and what is GIGO?
Garbage in, Garbage out.
Now if you want to cut your time in post? Yep, start off with the good looking files.

Datacolor known for tools that guarantee proper color with their color calibration devices, just introduced this new light meter, or as they call it the Lightcolor meter.

What does it do? It reads the light for a proper exposure AND reads the color for stills and video in soooo many ways.

Sure, if you are using a set of studio lights, this device will get you the right exposure/color reading.
F/stop/shutter speed, ISO for your continuous light, or even more importantly, flash. Remember, just get out of auto mode!!

Below is your basic screen from the bluetooth connected app. Tap that IRIS icon on the screen and you’ll get your reading. Of course you can click on any of the 3 main choices to adjust depending on your desired result.

But wait, you get more.
You get an accurate color reading, so you can set your camera WB reading correctly.
OK, for instance:
Speedlight, or flash makers, like to tell you what color the light is coming out from your flash. Not always accurate, so you end up spending your time in post correcting the color.

Once I determined the ACTUAL color temp of the flash , I just make a custom setting on my cameras, so all of my photos will be the right temp, straight out of the camera.

That’s how it can speed up the post process. When you are editing an event, whether it’s a wedding, parade, studio shoot, etc.
On a red carpet you want to know what your flash color is so when you have to post super fast, your files look great.
By the way, here is a sidebar tip on doing that:
Get a card reader that plugs into your phone. I use the Apple specific so I know it’s compatible.
Plug in your SD card, and import into your fave editing software. Even Photos on the iPhone will work! Edit, and export!
I have posted images after the step and repeat, before the screening started.

Now this is also perfect for video, and you can discover what gel you made need to balance the light. They have charts for Rosco and Lee, 2 of the main companies making gels.

Once you read the light, it tell you what gels may be needed for get you to your preferred look.
Some other Cine Settings: Frame Rate, Shutter Angle/Speed & ND Filter Compensation.
It’s a lot of info you can use!

Sure, you may want a “look” and sometimes it is best to just shoot Pro-Res and do the color correction in the editing process. This meter will let you know what you are working with.
Sometimes, I’m posting fast and relying on a custom setting, just ensures my output is already in a good place .

To go even further, I also incorporate a color chart, so I have the best base to work with.

This LightColor can be attached via a mag or tension clip, or a 1/4-20 to add to a light stand, or even a Gorillapod in tough locations.

This unit runs on 2 AA batteries, and comes in its own little case, that also holds the included mag/clip attachments.

I’m a fan of Datacolor and use their tools all the time.
The color chart is a perfect portable tool, and the Spyder Pro is how I calibrate my monitors to make sure the colors I see on the the screen is what I’m exported.
Having published a book last year, this was critical.

Full disclosure, Datacolor sent me the LightColor meter, first to review and then to make a social video post.
It was an easy call, as I’m already using all of their products.

Here is a comparison shot with my Minolta lightmeter from over 20 years ago.This new unit is small, has color temp measurement, and a whole range of video exposure measuring tools This may be more of a pro piece of gear, but if you are serious about your work, you need this unit, and the other items in their lineup.

Sure, there is a TikTok and IG reel on this unit.

You can see on IG @photoinduced and TikTok @curioustourist