In continuation to my previous post (Colors with the HDR-FX7 (part 1) – Improving the color green with custom Picture Profiles), here are the full results of practical field tests towards tweaking the AWB for better greens and a more pleasant image with the HDR-FX7.
The bottom-line is:
- Setting a Picture Profile with WB Shift -1 and Color Level +1 or even -2/+1 gives much nicer colors.
- Using a 3-step gray card also seems a quick and handy way to help secure the capture of consistent, reliable colors. However further caution and adjustments may be necessary because – a surprising observation – aiming at fully neutral white would be incorrect, yielding a noticeable overall yellow cast whereas the consumer’s eye instead seems to prefer some measure of blue in the color white.
- In the end however, AWB turns out to be too unpredictable on the HDR-FX7 and a big No-No unless you’re ready to spend considerable time color-correcting in post.
Everyone seems to be having a blog these days, but as I was thinking of ways to share what I learn about shooting, editing, and publishing HD video, I wondered if maybe a blog is more flexible and feature-rich than just writing in forums… So here it goes. As much as I like to get the most out of my camcorders in this hobby of mine, I hope this irregular blog will help you achieve the same.