Video Question- Manual White Balance
 

I'm running a a Sony FX1 and am trying to decide if I need to start running manual white balance in the field or if the presets are the way to go; adjusting colors in post production?

I'm trying to get as good an image as possible, obviously, and am not sure how often I'd need to take a new WB with the light conditions changing so much in the morning and late evening.

What to ya'll do in your filming?

Here is a sample of a color adjust I did in post with Sony Vegas.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=URk1vWq4P5g

Here is a sample of video i did with no ajustment to color in post..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z80Suddt2xw

It seems like I can get pretty good adjustment of color in post..

Thanks for the advice!

I've filmed with several different cameras (Sony V1U, Z1U, Z5U, etc) and I've yet to find a camera that wasn't too "blue" on Auto White Balance mode.

I've been filming enough now that I like to set my white balance on one of the presets...normally "sunlight". I then tweak it up or down manually + or - a step or two since 95% of my filming is outdoors. There still are times when I use a white card in the field.

If I go indoors, I will set the white balance with a white card.

The better I can get the camera set in the field....the less work during editing.

I'm with FD, if you take care of it in the field it's less work for you while editing. I haven't taken the time to set my presets and typically carry a WB card with me in the field and tweak it if it looks necessary. Also I check it about every 10-15 minutes during morning and evening sits.....I know it seems tedious but I'd rather do it than have a subject look like a smurf!!! Good luck filming!!!

BTW I'm using a Z1U

Tim.....take the time to set two of the preset buttons for white balance adjustment. Leave your white balance on "sunlight" and you will spend a lot less time using your white card.

I get a much more desirable look adjusting white balance this way instead of a white card.

Great info! I appreciate it.. Have you ever messed with using warm cards as opposed to straight white?

Are all white balance cards pretty much the same?

I should probably KISS but I like to know everything I can..

Scott that's what Fred and I did when we were in AB, it was a lot less screwing around....I'll try it this year, but just in the habit of grabbing the card and doing it.

The best way to prevent someone from learning something is to teach them everything!!!;)

Stick to white for outdoor filming. Heck, I just use a piece of white paper, the side of a white truck, or even snow. I think warming cards are best used when filming indoors (but I'm guessing there).