Datacolor: Spyder Range - Review

How to use the Datacolor SpyderCHECKR for video

We also look at how to use the Datacolor SpyderCUBE and SpyderLENSCAL

We're going to take a look at the Spyder range of products from Datacolor and how they can be used for video.

The Spyder range from Datacolor has been very kindly sent to me to try out, included is the:

SpyderCUBE

https://www.datacolor.com/photography-design/product-overview/spydercube/

Accelerates RAW processing by taking one reference shot under any light condition to set the white balance, exposure, black level and brightness right from the start for your entire series of photos.

SpyderCHECKR family

https://www.datacolor.com/photography-design/product-overview/spyder-checkr-family/

Automatically color correct your images by capturing SpyderCHECKR reference patches in your photoshoot, eliminating trial and error in post-production. You can also color calibrate your camera and perform precision in-camera white balance.

SpyderLENSCAL

https://www.datacolor.com/photography-design/product-overview/spyderlenscal/

A fast, reliable method of measuring and adjusting the focus performance on your camera and lens combinations.

This review includes a walkthrough of each product, my thoughts and how I use them in a video workflow.

As mentioned above, these products have been sent to me to try out, however, no money has changed hands and Datacolor do not have a say on how I make the video.

In this video, we're going to take a look at the Spyder range of products from Datacolor.

This includes the SpyderCHECKR family, both the 48 and 24 versions.

As well as the SpyderCUBE and SpyderLENSCAL.

For full disclosure, these products were sent to me by Datacolor to try out, however, no money has changed hands and they do not have a say on the final video.

I've used similar products in the past and so I was interested to see how the Spyder range from Datacolor would compare.

First up, let's take a look at the SpyderCHECKR family.

We have the SyderCHECKR which has 48 spectrally engineered color patches, which comes in a nice hard case and also comes with a built-in tripod mount.

We also have the SypyderCHECKR 24 which features 24 of the most common spectrally engineered color patches. This version isn't in a hard case but you do get a portable vinyl sleeve that comes with it.

Both versions are reversible and feature a white balance card on the other side. This side also has a linear greyscale on it as well.

The color patches on both versions are designed to be used in both video and photography workflows and so they are not specifically targeted for Rec.709. They are near or within the sRGB color gamut. More information on this is available on the Datacolor website, including details on each specific patch.

According to Datacolor, these patches are "durable and produced to close tolerances, a CHECKR which sees only moderate usage will last almost indefinitely"

The 48 patch SpyderCHECKR comes with a fade checker which is useful to know if you ever need a replacement card from heavy use.

It also comes with a 3/4 thread where you can attach the SpyderCUBE, but we'll talk more about that later on in the video.

So how do you use these in your workflow?

These SpyderCHECKRs are designed to help you get ideal contrast and consistent color.

While on set you can use these to get your preferred exposure and perfect white balance.

In post-production, you can then dial in your contrast and keep your colors consistent across all of your various shots.

To set your exposure, you can use your waveform or false color and adjust it as needed, keeping in mind that the large grey section is 18% grey/ middle grey or 50 IRE. This is of course dependant on what you are shooting with and where you wish to place middle grey as there is no right way in particular.

To set your white balance on set, use your camera's white balance tool and aim at the grey card side of the CHECKR. You can also capture a short clip of this side as well for future reference.

You can then capture a short clip of the color patches for use later as well.

I'd recommend getting short clips of the SpyderCHECKR in each individual lighting environment you are shooting in to ensure consistency across the board.

In post-production, you can then bring in your footage to DaVinci Resolve and use its built-in color match tool.

You simply have to select the correct chart and align the corresponding boxes. Select the profile you filmed in and then you should be in a good starting place to start your color grade.

The automatic feature isn't always perfect so you may need to do some manual adjustments.

You also have the option to mask out the greyscale side to dial in your contrast and double-check your white balance as well if needed.

That is the basics of how to use the SpyderCHECKR Family for video. If you are going to use it with your photography as well, you can download the software that comes with it and use it in combination with Adobe Lightroom and Camera Raw.

Next up let's move on to the SypderCUBE

This is probably my favourite tool of the bunch and something I can see myself carrying with me on all future shoots.

This little cube is fantastic for helping you to get the ideal exposure and contrast in your shots, as well as white balance!

You can use the cube in a similar way to the checker. Placing it in each of your shots as needed.

The visually lightest grey area of the cube is the section you will use for your white balance.

You then have a range between the chrome ball at the top, the white sides, black sides and the black trap at the bottom.

The chrome ball is used the see where spectral highlights are in the image. It's ok to have clipping noticeable on the chrome ball but not on the white sides. You can use your waveform or false color to see this on set or your scopes in post-production.

Similarly, for the shadows. It's ok for the black trap to have a shadow warning but not on the black sides.

This is how it looks on set.

This is a fairly simple way to have a properly exposed image for each location you need.

This technique can be used in both a video and photo workflow.

The best thing about the SypderCUBE is that it can be used in combination with the SypderCHECKR to get even more accurate results.

There is even a built-in mount just for this purpose on the checker.

Last up, we have the SpyderLENSCAl.

If you rely on autofocus for some or all of your video work, this may really come in useful.

Most modern cameras have pretty fast and accurate autofocus these days but it's not always perfect.

This is where the SpyderLENSCAL comes in. It can be used in combination with your camera's built-in autofocus adjustment tool to ensure that your camera and lens are achieving critical focus.

While it's not strictly intended for this purpose, you could also use the LENSCAl for camera and lens manual focus tests.

To use the SpyderLENSCAL you have to make sure it's set into the correct position by pooping it into place and aligning the zero mark and horizontal line.

Next, attach it to a light stand or tripod and make sure it's nice and level using the built-in spirit level.

For your camera, you will need to enable autofocus if you haven't already, turn off any stabilisation function, set the aperture to the largest f-stop (lowest number) with the lowest native ISO setting. If you are using a zoom lens, it will need to be at its longest focal length.

Make sure your camera and SpyderLENSCAL are 25-50 times the focal length apart. They need to be at the same height, with your lens and the SpyderLENSCAL target parallel to your camera's sensor plane.

Aim your autofocus zone at the centre of the SpyderLENSCAL target. I'd recommend using a remote trigger or setting a 2-second timer to capture the image to avoid any vibrations to the shot.

You can then zoom into the zero on the LENSCAL and assess the focus.

If the zero is not the sharpest point you will need to make an adjustment using your camera's built-in features. Depending on whether it is front or back focusing you will need to adjust by lens and repeat the process until the zero mark is the sharpest point on the LENSCAL ruler.

It's worth pointing out that the numbers on the SpyderLENSCAL do not correlate to the numbers in the adjustment menu.

Each camera system will be different so check your user manual if you are unsure, or there may be a video on it.