Expodisc question

[kwang0429]

So I just got an expodisc, I don't know if I am not using it right or this is how it suppose to be....call me dumb....but does expodisc suppose to get rid of all the warm lights and turn them into cold lights? I thought expodisc is gonna give you a better white balance according to the real situation, didn't know it turned everything to look "so cold" and white.

any help would be appreciated, thanks.

[PhotosGuy]

You've just seen that the "correct" WB isn't always the "right" WB for the pic you took! For instance, if you're shooting a sunset, try daylight WB to get the warm colors. Look at this & decide what's the right WB:

[Jon]

An Expodisc is used in setting a custom white balance so that what's white will appear a pure white, no matter what the current lighting conditions are. Similarly, other colours should appear correct under the Custom White Balance you set this way. Custom White Balance is used when you don't want the light affecting colour rendition. If you want to keep the warm feel you get with tungsten lights, you should use some other adjustment than CWB.

[timmyquest]

Meh...shoot RAW :)

[snibbetsj]

If you use a slightly blue tinted card instead of a pure white one it will "warm" up your photos. Alternatively, use the "white" custom white balance, shoot RAW and turn up the color temperature a few hundred degrees in post and you'll get the same effect.

[pierrot]

does expodisc suppose to get rid of all the warm lights and turn them into cold lights? I thought expodisc is gonna give you a better white balance according to the real situation, didn't know it turned everything to look "so cold" and white.
How do you use it?

[kwang0429]

How do you use it?

stand in the target position and put expodisc on and point at my light source and take a pic to set as custome WB

[kwang0429]

You've just seen that the "correct" WB isn't always the "right" WB for the pic you took! For instance, if you're shooting a sunset, try daylight WB to get the warm colors. Look at this & decide what's the right WB:

thanks for your info, this totally helps, now what kind of condition would you be using expodisk for custome WB? like for a wedding dress.. in the studio...etc?

[Jon]

Any time you want the colours to appear correct. For a white wedding dress would be one case. If you're doing any kind of product shot, the colour's probably important (John Deere wouldn't appreciate their tractor turning out turquoise or muddy brown!). If you're not trying for an atmospheric picture (fire/candle light, cool mist, etc.).

[R1 Kid]

stand in the target position and put expodisc on and point at my light source and take a pic to set as custome WB

There are two basic viewpoints as described in this great explaination of an Expodisc (http://www.digitalfocus.net/sections/reviews/ColorManagement/Expodisc/Expodisc_1.htm). Kwang touched on one and the other says point it at your target for when you have a mix of light sources. There is a GREAT trick on page 2 that tells you how to compensate for any differences in your camera from the results you get.

[PhotosGuy]

Personally, I'd rather spend my $50 on M&M's! ;-)
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=58677

[kwang0429]

Thanks for the great explanation guys :) truely appreciate all your helps :)

[Jonny]

Forgive me, but, why would you go and buy some so expensive when you dont really understand its uses?

[k2kv]

Sometimes, Jonny, we like to spend money on things we hope to learn more about, or which have simply piqued our curiosity. Once we get them in our hands, we explore, and try to learn more about them. Makes perfect sense to me.

Gee, imagine if we only bought/approached things we already knew about - - how dull life would be...

Good shooting,

Jeff
http://pbase.com/k2kv

[KennyG]

Just to add to the thread. You can even use an Expodisc if you shoot RAW by taking one frame with it as a reference, then use it when doing the conversions. One thing about the Expodisc is its certified accuracy and the ability to use it in all conditions, including rain.

I suppose it comes down to how accurate or important the correct white balance is to you.

[kwang0429]

Sometimes, Jonny, we like to spend money on things we hope to learn more about, or which have simply piqued our curiosity. Once we get them in our hands, we explore, and try to learn more about them. Makes perfect sense to me.

Gee, imagine if we only bought/approached things we already knew about - - how dull life would be...

Good shooting,

Jeff
http://pbase.com/k2kv

yeah, I bought a 20D without knowing it much, but now I know way more of this camera than when I bought it before :)