18% Gray Card needed

rickp

Ok, I'm in need for a gray card. As I started my search I came across a lot of different kinds of gray cards. 8x10 cards, small 3x5 on a lanyard, collapsible cards etc etc....

At B&H, I found an 18" card that collapses like a reflector. I though that was pretty handy. So my question is what's the preferred type to have have? Are the cards on a lanyard handy to have. Is a certain size preferred for ease of shooting?

Thanks
R.

ziggy53

How will you be using the gray card? (There are several uses possible.)

rickp

You're the second person to ask me that.

I'm just learning how to incorporate these cards into my photography so I don't really know to be candid.

What is the difference? I took a workshop were we used one but I don't remember talking about the difference. If I remember right we used it for proper WB.

With that said though, I'd like to get something that covers both WB and exposure.

R.

insanefred

rickp wrote: »

You're the second person to ask me that.

I'm just learning how to incorporate these cards into my photography so I don't really know to be candid.

What is the difference? I took a workshop were we used one but I don't remember talking about the difference. If I remember right we used it for proper WB.

With that said though, I'd like to get something that covers both WB and exposure.

R.

In my personal experience, when you get a gray card for WB you want a better quality (non fading/stain resistant and more consistent texture). And sometimes a lighter gray works better for WB too.

rickp

thanks for the info.

ziggy53

rickp wrote: »

You're the second person to ask me that.

I'm just learning how to incorporate these cards into my photography so I don't really know to be candid.

What is the difference? I took a workshop were we used one but I don't remember talking about the difference. If I remember right we used it for proper WB.

With that said though, I'd like to get something that covers both WB and exposure.

R.

I suggest buying something that has at least 3 zones, black, grey and white. That way you can use the card for both WB and exposure. Check out the following thread and follow all links for a better understanding of "why":

http://dgrin.com/showthread.php?p=1573630#post1573630

rickp

thank you ziggy.

MDalby

I am also just getting this process together. I haven't purchased my card yet but I have had my eye on the PhotoVision Calibration Target. I guess the advantage to having a larger target is we have to Zoom in close enough, or stand close enough, to fill the frame with the target. Depending on your use, the target may need to be larger.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/429983-REG/Photovision_DT24011_24_One_Shot_Digital.html

MD

rickp

I think I'm going with the Lastolite EzyBalance grey card but my questions is should I go with the 12" or the 20"? Do I need to fill the frame when taking the image to come up with a custom WB?

Thanks
R.

Icebear

I have the 12" Lastolite card and the 34" Photovision Digital Calibration Target. There's no comparison in utility. The Photovision product is far more versatile and useful. The ONLY advantages to the Lastolite product are price and size, where smallness is important. If I were only allowed to have one, it would be the Digital Calibration Target. Easy choice.

Icebear

rickp wrote: »

I think I'm going with the Lastolite EzyBalance grey card but my questions is should I go with the 12" or the 20"? Do I need to fill the frame when taking the image to come up with a custom WB?

Thanks
R.

If you're just shooting a reference shot with a grey card in it to use in post processing, you don't need to fill the frame. To do a custom WB setting in your camera, YES you do need to fill the frame.

rickp

I need one more piece of advice.
Now I'm thinking of getting the photovision 24" one shot digital target. Each color is about 7" to 7.5". that should be wide enough to get a custom WB right? That's my only concern that it might not be big enough and that I'll have to get too close to fill the frame for WB, or another reason I'm not thinking about. I know it doesn't have to be in focus, but still, I just want to make sure and hear it from people that know a lot more about this than me.

The other reason I like it is because I have the 3 tonal ranges to get good color in PP. Here is the link to the item http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/429983-REG/Photovision_DT24011_24_One_Shot_Digital.html

Icebear

You shoot the whole target. If you can fill the frame, so much the better, but you do NOT want to shoot only one "bar." Shoot the whole target. Focus in unimportant, but just to keep the camera from "hunting" they print a focus target in the middle.

Just buy the damn thing. The instructional video DVD they include with it will tell you more than you ever might think to ask. It's really good. Oh, and lucky you, the video uses a Canon for all their instruction, so you won't have to translate into Nikonese.

rickp

!!! ok I guess I'm good to go. !!!

R,