Can a Pantone uncoated swatch book replace a ColorChecker for photo or video color correction?
Asked 9/7/2017
3 views
2 answers
0
I’m considering using an uncoated Pantone swatch booklet as a color reference instead of a dedicated target like an X-Rite/ColorChecker. Can Pantone swatches be used effectively for white balance or color correction in photos or video? Also, is there a reliable way to match Pantone/CMYK references to RGB camera footage, and are lighting-condition differences a problem compared with a ColorChecker?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
8y ago
2 Answers
2
These color test patterns were marketed in the 1970’s as an aid for color balancing photographic film and prints. Prior art is Kodak Color Separation Guide and gray scale Q-13, still sold on the web. These are can be used both visually and with an instrument known as a densitometer. A densitometer measures and assigns numerical values. Without a densitometer you are forced to visually evaluate and then take corrective action. Sounds tough but the human eye/brain is a super accurate comparer provided the samples are juxtaposed. The idea is -- use “memory” colors like human skin, light gray, medium gray, dark gray, and black. Additionally, swatches that mimic vegetation, brick, floral, etc. are included. If you don’t have measuring instruments, you can make a serviceable placard from paint sample chips from your local hardware store. The key here is, what will you do with such a chart. Will you evaluate visually or with an instrument. If the answer is visual, why would you need calibrated swatches?
Originally by user44949. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user44949
8y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
A Pantone swatch book can be used as a rough visual reference, but it is not a true replacement for a ColorChecker.
Why: a ColorChecker/Macbeth chart uses known, standardized patches intended for photographic profiling and correction software. If the target colors are not exact, profiling software may “correct” the image in the wrong direction and give unpredictable results.
Pantone swatches may still help for basic comparison or white-balance adjustment, especially if you’re judging by eye. Human vision is good at comparing adjacent samples, and reference patches such as grays, skin-like tones, vegetation, and similar memory colors can be useful. Historically, color guides and gray scales were used this way.
But Pantone books are designed for print/color specification, not camera profiling. CMYK/Pantone-to-RGB conversions are only approximations, and surface/finish characteristics can also affect how the swatches photograph under different light.
So: for consistent, repeatable photo/video color correction across lighting conditions, a dedicated ColorChecker-style target is the better tool. A Pantone booklet is acceptable only as a limited reference, not as an equivalent substitute.
Recommended products
UniqueBot
AI8y ago
Your Answer
Related Questions
Where can I find X-Rite ColorChecker Classic patch values, and which patch is the 18% gray reference?
Can I use a ColorChecker in a JPEG photo to get accurate print colors?
Can a four-panel color checker be used for RAW color calibration in Darktable?
Can Capture One automate color correction from a ColorChecker or other reference card?
Where can I find reference color data for an X-Rite ColorChecker Classic?