Camera Calibration Charts

Luis Caffesse

Luis Caffesse

Admin
I've been doing some reading lately and trying to make up my mind what kind of charts I should invest in (if any). I did some searching on the site about this, and while there are a few threads on charts - none seemed to yield much detail.
So I'm curious to know what most of you are using, if anything.

Basically - I'm debating between just getting a standard MacBeth chart, or going above that with one of the DSC Labs Camalign charts. But I'm wondering if that's overkill for my purposes.

So.... ideally what I'd like to find out is any detail from users out there as to how exactly they use their charts in post. What can I expect to get out of a CamAlign chart that I won't get out of a MacBeth chart? Etc, etc etc.

EDITED TO ADD:
Oh - and if anyone has any other suggestions besides the MacBeth and CamAlign charts - feel free to throw them in.
Those are the only two I've really run across consistently.
 
The best bang-for-the-buck is the DSC CamBook. It's small, portable, and includes all the kinds of charts you're most likely to need or want -- a white card, a grayscale, a color chart, a multiburst resolution chart, and a full-color test picture.
http://www.abelcine.com/store/product.php?productid=10419&cat=0&page=1

Actually, that link may be for the lower-model CamBook 5; I have the CamBook 6 which is the same thing but it includes the CamBelles, which is a full-color test picture of four ladies of differing skin tones.
http://dsclabs.com/cambook.htm

Probably one of the best comprehensive charts, at the best price, is the DSC VF/X1 Plus chart:
http://www.abelcine.com/store/product.php?productid=1000142

I've got one of those; other than resolution trumpets it has basically everything the big Chroma Du Monde has, plus a lot more like the true linear gradient instead of just a 12-step grayscale. I've also got a CamBook and a ToNi; I probably use the CamBook the most, but for hardcore stuff the VF/X1 is better.
 
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Thanks for that Barry.
No question about it - those look great.
In fact that ToNi is tempting...until I saw the prices.

I'm not about to complain about the cost of good charts - I realize what goes into making them.
But, the reality is - I can't justify going into 500 dollars on charts right now.
It's been an expensive year for gear for me (HVX, tripod, Firestore, new Lighting Package, etc etc etc).

I was looking at keeping it around or below $200 if possible.
Then if I see an improvement and I feel that this is something that I 'can't shoot without' - then I'll invest further.
That's my plan in theory anyhow.

So I guess I need to rephrase my question -
I was looking at, for example, the DSC Labs Handy Camette chart (roughly $150).
And maybe a standard MacBeth chart (which I still don't have).

My question is - is it even worth the money at that point - or is this a situation where I'd be better off holding off until I feel I can plunk down the hundreds to pic up a CamBook or the DSC VF/X1 chart?


By the way - are you (or anyone else) familiar with Gamma & Density?
They have the Gamma-HD2 chart that looks interesting, and the Gamma-2U chart.
These look like some nice charts also - certainly out of my price range at the moment
(not sure what they cost, sent an email and waiting for a reply).

I did a search in the forums on this, but came up with nothing.
Any thoughts on these?
 
Just called Gamma&Density and found out they've discontinued the Gamma 2U chart, which is fine by me because the HD2 seemed more appealing anyhow.

The cost is $250

The guy I spoke to didn't know the size offhand, but he estimated it was roughly 18" by 26" or so.

This is starting to look like a reasonable option - unless there is something I'm missing.
(and there usually is)


EDITED TO ADD:
Okay, just got an email from the guy telling me he was able to measure the chart, and the dimensions are actually:

10 1/5 x 14 1/5 inches

That actually sounds more convenient to carry around.
But wow, someone needs to work on their estimating skills.
:)
 
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Never heard of 'em, so I don't know. DSC is the standard, and it's all I've got and pretty much all I've seen anyone use other than the MacBeth.

Doesn't mean they might not be great, but I don't know anyone who's used 'em or whatever.

The Camette might be okay, certainly for the price it's reasonable. The grayscale is only 5 steps though; that's kind of limiting. But the price is right.
 
Funny, most of the shoots I'm on don't bother with charts...no idea why...I mean it takes a minute to throw one up there...but boy are they thankful later in the edit! I used to AC a bit so I've always considered it part of the job, although I've never really used anything but a Macbeth...with video I've been wanting to at least add a back focus chart to the kit...

RJS
 
I'd never heard of Gamma & Density either - but ran across a thread on the CML where a few DPs were swearing by it. BUT - there is definitely something to be said for going with the standard. I'm going to mull that one over...

But at least it's pretty clear to me now that if I'm going to bother to get anything, I need to make it worth while.
You're right Barry, in that a 5 step gray would be rather limiting.
No point trying to save some money only to get something that won't be anywhere near as useful to me.

Alright... looks like I need to budget a few more pennies for this.
Thanks for the help.
 
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