This is because we perceive color temperature logarithmically. Below 6000K the steps are 20K, but above 6000K the steps become larger and larger. When manually setting a new Color Temp value in the A and B switch positions, you will find that the size of the Color Temp steps becomes larger when you go above 6000K. The white balance and tint can be adjusted in the main camera menu under “Shooting – White – Color Temp and Tint ” etc. The W:A or W:B value will be highlighted and you can then use the multi function dial to change the white balance. Simply place the switch in either the A or B position and then briefly press the WHT BAL button.
In addition to using the WB SET function you can also manually dial in the white balance and tint that you desire for both the A and B switch positions. Due to small calibration differences between cameras the same numerical value may result in very slightly different results in different cameras. Note: while a guide white balance value is shown, I do not recommend copying this value manually to another camera. Image Above: Auto White Balance is correctly detected and the color temperature indicated Image above: Auto White Balance (WB-Set) executing The detected WB color temperature will be indicated in the viewfinder as well as in the menu. When setting the white balance this way, both the white balance and tint will be adjusted to achieve a neutral white balance. If you press and hold the WHT BAL function button on the side of the camera you can choose between ATW, the previously set preset, as well as a further 4 presets using the multi function dial or thumbstick on the hand grip.
The preset white balance value can be changed in the menu under “Shooting – White – Preset White.” To change the preset color temperature without going into the menu, while the white balance switch is set to the preset position, simply briefly pressing the WHT BAL button will quickly dial in a preset color temperature from 2000K to 15000K. When the three-way white balance switch is set to the PRESET position the camera will use a preset white balance. It’s a very powerful and flexible system. In addition, you can set up offsets to the white balance. You can use presets, dial in your own white balance and tint, use “WB Set” (push auto) to white balance with a white card, or set the camera to continuously check and adjust the white balance via ATW. There are many ways to set the white balance. Image above: Tint set to +99, image is tinted warm and less green A positive tint value will make the images warmer with less green while a negative value will make the images cooler with more green. Previous generations of cameras were limited to 3 preset white balance settings, but that restriction is not present in the FX9 and FX6.Īnother change is the addition of an independent tint control. One of the key changes introduced is the ability to change the color temperature to whatever you want in the dedicated S-Log3 shooting mode called CineEI. The FX9 and FX6 camcorders introduced some improvements and changes to the included white balance functions compared to previous generations of similar camcorders.
To learn more about Alister Chapman, visit his website: .Īlister’s recent article Painting the FX6’s Output in Custom Mode Using LUTs Alister Chapman is a DP, editor, producer, educator, and is very well versed in technology and all things camera and video related.