Understanding White Balance
This feature allows you to “match” the type of light in your shot so that the images produces a “correct” white reading.
In order to understand this better, a basic knowledge of color temperature, which is measure in units called degrees kelvin is required. Every type of light produces a different color temperature or Kelvin reading. Thus, the camera attempts to provide settings for a variety of Kelvin temperatures.
Digital cameras have a built in AWB setting that automatically reads the subject and attempts to provide a correct color reading for “white”. This feature works well most of the time, but there are some subjects or lighting situations that will require more specific readings. For this reason, many cameras offer a variety of White Balance settings as well as a Custom setting. Some common settings are:
Tungsten: 3200 Kelvin
Sunny/Daylight: 5500 Kelvin
Cloudy/Daylight: 8000-9000 Kelvin
Below are examples of a subject shot at a variety of WB settings:
In order to understand this better, a basic knowledge of color temperature, which is measure in units called degrees kelvin is required. Every type of light produces a different color temperature or Kelvin reading. Thus, the camera attempts to provide settings for a variety of Kelvin temperatures.
Digital cameras have a built in AWB setting that automatically reads the subject and attempts to provide a correct color reading for “white”. This feature works well most of the time, but there are some subjects or lighting situations that will require more specific readings. For this reason, many cameras offer a variety of White Balance settings as well as a Custom setting. Some common settings are:
Tungsten: 3200 Kelvin
Sunny/Daylight: 5500 Kelvin
Cloudy/Daylight: 8000-9000 Kelvin
Below are examples of a subject shot at a variety of WB settings:
Below is a simple video illustrating where the WB feature might be found in digital cameras, and how it works:
The most exact way to read the white balance of your subject is to use the “Custom” white balance feature of your SLR. Most DSLR’s offer this Custom feature. For the most part, you simply fill the viewfinder with a white object and take a picture. Then you will import this reading into your camera. Make sure you read your camera manual in order to properly use your camera CWB setting.