How to White Balance and Set Exposure for $10 - Gray (Grey) Card

[@KPGuitarStudios]

One cool little plus to the $10 grey card for us Panasonic users is: focus target :) Literally set up a cheap little tripod where your head would be, put the grey card up where your head would be, dial in your manual focus (because of course autofocus is pointless) and bam! Perfect manual focus every time. Too bad I don't listen to my own advice? Haha

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

I do that exact thing - ha. I should have included it!!

[@KPGuitarStudios]

@@MarkBennettCameraCrisis You mean you skipped something? You got distracted and off track? Haha NEVER!

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

@@KPGuitarStudios I stopped reading this sentence halfway though

[@KPGuitarStudios]

@@MarkBennettCameraCrisis What? Were you talking to me? Oh that's right I was talking about the giant number 2 haha

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

@@KPGuitarStudios haha 😂

[@hearts4tv670]

" leave me alonestop judging" ! big mood and good tips on WB/ exposure

[@ggsotra2]

This is good content. Keeping it simple for us simple folks. Not trying to sell something overly expensive.

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

So nice when something useful is so cheap

[@societyofanaesthesiaradiol8616]

I think this must be the best explanation of this topic that I've ever come across!

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

thanks!!

[@DarranRobertson]

I recently bought a LUMIX G7, and I’m a complete beginner so these videos are extremely helpful. I want to use my camera in manual, and I think I’m starting to get the hang of it (famous last words). Anyway my grey card is being delivered today, and I can’t wait to get into using it. Thanks 🙏🙌

[@Brantendo64]

Learning to use your camera with all manual settings is a GREAT goal and VERY doable. Just a matter of getting used to the steps when you film (it becomes automatic after a few goes). The G7 is also a fantastic choice. It was my first camera as well.

[@quirkworks4076]

High-tech meets blue-collar practical. You just rock, man.

[@michellavat]

you are by far the most sympatic dude doing Videos about doing Videos 😄

[@jluisFX]

This video blew my mind, it is incredibly the best video I've watched on KZbin about this topic. Thank you very much. Watching your videos straight from Brazil.

[@sanjaysharma3364]

Simple approach to a complicated issue , love it :))

[@ElBoyoElectronico]

I use my color chart all the time. Not for white balance or exposure, but I really need (!) it for getting rid of any color cast. Every camera (I use 7 cameras for my KZbin setup) has a different way of reproducing color and this tool really helps to get more even colors across different cameras. For example my Canon R6 has a slight yellow/red tint, while my Sony has a magenta/green tint. The colorchecker when used with DaVinci Resolve can get rid of that in post very easily.

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

Yes, definitely needed for multiple camera brands!! I use Color finale in final cut (which costs money) because it has the Color chart, but DaVinci has it there for free - giving yet another reason DaVinci is the best to color grade with. I wish I had learned it - I’ll sit down an learn it soon because I want to switch to it eventually.

[@GadgetsGearCoffee]

that's wild to me that you can use the grey card for white balance, such a simple fast cheap tool I need to grab myself one

[@jwest9155]

Came for the content, stayed for the personality

[@phrasalsyntax]

Nice educational video but you forgot to mention why a grey card can be used to white balance. The reason is that a grey card or a white card are the same color to the camera (absence of any color tint). You can consider grey as 'dark white' or white as 'light grey'. So it is very much the same and you can take a white-balance measurement from any shade of white as long as it reflects light uniformly.

[@fotosvond_]

I bought a 6€ trio, there is a white, grey and black card bound to one set. Does the same thing and is very small to always carry it with you in case you need it. =)

[@GuitarNTabs]

You're amazing, man! Thank you for this! As with all things, it can be a jungle to find the right tools, etc. because there are so many different products and options available - and price-points too... This is fantastic, and to me I see no real difference - atleast not one that would make me choose the more expensive one over the 10$ grey card. Keep up the excellent content. Now, go get yourself a beer, you earned one! Cheers from Denmark.

[@PhillyFixed]

Very straightforward explanation for a n00b like myself, thanks! 👍

[@mohsenghorbanpoor3565]

Thanks, Mark. Always fun and informative!

[@bobbrown8615]

Dude, I've seen a million YT vids, first time seeing you, but people 'like' you and me trying to do some cool stuff. I'm still grinning after the laughter. Well done, be great to have a beer sometime with you.

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

Thanks, man!!

[@TravisVarga]

*was searching like a mad-man if you can 'hang' this, and I see you are doing that with the loop. THANK YOU! White balancing with computer paper no more!

[@QEngineering]

Cool video, Always nice to see that I'm not the only one making youtube videos half in the bag. 🍻

[@found.ernest]

This is my favorite channel for camera stuff! Mark you're hilarious and super helpful. Thanks

[@BBQbyBiggs]

Thanks for the great information. I have been struggling with the auto on my videos and your 10.00 fix is in the mail now!

[@FirstinProductions89]

Ending was great. Thanks for this!

[@bianbenn]

This was fantastic and I was just about to purchase that grey card!

[@TexpatOTG]

Simple explanation that works ... any beginner should watch this video .... will share it to my friends that are starting channels. Cheers

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

Thanks, J.R.!!

[@heldermatias8804]

Man I’ve watched a few videos on this topic & this is by far the best one! Thanks for the video! :)

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

Thanks!!

[@JensHeinrichKlavier]

I recently found your channel and I love it so much. Thank you for your amazing work and also for all the fun. You are amazing! Greetings from Germany 😊

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

Thank you so much!!

[@oceansidesounddesign8770]

Brilliant video! You good sir, just saved me a couple hundred dollars and settled a very long internal debate I have been having around purchasing an expensive checker. Appreciate the midnight video. =)

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

Very welcome

[@oceansidesounddesign8770]

@@MarkBennettCameraCrisis - Curious, my grey card just came in and I'm getting different results for the grey vs white sides. Matching exposure prior to setting the balance. Any thoughts?

[@mdturnerinoz]

That Sam Adams looked good!👍🏻👏🏻

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

it really was

[@gedeo]

thanks will try

[@carolinamaristad9369]

Thanks a lot for this!! What about the expodisk? Where can I buy one?

[@Petesmotoadventure]

Once again you have showed me a new trick. I have been messing with getting Dougie and my Nikon D7500 to play nice when it comes to color, just tried this and was amazed. I shoot flat on the Nikon and pp10 like you on Dougie. Seems to do the trick.

[@annehenry3743]

You made laugh whilst learning, good job....😂

[@LelleKidd]

Great beer. Probably the best in USA.

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

I think so

[@xutsider]

So how would you set it for video?

[@ItsWhatIDo]

That looks quite good Mark. Unfortunately it comes in at £21 in the UK. Still not a bad price but shows you how we get conned in the UK

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

😮

[@Nice-music585]

A man of culture drinking that Sam Adams beer

[@PNWMOTION]

I literally subscribed when he pulled out the Sam Adams and said leave me alone.

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

🍺🍺

[@StanleyKC]

Thank you

[@naturallymitch]

Super easy! Super helpful. In the cart!!

[@JackieZCreation]

Thanks, love your Channel, I’m a beginner, your tips are very helpful

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

Great to hear!!

[@theseventh2609]

Thanks

[@kuhajmozajedno]

Great video, you helped alot. One small digression, music in this video is too loud and it draws attention. In all future videos take volume down for 1/3 and it will be perfect ballance. Thank you once again for your help. As a KZbinr myself i strugle to adjust my camera white ballance.

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

yes - this is an old video. Music was way too loud 🤣

[@VankillaVanil]

as always, great video, content and sense of humor 🤗🍻

[@ToyoteroMundial]

Subscribed. Hope to see many more videos on your channel in 2025 and beyond.

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

Thanks!!

[@soocmedia]

Fantashtic video, exactly what I was looking for. Tanks:)

[@klejind]

You sir have earned a sub

[@irvanwiranata6972]

straight to the point! Many thanks mark!!

[@ArcMediaFilms]

Great video man thanks .👍

[@brejon]

Bro is funny and simple 😂🤘🏾

[@kitminlee9169]

nice vid! I think would have been great telling us the K value for each 3 types of white balancing methods you used, rather than using your face to compare, as the differences maybe subtle yet could impact a product shoot.

[@LadanJahanlu]

Hi thanks for your information How can I take this

[@LaserEngraving911]

Thank You!

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

You're welcome!

[@RickMcGovern]

I know you said there isn't really a difference between the grey foldy thing and the the more expensive card that looks more white than grey? But I'm still confused on how you get similarly accurate white balance on both of them if they're two super different colors?

[@Sal4Ro]

Fantastic, thank you for sharing!

[@SokalAgency]

Excellent video about how to color correct using an inexpensive piece of equipment! Just purchased one for our podcasts (we use Panasonic GH5's). Thanks for the explanation.

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

Glad it was helpful!

[@MattFaris]

Nice and simple use of that tool right there Mark! Thanks for the share. Been meaning to get me one of them :-D

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

Yea - they’re really useful. You can also use them to help set manual focus with the little white target in the middle. Another commenter mentioned that. I should have put it in the video!!

[@MattFaris]

@@MarkBennettCameraCrisis - that's another great point. It's like a 3 for the price of 1 product!

[@ambc38vsxn]

I have similar card - it's Fujimi FJDS30

[@Evapors]

i went to film school and we only used a white card. one glossy side and one side with printer paper. Never heard of a grey card until after school.

[@terrygriffin5201]

nice! Question, what is the cheapest and best for color checking for video?

[@ROVideos]

All I need to now is: is the backdrop white or a shade of gray? Please! Thank you!

[@CharlieBianco1]

Hey guy I’m french ! Your vidéo is so interesting and funny !🎉❤

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

Thank you! 😃

[@untraditionalfilms]

Great review!

[@iMasterTeam]

❤❤ Easy Solution for a Really complicated problem , thanks you save me ❤❤❤

[@randyrosca6471]

Killer vid man! Thanks!

[@Jay-Go]

Mark! 😂 I'm still watching videos to learn about cameras. The topic of this one caught my eye, 'cause I've always had a tough time getting my smartphone exposure settings dialed in. Right now, the Sony ZV E10 is the front-runner for my budget. Can this be used with that camera?

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

for sure - I always manually white balance on my zv-e10

[@pixelprovideo3586]

Thanks!

[@JuanDiegoGutierrezvideopro]

Great video. Do you recommend a certain metering mode for this exposure technique to work? Thanks.

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

The metering mode won’t make a difference for white balancing. and the metering mode also shouldn’t affect setting exposure on the grey card because you are setting it to the grey card with the zebras. So, in a nut shell - no specific metering mode 😀

[@amb8405]

this guy rules

[@blaylock1978]

Excellent video. I just purchased that from the link you provided. Thank you. On my camera which is a Z cam, it has two sliders for zebras one that goes from 55 to 100 and the other that goes from 0 to 50. So how do I adjust both of these sliders to get that perfect midpoint that you are referring to. If anyone knows the answer it would be greatly appreciated thank you in advance.

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

set the lower one to 40 and judge middle Frey by that 👍

[@blaylock1978]

@@MarkBennettCameraCrisis OK, so you are saying that I set the lower one to 40, the larger one just keep at 100? And I’m guessing everything will be zebras until I hit the gray card and what I’m trying to do is take it down to where the gray card is right at that level where if I go up or down the zebra will apply or not. If I’m making any sense at all.

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

I don’t have the zcam - but usually when cameras have 2 zebras, tif they can be used simultaneously- they are meant to be used like that. set your grey card to 40 and then setting your highlights to 100 so you know if you’re clipping. middle grey is usually 40 ire unless specified differently from the camera manufacturer

[@blaylock1978]

@@MarkBennettCameraCrisis Thank you. So I’m confused about the 0-55 on the one, would it still be set to 40? Thanks again

[@ej1688]

Do you have to clean the gray card to maintain the 18%? Great video!

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

well you would never clean a colour checker, because the ink is very expensive and will lose its effectiveness. you shouldn’t even touch it with your fingers. But the cheap $10 one in the video is made of a vinyl type material and can be wiped if it gets dirty. But I have never cleaned one because I’ve never had a need.

[@joas162]

Great video! I've seen some examples where the colour checker was used for correction in post; if you color grade, is it therefore good value to buy the expensive one?

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

I use it yes in every video and I think it’s worth it to buy the Xrite Color Checker. I don’t always use it for white balance, but I always use it for colour grading

[@AngryNegativeHistoryProject]

I had arguments with people about which side of the grey/white card to use.

[@SoRareBooks]

Great and fun video. Thanks for posting. Subscribed!

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

Awesome, thank you!!

[@brandoncastillo7973]

Probably a dumb question, but when properly doing your white balance, do you use your ND filter and then do the white balance or white balance first and then add the ND filter? Thank you in advance !

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

put your ND filter on first and then do your white balance.

[@kawai-san]

tip : for sony users they can use their body lens cap to set the white balance... ;)

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

Great in a pinch

[@pbsnoosk13]

Love it! Subscribed!!

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

Thanks!!

[@bastian.koller]

I have made the manual wb on my new SV-E10 as described and it shows me 6700K - in front of a window in the morning and so the footage got a green touch. I wonder if you mentioned this green topic in an other video, I expected something around 5600K ?! 🤓 ❤ your content ✌️

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

If you hold a grey card in mid day sun - it will be around 5500 or 5600. Morning, shade, evening, clouds - will all change it

[@paolajeancatacutan16]

Thank you!!!!

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

You’re welcome!! 👍🏻

[@KenKthulhu]

At 3:49 instead of adjusting the lighting can I change the aperture ? If 200 ISO at f2 can I use a smaller aperture until I hit the zebra threshold?

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

Absolutely.

[@nepalicreator]

Q: Hi Mark, should I do white balance first or zebra exposure with sont zv e10? I heard: match the studio light and white balance first and exposure?!! Thank you.

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

It’s better to set the exposure first because if your exposure is too bright or too dark, the camera can have trouble white balancing.

[@nepalicreator]

@@MarkBennettCameraCrisis Thank you. Much appreciated.🙏

[@TheRealCizzle]

Awesome video dude!!!

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

Thanks!!

[@tekletgaming]

so if you see zebra 50 on grey card, u dial it down a bit, its the correct exposure. what about ettr, do you shoot when you barely see the zebra for ettr?

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

If exposing to the right, you can usually go about 1.5 to 2 stops over. So you can set your zebras at 65 for the grey card and then edit your log footage.

[@smann7236]

So to confirm is it okay to use white paper to white balance and then grey card for correct exposure?

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

use the grey card for both. white paper is unreliable due to the way it reflects light

[@smann7236]

@@MarkBennettCameraCrisis thank you 💜

[@smann7236]

@@MarkBennettCameraCrisis oh by the way I forgot to ask. It's for a short film project. I wanted to ask for interior or exterior shots is it better to be slightly overexposed or underexposed? Meaning in post production which is better and easier to correct the exposure? I'm guessing it's more easier to darken the image if I am slightly overexposed. Also if I wanted to put a lut on image this will also darken the shot I've been told. I'm thinking of using the filmconvert nitro plug in in premier pro to give it the film look.

[@neilcollinsrecording]

Nice video mate, I've never understood the more expensive colour balance cards, these cheaper grey cards work just as well IMO 👍

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

Yeah - I suppose if you’re on a Hollywood set and you need it perfect every time - then maybe. To me the color checker has advantages of course with the colour chart aspect. But in terms of white balance, the difference is minimal.

[@ThreeMinuteTales]

Great video Mark. Liked and subbed. 👌👍

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

Thanks!!

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

Btw - I’m from a place called Newfoundland - tons of Irish descendants there - my accent has varied over the years, but a lot of people still ask if I’m from Ireland. Did I tell you that before - I think I might have

[@ThreeMinuteTales]

@@MarkBennettCameraCrisis No. Although I've seen a few youtube docs on Newfoundland alright and they have mentioned the Irish connection. In fact I've flown over Newfoundland many, many times on my way to the US. Looks pretty cold there. 🥶 Anyways, keep up the great work. I really enjoy your videos. Both very funny and informative. 👌👍

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

@@ThreeMinuteTales haha yup - it can be cold there. Lots of snow. 🤣

[@elyoo13]

Gracias bro 👊🏻

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

You’re welcome!! 👊

[@MattiMoshi]

amazing video.

[@oros.visuals]

Hi Mark, thanks for the explanations. What is your advice when your are filming a event ? So I settle the WB when I'm inside and a WB when I'm outside BUT if I want to start a scene from outside and then go inside with the same shoot, what is your advice for this ? Because with the Sony ZV E10 (maybe I'm wrong) I can't switch WB mode while I'm filming... Thank you :D

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

I would do the auto white balance for that.

[@oros.visuals]

@@MarkBennettCameraCrisis ok thank you !

[@mamangbeck]

Do we set white balance before using nd filter?

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

After ND filter for sure

[@Cinedon]

Will it matter in what order you set the exposure or white balance using said cards when the lighting changes? Or will it always find the neutral grey/white in any scenario?

[@pow9606]

If you want to find grey. Head off to the bowling green. 🤣

[@offcourseoutdoors8366]

Do you use the same exposure process for HLG3? What zebra % should I use?

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

yes, you can use the same process for hlg3 if you use a standard conversion LUT - if using the LeemingLUT, you expose to the right a little more.

[@offcourseoutdoors8366]

@@MarkBennettCameraCrisis I'm using your LUT so I should be good. Thanks!

[@beautifulleee]

How do you know that you need to do this step ?

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

when you want accurate colors in video, you should always white balance. if you are outside, you can get away with setting your white balance to “daylight” 👍

[@LeoArmenta]

Also in the ninja V, zebra at 50%??? For our principal character???

[@leighann5308]

When you say I’m turning down lighting using zebra do you mean turn down exposure

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

I mean lowering the actual light. studio lights can be turned up or down. of you can’t lower the brightness of your light, you can move it back or on your camera your can increase your fstop

[@tbro-me]

solid

[@gcprost]

I was hoping that you were going to show setting the exposure with the grey card and the waveform.

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

with the waveform, just fill the screen as much as you can and then make sure the exposure sits between 40 and 50 IRE and you're good.

[@bastian.koller]

GREAT!!

[@ambc38vsxn]

Wait! You mean that using grey card and zebra tool I should not think about skin tone at all? Darker skin or brighter skin - does not matter?

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

Skin tone, dark or light, should be exposed the same generally speaking. There are some people who expose darker tones differently, but proper exposure from a grey card is your best bet

[@Benboothfilms]

This is exactly where I am confused. I'm exposing to the gray card. Yet skin tone is still showing zebra lines, do I ignore those or continue to darken until all zebras are gone?

[@ZinjaGaming]

Hello Sir Mark, I hope you will notice my question.. It is possible if I just take a picture of the grey card then adjust the white balance in post-production? My possible scenario on this is because if I started shooting picture I don't want to mess with my camera setting too much, if possible I just want my assistant hold the grey card for me and take a picture on a certain angle then start taking a picture on my subject.. specially on outside shooting where you have no control of lightning angle.. or maybe I'm on a event and want to shoot as fast as possible, you know what I mean? is the white balance will be different if I just wb on post rather than adjust the wb on camera? P.S. sorry if my grammar is not good, I'm not a English speaker..

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

If you are talking about photos, then yes - shooting in raw will enable you to just use the grey card in your picture to set the white balance. In video (unless you are shooting RAW video) it is better to white balance before you press record. Having the grey card in the frame will help you adjust the white balance in post, but if it's not close to the actual white balance, then you may not get good results.

[@andrasberze183]

I bought one, opened it under the Christmas tree. With my whole family there, we could not fold it back into its pouch. I don't think I ever will be able to. Nice thing though...

[@MarkBennettCameraCrisis]

It can be tricky