Used Sekonic C-700-U SpectroMaster Color Meter

2018-11-18T08:40:39

While it is true that today's cameras do a very good job of judging white balance and one can always shoot in RAW and adjust the white balance in post, having a color meter at your disposal opens a whole new set of possibilities. For one, your camera is actually 'seeing' reflected light instead of the actual light hitting your subject - using the color meter in the same proximity of your subject and facing the light source gives you a precise reading. Secondly, if you are trying to balance several lighting sources in a controlled environment, a color meter is invaluable to measure and then compensate (perhaps via gels, etc.) in order to get all of the lighting sources at the same color temperature. Sekonic has announced a follow-on to this model however, unless you need the extra standards/readings provided, this is a great color meter to have in your toolbox.

FREDERICK I.

2017-12-29T08:38:44

Now I can go onto a location and quickly identify all my potential white balance and color shift issues without guessing or wasting time flipping through a bunch of gels to even get in the ball park. Of course when I first got it I obsessed over all the numbers and minutia because the C700 is so precise and has so many functions but in doing so I learned a lot more about color theory and best practices. I do video and stills mostly on location so to be able to step on a set and immediately balance my strobes or constants to my ambient situation gives me a lot more time to deal with other things. It does take some time to get fluid with it but it's quite intuitive and well worth working into your front end. Now I can find and correct those nasty green or magenta spikes quickly whether by gels or flags. It's pricey but it really does up your game.

Mark H.