warm cards

B

bosindy

Veteran
I was wondering about these http://www.warmcards.com/ . I have not dealt with the HVX in post, any many people say they like to get the most "clean" image they can, does anyone use these regularly? What are the drawbacks or pitfalls if any?
 
no need for these in my opinion - white balance on something mostly white - then you can use the color temp setting in the scene file to adjust temp - then you can fine tune in post. No need for these
 
His sample pics I think are jibberish. I have never shot someone on a white balance and it looked so pasty, and blah... haha that is so funny. If someone does shoot that pasty, They really need an feild monitor.

I agree with Smeini: No need. white balance and if you want a warmer feel, Change the color temp. in the camera.
 
One of the reasons I thought to get them was that Rush Hamden used them to nice affect in his DVD series. It really does add something when lit properly, BUT I guess I am really wondering, is it smarter to stick to adding this in post rather than using the cards or color temp when shooting? Also, I would imagine there are a few DIY's out there who have used construction paper perhaps?
 
I bought some recently. They come with a carrying folder. While they are a nice option, I'm not overwhelmed by the resulting image. Note that the reverse side of each warmcard is a standard 100 IRE white, which is also useful.

Whether it's $60 worth of useful is debatable. I'm sure you could do your own warmcards if you are so inclined.
 
I agree with Surjones...the "white" balanced pictures are leaning so much to the blue that they are useless as comparisons.
 
Their marketing may be a bit questionable, but I've had them for a while and have appreciated the time they've saved me. Yes you can get the effect other ways, including camera settings and in post. However, when using these and changing locations, lighting, etc. it's easy to maintain a consistent looking image by re-white balancing off the card and you don't have to spend all that time color correcting later. Most of the footage I shoot with the HVX doesn't have to get color corrected at all in post.

Just my 2 cents.
 
You can get the same exact consistency by using the same white paper at every location and the same color temp settting.

sorry but these cards are a bit of a scam.

If you really need to do this with cards use a white paper and the sample swatch of gels - just use the warming and cooling gels to trick the camera - you shouldnt be paying 60 dollars for something you can get as easily for free
 
The cards are useful and professional-looking (they beat white-balancing on someone's shirt, lol)...but I agree they are overpriced.
 
I have them and I use them all the time.
I carry the little ones around my neck out in the field.
Price is relative. Ask my wife and she'll tell you that the HVX is way to much money. :)
 
I don't use the little ones, they stay in the bag. The big ones are easier to use if you are single handing.

I like them and feel they give me good results.

Ken
 
I've been using the cards for about four years with my Beta SX and now with my HVX. I never shoot without them. Whether it's for NatGeo, Discovery, ABC, NBC, BBC or PBS... they've all told me they love the look. Certainly a few bucks well spent.

And yes, the small cards are big enough. Live n8ature if I'm shooting I wear the small ones around my neck.
Jim
 
2 years ago I was extremely poor and picked up some paint color cards at the home depot... They are very small but they work extremely well.

color-cards.JPG


To date I still use them... check out the Ash Wednesday Trailer at www.someonewillfall.com for some examples....
oh and ALSO... they're FREE!
 
But is there any advantage to using the cards, as apposed to white balancing off of a normal white card and adjusting color in the scene file?
 
JP,

I certainly can't speak for the others, but it just seems to me like a convenient way to work. Alot of the things I do are in similar lighting conditions and I know if I use the card(s) I get the results I want. I don't have to do or remember anything but to hold up the card, make sure it's in the same light as the subject and push the little button. It just becomes routine with little or no guess work.

If you are comfortable setting the color temp, I wouldn't advise changing just for the sake of change.

Ken
 
These cards are totally usefull and worth the 60 bucks or so. I keep them in my bag or my soundman carries them on every shoot. I shoot broadcast and cable shows and don't usually have the time or patience to get in the menu every time I want to warm up an interview look. As far as color correction goes, I have zero interaction with the post crew. If I feel I want to warm up a shot I need to do it in the field. I use the warm 1 or a straight white. The cards are durable, they don't bend or tear. Money well spent in my opinion, but if you dudes want to bust out the construction paper, glue, and kindergarten scissors, knock yourselves out!
 
Pro's: easy of use, durrable, consistent.
Con's: Expensive (for what they actually are)

DIY: Go ot the craft store buy contruction paper and then laminate it in the sizes you want. Cost $5 - $10. Will it work? Yep. Will it be as impressive infront of a client? Nope.

Do what you got to do to get the job done. If you have the money, these cards are easy to use, and transport. If you don't have the money- checkout the craft store.

BTW- just for fun try white balancing to red, orange, green, or some other colors- you can get some pretty cool in camera FX.
 
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