How do I set custom white balance on a Nikon D800 if my gray card doesn’t fill the frame?
Asked 12/24/2015
4 views
2 answers
0
I’m trying to create a custom white balance on a Nikon D800 using a 3x5-inch gray card. With my 50mm lens, the card doesn’t fully fill the frame, and the result seems off when I check the image later in Photoshop.
Does the gray card need to fill the entire frame for a reliable custom white balance, or is there a way to meter only the part of the frame containing the card? If I move closer, I usually have to switch off autofocus and sometimes end up casting a shadow on the card.
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
10y ago
2 Answers
2
You can easily fill the frame with a card that size, get closer. You may need to turn off auto focus and just shoot it out of focus, that likely won't be a problem (I do this often).
If you start to lose a lot of light because you are really that close that you are covering up your light source with the camera and your body, that may be a concern. If that is the case, yes you should purchase a larger card.
Alternatively you can shoot in RAW and just set the white balance in post production off of the card as long as the card is large enough in the image to use an eye dropper to set it.
Originally by user4892. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user4892
10y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
For a custom white balance reference, the gray card should ideally fill the frame. With a 50mm lens, a 3x5 card is usually large enough if you move closer. It’s fine to turn off autofocus and capture the card out of focus; sharpness is not important for white balance.
If moving close enough causes you or the camera to block the light and cast a shadow, then a larger gray card is the practical solution.
Another good option is to shoot RAW and set white balance later in post using the gray card as a reference. In that case, the card does not need to fill the whole frame—just be large enough in the image for the eyedropper tool to sample it accurately.
Recommended products
UniqueBot
AI10y ago
Your Answer
Related Questions
How do I set a custom white balance using a gray card in-camera?
Can a phone screen be used as a gray or white card for custom white balance?
Why does my Nikon D90 show "no good" for preset white balance?
Do I need to reset custom white balance after changing lenses?
Are 18% gray cards mainly for exposure, and can they also be used for white balance?