[ChuckB28]

I did an interesting experiment today with my K5IIs. I went though all the pre-sets in the color menu and checked what the corresponding actual temperatures were in Lightroom. Here is the results:

Daylight - 5000k Tint +15
Shade - 7850k Tint -1
Cloudy - 6000k Tint +2
Daylight Florescent - 6100k Tint +46
Daylight White Florescent - 5050k +35
Cool White Florescent - 4350k +46
Warm White Florescent - 3600k +41
Tungsten - 2800k Tint +12
Flash - 5900k Tint +23
CTE - 4950k Tint +23

The temperatures average out to 5160k (minus the tint variations). I may try shooting at this setting for a while and see what results I get.

(5180 minus CTE setting)

Any feedback would be appreciated!

Thanks!!!

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Last edited by ChuckB28; 10-01-2013 at 08:55 AM. Reason: addition

[carrrlangas]

There´s something called "UniWB", it is a white balance value that best represents the response of your sensor. To set it, just shoot an overexposed image so all 3 channels are cliped(lens out of focus, f/16, 3 seg exposure for example) and then use that image to set white balance. Now go to Custom Image, select "Natural" and lower the contrast to minimum.
Now the histogram is as truthful as possible (still some room on the right even if it shows clipped).

Now I re-read your post and I am not sure this is what you wanted. If you just want not to care about white balance, just use AWB... you can even fine tune it and save the WB so that it ermembers it after you turn off the camera.
The UniWB is useful if you shoot RAW and want to rely on the histogram.

[ChuckB28]

I found it odd that the general belief for sunlight is 5500/5600k but the K5IIs daylight setting is 5000K.

I have a shoot with a girl tomorrow. I think I'm going to try setting the camera at 5600k with my speedlights and see what happens. I'll post some results as soon as I have a chance to go through them.

Thx!

[Brazeal]

Yeah, I've noticed a big difference in the WB set on my K-5 compared to what LR shows. When I set my WB to 5600K to match my Einstein 640 strobes, which are supposed to have very consistent color, the color temps jump to 6100 in Light Room. It's not really a big deal in Light Room as you can just correct the WB on one photo and then copy/paste the settings to all of the other photos from that session. It did have me scratching my head when I first noticed the variation.

You could use a gray card or passport colorchecker if you really need to get close to the true color temp. Most of the time, I end up adjusting the WB anyway...
Shoot in RAW at 5600K and adjust to taste.

[ChuckB28]

Interesting. Thanks!!

Had to postpone my shoot. Was sick as a dog.

[falconeye]

I have a shoot with a girl tomorrow.

Then please, show her you know your stuff.

Take out a gray card and shoot the first image with the girl holding the card, in the typical lighting of your setup. If setup changes, repeat. You can calibrate camera WB to the gray card using the WB menues, or do it later in post processing (even if you shoot JPG, but RAW then would be highly recommended).

Gray cards are carried in every photo store.

[ChuckB28]

I did photos Sunday night. They came out good. I'm working 12's this week so I will post asap.

Yeah I seriously need to learn how to use a grey card.

Thx guys!!

[kkoether]

Grey cards are SUPER simple to use. It takes all of 30 seconds to set the WB using a grey card with my K200D. My colors are much truer these days because of it.

[Digitalis]

Then please, show her you know your stuff. Take out a gray card and shoot the first image with the girl holding the card, in the typical lighting of your setup. If setup changes, repeat. You can calibrate camera WB to the gray card using the WB menues, or do it later in post processing (even if you shoot JPG, but RAW then would be highly recommended). Gray cards are carried in every photo store.

I couldn't agree more, I also have a 18% grey lens cleaning cloth that is very useful for this purpose - these days there really isn't any excuse to be without a grey point reference.

[ChuckB28]

Here are two from Sunday night...

I shot these at 5900K +3 to the amber...