Does this actually work? re:ExpoDisc Digital White Balance Filter

[Matt57]

So, I found this while I was just wondering around on a camera store website. If this works as it claims to, it would be a lifesaver for me as I constantly worry about having correct WB.

Thanks for some input here guys and gals. :lol:

http://www.ritzcamera.com/product/242041861.htm

[Andrushka]

if you are so worried about WB - why dont you just shoot in RAW? that way if you were off in your selection or the AWB didn't cut it - then you can adjust, no harm no foul... as for that gadget you refer to, i have only seen it in the catalogs and have never seen anyone actually use one...

[Matt57]

if you are so worried about WB - why dont you just shoot in RAW? that way if you were off in your selection or the AWB didn't cut it - then you can adjust, no harm no foul... as for that gadget you refer to, i have only seen it in the catalogs and have never seen anyone actually use one...


I just ventured over to flickr and its getting rave reviews there. I do shoot in RAW but I never feel very confident about the correct WB temperature. I always second guess my adjustments. This, it sounds like, would take alot of guess work out of the equation if it works as its claimed to.

[Hermeto]

I got myself a cheap, Chinese one, just the other day.
I tried it couple of times and it seems to work fine..

http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=320169589413&ssPageName=ADME:B:EOIBSA:CA:12

[Matt57]

I got myself a cheap, Chinese one, just the other day.
I tried it couple of times and it seems to work fine..

http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=320169589413&ssPageName=ADME:B:EOIBSA:CA:12



Holy jeez, that is cheap. Doesnt really look the same but as long as it works!

[Hermeto]

Yep, it looks cheap and it feels cheap, and it’s clumsy to fit on the lens – but it does the job!
Didn’t use it much ‘though, just for couple of test shots.

[Jon]

I wouldn't trust it as much as a grey card in mixed light situations.

[Zivnuska]

I wouldn't trust it as much as a grey card in mixed light situations.

Do you have any evidence for your opinion? IE--have you compared the results of grey card and expodisc in mixed light situations? Where have you used the expodisc?

[JWright]

if you are so worried about WB - why dont you just shoot in RAW? that way if you were off in your selection or the AWB didn't cut it - then you can adjust, no harm no foul... as for that gadget you refer to, i have only seen it in the catalogs and have never seen anyone actually use one...

I shoot this way all the time and I'm perfectly satisfied with my results. In my opinion, the expodisc is a gimmick. If I need to set a custom White Balance I can get the same results using a $5 gray card or even a couple of coffee filters.

If you feel you have to get it, don't buy it from Ritz. B&H sells them for $20.00 less...

[John E]

I have the expodisc and have found that it works great when you don't use flash - that's because you have to point the lens back at the main light source to get the custom white balance. This is a little known issue that might affect the buying decision for some. To me, auto white balance works pretty good in non-flash situations anyway, like in daylight, where you mainly need it for fill. Where I really need expodisc is in mixed lighting with flash, and then you can't really use it. I've found that's its easier to correct white balance in post-processing.

[Jon]

Do you have any evidence for your opinion? IE--have you compared the results of grey card and expodisc in mixed light situations? Where have you used the expodisc?

I have the expodisc and have found that it works great when you don't use flash - that's because you have to point the lens back at the main light source to get the custom white balance. This is a little known issue that might affect the buying decision for some. To me, auto white balance works pretty good in non-flash situations anyway, like in daylight, where you mainly need it for fill. Where I really need expodisc is in mixed lighting with flash, and then you can't really use it. I've found that's its easier to correct white balance in post-processing.
Since you need to point it at the light source, if you hve mixed lighting, you'd have to have all your different light sources within the camera's FoV when you took an ExpoDisc shot. This is usually not going to happen, as John E notes. I've also worked in gyms where the overhead lights are a variety of gas-discharge (mercury, high-pressure sodium) lights. A reflected reading here is better than an incident reading of one or two of the lights, especially with reflected light coming off the highly-polished floor.

[Woolburr]

The ExpoDisc is a cute gimmick that works fairly well in simple lighting scenarios. The situations where an ExpoDisc works best are the same situations where just leaving the camera in AWB will have the same net result. I gave mine away, as it really isn't all that useful. I have several 18% gray microfiber cloths that are in my vest or one of the bags I am carrying. They seem much more accurate to my eye....And they fill more than one role.

[Bill Roberts]

I'm sure it does work, but I too prefer a grey card. Check out whiBal, a bit pricey for what it is but it works well.