exposure and contrast.
More portable, the X-Rite ColorChecker Passport Video measures a tuck-into-your-bag 4.92 x 3.54 x .35 inches. While it’s missing some of the larger chips found on the ColorChecker Video (there are no desaturated colors, nor Illumination Check chips), the smaller version adds a focusing target.

Both ColorChecker Video ($129) and Passport Video ($149) are slated to ship November 23.