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In the dynamic world of video production, achieving accurate and consistent color representation is a paramount concern for filmmakers, videographers, and content creators. Enter the Spyder Checkr Video, a new color calibration tool from the Datacolor Spyder series. It is tailored specifically for getting color right.
Spyder Checkr Video is a color reference chart system you use on set and in post-production. The Spyder Checkr Video works seamlessly to check and then adjust color with video vectorscopes, waveform monitors, and professional video editing software such as Blackmagic Design DaVinci Resolve, Adobe Premiere Pro, and Apple Final Cut Pro X to ensure accurate color and exposure. You can also use Spyder Checkr Video to color-calibrate one or more cameras and lens combinations to help get the color correct at the start of shooting and streamline the post-production workflow.
Precision at its Core
At the heart of the Spyder Checkr Video lies a unique, patent-pending Color Pattern Card. 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 portable system comes with 5 high-gloss target cards, a 22-step gradient grey-scale card, a solid, neutral grey card for white balance and a focus star card, along with a protective case. The high gloss cards provide for more saturated color, wider color gamut, and easier flare identification.
Exposure Calibration for Optimal Image Quality
Beyond its role in color accuracy, the Spyder Checkr Video offers exposure calibration features. Maintaining optimal exposure levels is crucial for preventing common pitfalls like overexposure or underexposure. By integrating exposure calibration, the Spyder Checkr Video aims to elevate the overall quality of video footage.
A gradient grey-scale card includes two 11-step grey-scale bars plus 3 solid bars of white, black, and 50% grey, allowing for detailed exposure and contrast adjustments.
Fine-Tuning White Balance
White balance is a critical aspect of achieving natural and realistic colors in video. The Spyder Checkr Video includes tools for fine-tuning white balance, such as a full neutral grey card that you can get a proper white balance within the field and in post-production.
This capability empowers videographers to go beyond the limitations of on-set conditions, ensuring that the color temperature is precisely achieved.
Consistency Across Multiple Cameras
With multi-camera setups, maintaining color consistency is a challenge that the Spyder Checkr Video is poised to address. When using different cameras together, it’s important to get them matched from the start; use the Spyder Checkr Video to white balance and shoot reference colors for post-production.
The Spyder Checkr Video aims to be the bridge that assists you with the best color representation from different cameras, contributing to a seamless and professional end product.
User-Friendly and Robust
The user-friendly design makes using the Spyder Checkr Video easy with an ergonomic case design that fits comfortably and securely in hand, minimizing handling errors. Includes 5 high-gloss target cards: 2 types of color cards for different workflows (a traditional color patch card, plus our patent-pending Color Pattern Card), a gradient grey-scale card, a neutral grey card for white balance, and a focus star card.
Understanding the demanding environments of video production, the Spyder Checkr Video is constructed with durability in mind. Its robust build ensures resilience in the face of on-location shooting conditions.
Seamless Software Integration
After your production has been shot and you captured footage of the Datacolor Spyder Checkr Video in your scene, you can use those frames in post-production for color correcting and grading in many NLE systems such as Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve and Final Cut Pro. It can be used if the NLE has color correction options.
Below are two examples of how the DataColor Spyder Checkr Video can be used in post-production with Blackmagic Design DaVinci Resolve and Apple Final Cut Pro X
Spyder Checkr Video With DaVinci Resolve
Spyder Checkr Video With Final Cut Pro X
Spyder Checkr Video from start to finish
The Spyder Checkr Video by Datacolor is a tool you can’t afford not to have in your bag. Its small compact form factor offers big features with its precision color calibration charts, exposure calibration features, white balance fine-tuning, and robust construction. Get your color right from start to finish.
What’s Included
- Spyder Checkr Video Case
- 5 replaceable color reference cards – 4 housed within the case + a patch card in a protective sleeve
- Patent-Pending Color Pattern Card ‒ Target and Pattern alignment rated for
- Rec.709
- Conventional Color Patch Card ‒ Target alignment rated for Rec.709
- Grey-scale Card ‒ 3 large bars for White, 50% Grey and Black, 22 step grey-
- scale
- Neutral Solid Grey Card for White Balance and Focus Star
- Attachable Lanyard
Spyder Checkr Video Cards are replaceable and interchangeable with Spyder Checkr Photo cards for photo/video hybrid work, allowing for greater cost and sustainability efficiencies.
To learn more about other Datacolor products and the full lineup of Spyder Checkr products, visit Datacolor.com.
