Jeko
Enthusiast
Aug 8, 2006, 10:54 PM
Post #2 of 4
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I never was too concerned about color accuracy for digital video. In all actuallity, I realized that most of my clients had their TVs so far out of whack when reviewing video drafts together that there was no way they would notice when things were slightly off. Photo reproducitons (as image prints and albums) are another story, so I learned.
Here is the color-management nut shell:
GOAL = You want the results to appear the same on paper as they do on screen.
1. Select a consistent color-space;
2. Calibrate your monitor;
3. Upload your printer/paper combo's profile to see the result before publishing.
4. If using commercial lab, be sure you are providing results in the compatible colorspace, then have them disable their automatic image enhancements/corrections.
COLOR-SPACE:
How many shades of blue can there be? Without going technical, you could have a million shades of blue or five. There are many color-spaces available but, the main ones are sRGB (standard), aRGB (adobe) or LAB (a huge spectrum). Your DSLR starts the choice. The color-space for saving the original image is probably selectable. LAB is very big -- even too big. Thus, most choose between aRGB and sRGB.
Which should you choose? No single answer.... but many opinions. LAB is clearly too vast, and probably not an option on you camera. I advise that you determine between sRGB and aRGB based upon the results you are trying to achieve. If you are printing images, ask/see what color space is the print optimally designed to use. Album publishers similarly have an optimal color-space.
Mine is sRGB (smaller than aRGB).
MONITOR CALIBRATION:
The Spyder2 is simply a device that rests on your monitor while colors are presented to it. Based upon the devices readings, the monitors working color profile is established and used by color-managing softwares (like PhotoShop). This way, if done properly, you can see a true rendition of your file on the screen. This step is repeated periodically.
PRINTER PROFILING:
Image looks great on screen, but print-outs from differing devices/labs/publishers will vary???? The next step to color management is to view your image with the proper printer profile overlaid. Again, a color managing software like photo-shop will adjust your images appearance to accurately reflect the printed results with a proper profile.
Printer profiles don't fall from the sky though. You can upload a profiloe for some album publishers, use generic ones for your printer (serch the manufacturers for info), or even have one (or many) made for your own printer ink/paper combos (google printer profiling).
Sorry for so much info, but it is not too bad to accomplish in actuality. I am now pleased with my in-house, commercial lab, and album publisher's results. I always see what will be before it prints.
Jeko
Sony VX2100's, iRivers, M-audio 24/96, Canon 5Ds/20Ds (and too much glass), Vegas6, PhotoShop CS3, Lightroom, etc.
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