The Spyder Checkr Video Lets Filmmakers Color Calibrate Cameras on Set
Datacolor’s Spyder Checkr Video is a new color reference tool that promises to allow videographers and filmmakers to calibrate the color of one or more cameras, lenses, and sensors before shooting to make post-production workflows more efficient.
The Spyder Checkr Video is a small, portable set of five high-gloss video color target cards, a 22-step gradient gray-scale card, a solid, neutral gray card for white balance, and a focus star card that are all held in a protective plastic case. The Color Pattern Card includes 12 color patches in a unique configuration with a center black, grey, and white patch, plus six skin tone tiles. The high gloss cards provide for more saturated color, wider color gamut, and easier flare identification, Datacolor claims.
Even the case was designed thoughtfully since the company says it is ergonomically designed to fit comfortably in the hand while also preventing fingers from casting shadows on the cards.
Datacolor says that the Spyder Checkr Video is compatible with video vectorscopes, waveform monitors, and professional video editing applications such as DaVinci Resolve, Adobe Premiere, and Final Cut Pro.
“Spyder Checkr Video offers the ability to quickly and precisely color calibrate one or more camera and lens combinations, ensuring color accuracy at the start of shooting, streamlining the post-production workflow for a seamless video editing experience,” Datacolor claims.
When the Spyder Checkr Video is viewed through a camera’s vectorscope, Datacolor says its patent-pending pattern card creates a circular pattern of colors that allows a videographer to see all the colors that are being captured — not just primary and secondary hues — at a glance. The company claims this color information is precise, nuanced, and easy to understand for everyone from novices to professionals.
“When designing the Spyder Checkr Video, our goal was to create a portable and user-friendly color reference chart that would set a new benchmark in the industry,” Casey Krugman, Product Manager of Imaging at Datacolor, says.
“With this first-of-its-kind advanced color reference tool, Datacolor is providing quick and impeccable color accuracy whether you’re on the go or working on location.”
The Spyder Checkr Video is available starting today for $130.
Image credits: Datacolor
