Consistent, Accurate Color for Video

In this video I show my process for getting consistent and accurate color in your video production. The workflow includes recording video footage of a reference chart so you can use the Hue controls in Final Cut Pro X to make adjustments for spot-on color every time.
Producing accurate color in your videos is not a difficult process but it takes some attention to detail and some knowledge about how to capture accurate reference material and then use that captured reference to tweak your color hues so that all the colors are hitting their marks.
Using the XRite ColorChecker Video as a reference, I first use a Luma scope to adjust my exposure. With the exposure set, I bump the saturation of the colors so that the color reference points can be clearly seen on the Vectorscope. Once you're able to see exactly what colors are out of range, it's a simple process to sample the colors in your footage and adjust the hues as needed to get a solid starting point for creative color work or use of LUTs.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Equipment featured in this video:
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
X-Rite ColorChecker Video: www.adorama.co...
X-Rite ColorChecker Passport: www.adorama.co...
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Other Equipment used in this video:
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Sony A7III: www.adorama.co...
Tamron 28-75 f/2.8 Di III RXD: www.adorama.co...
Sony Vario-Tessar FE 16-35mm F4 OSS: www.adorama.co...
Sennheiser MKE 600 Shotgun Microphone: www.adorama.co...
Feelworld F6 Plus: www.amazon.com...
CLAR Illumi Max 120 High Power Bi-Color LED Light: www.adorama.co...
CLAR Illumi Max 300 High Power 5600K LED Light: www.adorama.co...
Aputure Amaran AL-F7 On-Camera LED Light: www.adorama.co...
Benro A373F Aluminum Tripod with S8PRO Head: www.adorama.co...
Benro Aero 4: www.adorama.co...
Glow EZ Lock 38" Deep Parabolic Softbox: www.adorama.co...
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Stuff I can’t get along without :
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Flashpoint 10' C-Stand w/ Arm & 2 Grip Heads: www.adorama.co...
Sandbags: www.amazon.com...
Innorel D-30 Ball Head: www.amazon.com...
Movo VXR10 Microphone: www.amazon.com...
SmallRig Shoe Mount Ball Head: www.amazon.com...
SmallRig Camera Cage Sony A7III: www.adorama.co...
SmallRig Super Clamp: www.amazon.com...
SmallRig 11" Friction arm: www.amazon.com...
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Visit my site: spaugh.net
Linked In: / matt-spaugh
Instagram: / matt_spaugh
Facebook: / matt.spaugh

[@itsgussy]

Loving the content and really underrated. Love to see your setups and workflow for high volume photos

[@MattSpaugh]

Thanks for watching!

[@maunstermusic]

That was a very clear explanation of using the scopes. Nicely done!

[@MattSpaugh]

Thanks! Lately I find myself using the RGB Overlay Waveform to get a better handle of nailing white balance. Being able to see the Red, Green, and Blue waveforms, especially in the highlights, has been really helpful. Maybe it's time for a follow up video!

[@MattSpaugh]

Also, you might want to check out Tyler Stalman's video on color grading in FCPX. He's working with SLog-3 footage which didn't really apply to me (I shoot HLG3) but he gives a really good breakdown on using the RGB overlay: ua-cam.com/video/k9s4hwjcJwk/v-deo.html

[@maunstermusic]

@@MattSpaugh Good to know. I'll keep an eye out if you do, I rather enjoyed the clear and concise, "get-to the-thing" style you did here.

[@MattSpaugh]

@@maunstermusic Ha... thanks. It can be hard to stay on track sometimes. I want to put things in context but too often videos just tend to get overly wordy. I've actually got several scripts/ideas laid out for new videos but have not had the time to shoot them. I'm hoping to get back on it this weekend. Have a good one!

[@carolinokim]

Hello! I love this video, can we also used this method for photo white balance for high volume photography?

[@MattSpaugh]

Yes, and I recommend it particularly if you're shooting tethered and the subject will see the images. Bear in mind, if you're shooting RAW, that white balance information is not crucial since it can be adjusted in post.
Hope that helps, thanks for watching!

[@carolinokim]

​@@MattSpaugh Yes, sir, it is greatly useful. We have a high volume photography business, but the problem is that the light power from the strobe is inconsistent because we use low-end strobes but plan to upgrade. And an inconsistency in white balance, even though we use manual. This video is greatly useful. Thank you, and I will contact you again if I have another question.

[@MattSpaugh]

@@carolinokim If you're looking for inexpensive (but consistent) flash units, i highly recommend the (Godox or Flashpoint) AD200. Good luck with it!