Calibrite
Calibrite ColorChecker Classic XL Configurable Carrying Case
Regular price $459.00Unit price
$10.00 offCalibrite
Calibrite ColorChecker Passport Photo 2
Sale price $119.00 Regular price $129.00Unit priceCalibrite
Calibrite Colorchecker Passport Video 2
Sale price $139.00 Regular price $149.00Unit price
$10.00 offCalibrite
Calibrite ColorChecker Target Holder MINI to Standard Size (CCTHLD)
Sale price $29.99 Regular price $39.99Unit price
Calibrite
Calibrite ColorChecker Video XL with Configurable Carrying Case
Regular price $499.00Unit price
$10.00 off
$10.00 off
$20.00 offCalibrite
Calibrite Grafilite for Print Viewing and Evaluation (CALB151)
Sale price $119.00 Regular price $139.00Unit price
Color Calibration Tools for Photography & Video
Consistent, accurate color is the foundation of professional imaging. Impulse Camera Store carries color calibration targets, color checker cards, monitor calibration devices, gray cards, and color reference tools from X-Rite, Calibrite, DataColor, and other trusted manufacturers. Whether you're standardizing your portrait workflow with a color checker passport, calibrating a video monitor for critical grading work, or setting a reliable custom white balance in the field, color calibration tools save time in post and deliver results that hold up across screens, printers, and client deliverables.
Buying Guide: Color Calibration for Photographers & Videographers
Color Checker Cards & Targets
The X-Rite ColorChecker Passport and Classic are the industry standard for creating custom camera profiles and verifying color accuracy. Photograph the target in your shooting environment, then use the included software to build a DNG or ICC profile that maps your camera's raw output to accurate, repeatable color. This is essential for commercial product photography, portrait consistency, and any workflow where multiple cameras need to match.
Gray Cards
An 18% neutral gray card is the quickest tool for setting a custom white balance in any lighting condition. Place the card in frame, meter from it, and shoot — your camera's custom white balance is now locked to the actual light hitting your subject. Available in plastic, foam, and tri-fold paper formats. Some photographers prefer a dual-tone card (white on one side, gray on the other) for both exposure and white balance work in a single card.
Monitor Calibration Devices
A colorimeter (like the Calibrite ColorChecker Display or Datacolor Spyder) measures your monitor's output and builds a display profile that corrects color and tone rendering. Without calibration, monitors drift over time — what looks neutral to you may appear warm, cool, or shifted on a calibrated display. Monthly or quarterly calibration is recommended for any monitor used for critical retouching or color grading.
Video Monitor Calibration
Professional video monitors used for on-set monitoring and grading require calibration against broadcast standards (Rec.709, DCI-P3, Rec.2020). Many professional monitors include built-in calibration routines that work with external probes. This level of precision ensures your on-set monitoring matches your post-production deliverable.
What is the X-Rite ColorChecker Passport used for?
The ColorChecker Passport is used to build custom camera profiles that map your specific camera body's raw output to accurate, neutral color. You photograph it in your shooting environment and process it with Lightroom or standalone software to create a DNG profile. This standardizes color across different cameras, lenses, and lighting conditions — essential for commercial and product work.
How often should I calibrate my monitor?
For critical color work (retouching, color grading, print preparation), calibrate monthly. For general photography review on a consumer display, every 3 months is common. Display backlights drift with heat and age — a monitor that looked accurate 6 months ago may have shifted noticeably in gamma and color temperature.
Can I set a custom white balance with a gray card in video mode?
Yes, most cameras allow you to set a custom white balance from a gray card in both photo and video modes. Some video cameras accept a direct white balance from live view by pointing at a gray card. Check your camera's manual for the specific procedure — it varies by brand and model.
What is the difference between a colorimeter and a spectrophotometer?
A colorimeter measures RGB light values using filtered sensors and is sufficient for calibrating display monitors — it's affordable and fast. A spectrophotometer measures the full light spectrum and is required for profiling printers and some specialized display types. For display calibration, a colorimeter is the practical choice for most photographers.
Do I need color calibration if I shoot JPEG?
Less so than with raw, but still beneficial. JPEG files are processed in-camera, so your camera's color profile is baked in. Setting a custom white balance with a gray card still helps accuracy. If you need color consistency across multiple camera bodies, shooting raw with camera profiles is far more controllable than JPEG workflows.
Visit Us in Milwaukee — Impulse Camera Store carries color calibration tools for photographers and video professionals in the Milwaukee area. Stop in or email sales@impulsemke.com for help selecting the right color management tools for your workflow.
