Light Sources and Their Color Temperature – How to Get Better Colors on your camera

According to Wikipedia.. Color temperature is a characteristic of visible light that has important applications in photography, videography, publishing and other fields. The color temperature of a light source is determined by comparing its chromaticity with a theoretical, heated black-body radiator. The temperature (usually measured in kelvin (K)) at which the heated black-body radiator matches the color of the light source is that source’s color temperature;

“The Kelvin Scale (K) can be used to define a relationship between the heat property of the light and the color. The lower the Kelvin temperature, the warmer (red/long wavelength) the light, while the higher the number, the cooler (blue/short wavelength) the light.” – Camera 101 -White Balancing

Here is a list of Light Sources and their Color Temperature.

1700 K Match flame

1850 K Candle flame

2800–3300 K Incandescent light bulb (75w, 100w, 200w)

3200 K 500 watt tungsten lamp

3350 K Studio “CP” light

3400 K Studio lamps, photofloods, 500 watt photolamp

4100 K Moonlight, xenon arc lamp

5000- 5400 K Horizon daylight

5500 K Photographic Daylight

5500–6000 K Typical daylight, electronic flash

6500 K Daylight, overcast

9300 K CRT screen

Why is this scale useful? It will help you keep your whites whiter and that is important in any shoot.. if you see the color cast on the photo, you can easily compensate by adjusting the Kelvin scale to increase or decrease the color temperature depending on your requirement.

Is AUTO White Balance fool proof? I am afraid not.. in certain mixed lighting conditions, the mix of light may be too bluish or orangish.. depending on which is the more dominant light source. You will have to adjust the kelvin scale on your camera to get a good balance between light sources. a shorcut would be to do a custom white balance against a white surface or a gray card or even use a EXPODISC (sample shots here).

Are their other uses of Color Temperature? Yes.. you can do creative photography by using color balance to change the mood of the photo to make it warmer.. or cooler depending on what you want to convey to your viewers. You can actually cool down a sunset by changing the white balance.. try it..from warm sunny skies you will get a cold blue sky..

Here are 3 photos using Different White Balance Settings.

using the EXPODSIC

Using Auto white balance

Using Incandescent White Balance.

For record purposes i submitted the first photo to get the proper colors.. but the last one has more mood into it and made it look more warm and cozy… which one do you prefer?

Nikon releases AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR

Nikon releases AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR   

Compact 3x zoom DX-NIKKOR lens with SWM and VR function

Tokyo – Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the introduction of the AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR, a new DX-NIKKOR zoom lens with built-in Silent Wave Motor and Vibration Reduction. This compact, lightweight and affordable 3x zoom NIKKOR lens offers remarkable versatility and covers the essential focal range of 18 to 55mm. When mounted on any DX-format Nikon digital SLR camera, the picture angle is equivalent to that produced by a 27 to 82.5mm focal length lens on a 35mm-format film camera or Nikon FX-format camera.

Nikon’s VR (Vibration Reduction) system minimizes the image blur caused by camera shake, providing the ability to shoot at shutter speeds up to three stops slower than would otherwise be possible.* Nikon VR technology enables dramatically sharper handheld shooting at dusk or at night, or even in poorly lit interiors. Another major advantage of Nikon’s VR function is that it produces a stable viewfinder image. This makes the process of framing and composition much more comfortable and accurate. *As determined in Nikon performance tests

To deliver superior optical performance, Nikon set even stricter engineering standards for this new lens, and has achieved greater overall resolution. The newly developed optical system, optimized for use with Nikon DX-format digital SLR cameras, incorporates a hybrid aspherical lens element that minimizes image-degrading distortion. Nikon’s Super Integrated Coating ensures outstanding color balance and reproduction while greatly reducing ghosting and flare.

An ultra-compact Silent Wave Motor (SWM) built into the lens body ensures fast, quiet autofocus operation. The seven-blade rounded diaphragm opening imparts a rich, natural look to out-of-focus elements. Furthermore, it boasts a short closest focus distance of 0.28 m/0.9 ft. throughout the entire zoom range.

With compact dimensions of Ø73 x 79.5 mm/Ø2.9 x 3.1 in. and a low weight of approx. 265 g/9.3 oz., this new lens is easy to handle and carry.

The AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR is a significant addition to the DX-NIKKOR lens lineup, offering digital photographers enhanced flexibility for a wide range of applications.

  Note: DX-NIKKOR lenses are engineered and optimized for use on Nikon DX-format and FX-format digital SLR cameras. When mounted on an FX-format digital SLR, the camera’s DX-Crop Mode is automatically engaged, altering the image capture area accordingly. DX-NIKKOR lenses are not compatible with 35mm [135] or IX240 [APS] format film cameras.Specifications, design, standard accessories, and release schedule may differ by country or area.

 AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR Major Features 3x zoom lens covering the most frequently used focal range of 18 to 55mm (picture angle is equivalent to focal length from 27 to 82.5mm in Nikon FX or 35mm format) Vibration Reduction enables sharper pictures while shooting at shutter speeds up to three stops slower than would otherwise be possible Optical design optimized for use with Nikon digital SLRs for superior performance Hybrid aspherical lens element minimizes lens aberration High-performance Nikon Super Integrated Coating offers superior color reproduction, while substantially reducing ghosting and flare Nikon’s exclusive Silent Wave Motor ensures fast, quiet autofocus operation Rounded seven-blade diaphragm opening makes out-of-focus elements appear more natural 0.28 m/0.9 ft. closest-focusing distance throughout the entire zoom range Accepts 52 mm filter attachments Ergonomic lens barrel features rugged construction with a comfortable fit; separate zoom and focus rings provide the accuracy professionals expect

AF-S DX-NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR Specifications Focal length 18-55 mm Maximum aperture f/3.5-5.6 Minimum aperture f/22-36 Lens construction 11 elements in 8 groups (with one aspherical lens element) Picture angle 76° – 28°50’ Closest focus distance 0.28 m/0.9 ft. (throughout the entire zoom range) Maximum reproduction ratio 0.31x No. of diaphragm blades 7 (rounded) Focusing Autofocus with built-in SWM and manual focus Diameter x length (extension from lens mount) Approx. 73 x 79.5 mm/2.9 x 3.1 in. Weight Approx. 265 g/9.3 oz. Supplied accessories 52 mm snap-on front lens cap LC-52 Optional accessories 52 mm screw-in filters, Rear lens cap LF-1, Flexible lens pouch CL-0815, Lens hood HB-45     Specifications and equipment are subject to change without any notice or obligation on the part of the manufacturer. November 2007©2007 Nikon Corporation

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