White Balance in SECONDS for video and photography proper color explained

[@penngrey]

How many multi-millionaires would take the time to teach the masses such simple techniques to make their lives better ? You are one of a kind Markus !

[@TekedixXx]

And it's real valuable info. I paid a lot of money in college to hear someone explain this in a worse way.

[@chickenpasta7359]

@@TekedixXx when I was studying film in college (can't believe I wasted my time doing that), none of my classes discussed how important white balance is and why we should use a card or piece of white paper to get it right. KZbin is vastly showing how pointless a lot of classes in college are

[@Twobarpsi]

Markus is as knowledgeable as he is generous!

[@sebastiang7183]

@@chickenpasta7359Colleges have been intellectual ghettos for some time now teaching people what to think instead of how to think.

[@eddieaugustin3811]

Yeah he for sure is a legend! Must be protected at all cost. ALWAYS

[@steveimprovises]

Most KZbinrs: "use $200 item I get 3% commission" Markus: "use crumpled white paper"

[@SaintElvardielSHMD]

It's honestly very refreshing to see this perspective. When a guy with expensive equipment say you don't need it I tend to believe it. Got me looking at photo and videography with a brand new perspective. I used to learn shooting in manual at media school and at some point it took the fun out of it. Now I am looking at this all different and feel excited about it again. Especially the part about shooting JPEG. I didn't really know this was a thing. I believed RAW was a must even when I was satisfied with JPEG. Now I just want to spend my energy to create. When I asked to reccomend between an exensive pocket camera and camcorder (around $1200) he reccomended me 2 cheaper camcorders based on what I need it for. I really enjoy this approach and I think you will discover what you need when you stop obsessing over potential limitations. An artist can make anything work. Markus really helps me to prioritize the artistic perspective in my video and photography. With this newfound knowledge I am now looking to stop relying on my phone all the time to capture beauty.

[@johnnysweekends]

Im a canon owner 😂 darn it!!

[@chickenpasta7359]

@@SaintElvardielSHMD So many youtubers are guilty of this. They'll say gear doesn't matter and pull out their rigged out RED Komodos. If you wanted to prove that gear doesn't matter use equipment that the any man can afford

[@matdrat]

He gets 3% of a penny.😂

[@SaintElvardielSHMD]

I would agree, but I can't say I've witnessed someone with this amount of gear make such a statement. Rather they sound very much in sync regarding their favorite camera. I think a lot of KZbin videoes look very similar. Yes it's a very good quality -- I do not disagree. However Markus is making me interested in making films for fun. Where the camera is just a tool. Perhaps too many people focus on the quality of their resolution on screen -- and forget the quality of the person within. That is the distinct quality I would rather capture. And in my personal case a handycam would be a great companion. I can only attest to my brief experience with Markus, but he pointed me in the direction of fun and convenience, rather than the highest specs. Remember a lot of pro level stuff has a learning curve. To just bring a camcorder and a DJI mic is easy. I like to make movies for myself that I don't post on KZbin. I would rather have the footage than to worry so much and loose the shot. That's why my phone has been so great and I will continue using it. Yet my love for cameras have been renewed partly thanks to Markus. I would rather have a library of videos even if they are not 4K. And I feel inspired to go out and get some beautiful pictures with my old Canon 700d and 24mm lens.

[@Jwitherow1964]

It’s about time someone actually shows us how to set white balance after 40 years of guessing

[@enekotartun]

German old school diligence, precision and efficiency + American communication skills= Marcus Pix Seriously, every time Mr Pix makes one of these videos he reminds me of my best teacher, who were actually more master craftsmen than modern teachers.

[@marcel9568]

You mean he has good skills in communicating in the English language. If he would have American communication skills he would be screaming.

[@joshadams8761]

@@marcel9568I don’t scream.

[@serialxnet]

Crumpled paper is so shockingly simple. Thank you Markus!

[@DesertFox-fz6qe]

I was shocked too. He is so smart!

[@akhyarrayhka4048]

bro got more experience than I've ever lived.

[@pixelprovideo3586]

I'm the audiovisual supervisor at my church and we are definitely not shooting in raw lol White balancing for correct colors ahead of time is KEYYYYY. I didn't need to be told this because I already knew, But a wise person in my life always says to me" We don't always need to be told what to do sometimes we just simply need to be reminded" I truly appreciate your videos my friend!! Have an incredible day!

[@frankfoti]

Paper Towels work great as well. No reflections. Bounty the quicker picker upper- absorbs light perfectly.

[@truevitalenergy]

❤️

[@Ancient_West]

I've been into photography for 5+ years now and this is the first time someone has explained white balancing to me in a way that I actually get it.

[@kennygo8300]

I watch photography videos every day. This is the first time I've actually seen someone do a white balance reading, in real time, on video.

[@henryclay8462]

This is what is great about KZbin, knowledge you didn't know you needed.

[@DarkTrapStudio]

Because I get deep knowledge on KZbin; I already knew I needed it but never someone make a video of this quality on the subject.

[@jerrymolet]

He popped up in my feed, so I decided to watch. In ten minutes, I've learned more from this guy than the majority of KZbin photographers claiming to be professionals. He says a lot in so little time, and it's clear and succinct, making him easy to follow with full attention. Nice work.

[@DesertFox-fz6qe]

man... I am giving you all my respect. I am a photographer form Taiwan, and your vidos always inspire me a lot. Just wanna say thank you. You are the best!

[@MarkusPix]

Thank you! 😊

[@AM-bq4cx]

@desertfox-fz6qe man where did u bought or earned all the respect from😂

[@test-k1v]

我也這在台灣，要一起拍照嗎

[@Koji-888]

My lord. I’m in awe of this man’s passion to teach and help us. And make our lives easier and more happy. Thank you Marcus. 🥰

[@craigieb]

I've been shooting for 46 years. EVERY time I watch one of your videos, I learn something. I use the ColorChecker Passport, but in the off chance I forget to bring it, the crumpled paper is brilliant!

[@cellulairerare]

46 is impressive

[@robertharker]

The magic behind white balance is quite simple. Your camera has three sets of sensors integrated into the sensor chip. Red, Green and Blue. Pure white has equal parts of all colors. White balance adjusts the scaling factors for each of the three color so that the values are equal. Voilà, you have white balance. Simple math can calculate the color temperature from these three values. I was surprised when I learned how simple the technology behind white balance is

[@arfmf]

Markus I just realized you’re the rich McGayver of KZbin camera gear world! Thank you! Never stop doing what you do!

[@harrydavey9884]

You're so insanely knowledgeable

[@skAteSMR]

I would rather have this video than winning any of the camera giveaways. This is why Markus is the BEST and a LEGEND - incredibly useful info AND you're guaranteed to learn something new when not expecting, great entertainment production every time, and I can nerd out and enjoy all the technical science being broken down... THANK YOU Markus!!

[@trueblastmixingmastering7269]

This guy gives some of the most straight forward, practical advice and tips I've ever seen on youtube.

[@Preacherski]

The amount of random equipment you have is staggering and incredibly awesome. Thanks for all the nuggets of knowledge and promoting something else than the newest equipment.

[@peterroy6801]

You are brilliant!! I have been praising the need to white balance to my pro photo clients for 25 years now. Marcus you are the KING! I am now white balancing my video studio with crumpled printer paper hung below my xrite color card. Brilliant, your logic is perfect. Changed my game, thank you! And a story. years ago one of my clients was doing a shoot of a clothing store owner. Vanity shots of her on a white background, in about 20 clothing changes. he didn't believe me about the need to white balance with each new clothing change. In the night of the store opening, he had the 20 shots up and framed in the store. He invited me saying he needed to show me something.... Guest what, her clothing changes changed the color temperature of his little white studio in each shot! Her dress changed the color temperature of the room. And as a result her skin tone was a different color tone in each shot. We stood there together with the evidence on full display, looking at each other and saying......YUP.

[@nrdas8912]

My subscription to your channel has helped a 77-year-old man with near zero camera experience put a three-camera podcast room together with Godox lighting, and my camera settings in three Sony's make what people say is perfect video and high-quality audio across the first fifty videos. I learned almost everything from you and the little paper booklets that come from equipment. Thanks.

[@lindonfc]

Digging your outlook regarding shooting Raw - Post - Jpeg - Keep it simple. My sentiments exactly. Nothing worse than spending hours behind a computer editing when I could be having a beer. I cant wait to try your crumpled paper method. Thank you.

[@MarkusPix]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/r6vGdnqVf9SJq9E

[@lindonfc]

Haha love it 🤣@@MarkusPix

[@weawaken4363]

So agree with you, get it right in camera! That's the art!

[@theronwolf3296]

A side point: Sunlight and incandescent sources can be reliably specified by color temperature because the spectrum they produce is the natural product of their temperature. 'Higher temperature' has more blue and less red, but it's consistent and predictable. LEDs, fluorescents, etc. emit light in specific bands but do NOT have a natural color temperature distribution though it may be good enough for our eyes and our cameras (both of which really only see 3 colors anyhow). An extreme example are those 'daylight' automobile headlights which list things like 6000K. Looking at them through a spectroscope, however, shows this to an illusion caused by artificially dumping a lot of blue light on top of the main beam (and it does little actually improve vision). Bottom line is, as much as possible, use sunlight, incandescent, or LEDs meant specifically for photography to get consistent color.

[@ScottRossProductions]

Thank you. I've been shooting everything for years, and white balance is as simple as the crumpled paper. Spent most of the 80s in gyms, shooting basketball and white balancing off my white tennis shoes. As for people, white balance off your key and let everything else fall into place. If the skin tone is correct, no one gives a shit about some blue and green and whatever else goofing with the frame. I'm with you. Hate fixing in post. Do it right in the camera. God, back in the film days, you didn't know what you had until it came back from the lab, so you learned to get it right the first time...

[@Elvis_Pond5]

I love this kind of content -- Bacic Photography (How to) Thanks, Markus ❕

[@kartova]

So funny how you bring those things we all think about but ignore because we see “sophisticated” and expensive products for anything and then we think is better. Thanks for reassuring and remind us that we need to use common sense and experiment!

[@Tore_Lund]

Those over-the-lens diffusers for WB, you need to hold the camera where the subject is, while pointing the camera at the empty tripod, where you will be recording from. Then it works every time and you measure the lighting on the subject. Where they are neat, is if you don't have someone to hold up a white sheet, or you need to do a survey at a location to figure out how the color temp changes at different spots.

[@MarkusPix]

Yes that's true.

[@memathews]

Yeah, like an incident meter instead of the typical reflective meter.

[@Tore_Lund]

@@memathews I find them useful when working alone, though it is always an icebreaker, to ask the subjects to hold up a white piece of cloth, coffee tray or what else white is at hand.

[@clabart]

Perfect Markus! Your comprehensive explanation is worth more than a university volume. 👍

[@carloseduardomenjivaraguil3540]

You are the best teacher in the world, even though I already feel like a professional, I follow your channel with so much enthusiasm because you are so excellent at teaching.

[@agentbey]

Thanks for the passion and simplicity to generate an efficient white balance.

[@Kaprygunov]

New Canon cameras, R6II, R7, R8, R10, R50, R100 - white balance is set the same as on Sony and Panasonic. You select the white balance, press the button and press take photo, the camera sets the white balance and shows the result - then press any button and you get to the normal mode. You have to press three buttons. Maybe a little more than in Panasonic, but about as fast.

[@MasonPayne]

I love it! I’ve always believed in “getting it right in the camera” but most KZbin videos are all about adjusting in Lightroom. I thought I was taking crazy pills.

[@simval84]

As more of a hobbyist photographer who likes the look of film photography, I usually just use 5800k or Cloudy setting to replicate the fact that film had fixed white balance (and brands, especially Kodak, liked to give their photos a warmer tint). I then embrace the color imperfections that result from various lighting conditions as "preserving the ambience". I'll sometimes go with Tungsten/3000k for indoor work to represent tungsten-balanced film stocks. Yes, yes I know that professional photographers and cinematographers, even in the era of film, used filters and other means to adjust white balance, either when shooting or in post. But most people shooting photos of their trips or family didn't, that's the look I like.

[@QuiznPop]

The crumbled paper sheet is a genius tip ! I'll try this when I'll shoot my next concert event.

[@lemgranada875]

Crumpled white paper. Excellent idea. The paper people run quality control on the paper whiteness.

[@ScarboroughTourist]

I must admit, I do just use a piece of white paper; BUT, I never though about it being crumpled!! Thanks for that.

[@Augnos]

Shooting jpeg for my new job has given me a lot more appreciation for getting photos right in camera the first time. This is such good info!

[@billyoung9538]

Much better video on this topic. The fact you point out that getting the correct exposure is equally important is the crucial issue with flat white paper, because if they're over exposed that's when the paper could potentially clip; however the crumpled paper is a fantastic solution to almost all issues so long as the exposure is correct. Lots of great information, tips and tricks. Big thumbs up this time. 😊

[@outerspacebass]

It’s wild you’re doing this video right now as I’ve been shopping for vectorscopes recently

[@c.augustin]

Some papers do have special dyes that make it look "whiter than white" (actually blueish). Those papers "glow" under UV light - this is how to test the paper. Bad for white balance. But the idea to use crumbled paper is a good one. Just having a folded-up sheet of a suitable paper in some pocket sounds like a really good idea (and cheap solution).

[@tycjanjakubczyk]

This guy is a true legend

[@gaz312]

I’ve been looking at getting a grey card. The more I’ve looked the complicated and expensive it’s seemed but I think this video has sorted that out for me. Thank you. 👍

[@anthonyjtravis]

Greetings from the UK, Markus :) This is absolutely brilliant! Thank you again - you explain things so clearly and cut through the BS every time. You are a hero!

[@Cineinsaner]

man .. why i found this guy so late.. what a great teaching .. thank you so much

[@gbwalther3198]

"Get it Right!" Forget fixing in post. Amen! Yeah! 100% on your side of the chalk line. 😎😎

[@billyoung9538]

Just an opinion on the topic of RAW. I 100% agree one should always attempt to get things right in camera before snapping the shutter or recording the video; however, mistakes happen, particularly when more people and gear enter the equation. RAW, color bit depth and log afford one more recovery potential or flexibility to adjust elements if something were to go slightly wrong during the actual shoot. While for personal stuff it's not necessary, it's a great safety net on commercial shooting where the loss of a take could mean the need for a reshoot, and even then random elements will never be quite the same. As an example on this very channel a few months ago there was a video where the white balance was off. For the purposes of the information in the video it didn't impact it, and as this is your personal channel the only individual you had to satisfy was yourself, but if it had been a paying client then that issue could have been solved had it been shot in RAW. It's simply a question of deciding what trade offs are more important for the given situation more than one being inherently better than the other. I love the fact you promote the idea of getting it right so one doesn't need post work or to rely on those steps all the time because they certainly can add to the overall time. Personally I'm a fan of Blackmagic's RAW over other similar solutions because one can apply the corrective LUT in camera and it moves with the resulting file while remaining a relatively small RAW format. Thus I wind up with something that looks like it does in camera without a lot of the extra work associated with other RAW formats while retaining the corrective potential of a RAW format just in case it's needed at the end. The obvious issue is one is either stuck using a Blackmagic camera or an external monitor/recorder for it making the rig cumbersome and clunky and not tiny and small. I keep hoping someday Blackmagic will come out with a camera similar in size to their original pocket cinema camera or let someone like Sigma use it internally in something like the Sigma FP. Anyhow just my 2 cents on that.

[@ckdesignlab]

Awesome advice! I've been using custom white balance lately and it saves sooooo much time. Thank you as always. 🔥👊🏻

[@MarkusPix]

Great to hear!

[@armondobbabone8556]

Outstanding! I’ve had my A7IV since March 2022 and it never occurred to me to look at Sony’s Custom White Balance Capture feature. The Peasants Rejoice!

[@uniktbrukernavn]

On Nikon DSLR press and hold WB button, scroll to "White Balance Presets", release WB button and then press again until "Pre" flashes in the viewfinder, press the shutter button to record WB to the selected preset (you can store up to 9). In Liveview it's the same procedure except you get the benefit of being able to zoom in before recording a WB. The camera doesn't record a photo to the SD card but it stores a tiny thumbnail in the WB menu. You can fine tune the WB, add a comment etc.

[@dylansalt1]

Still way more convoluted than Sony and I’ve got both systems 🙂

[@uniktbrukernavn]

@@dylansalt1Dude the process is almost exactly the same for Sony.

[@ElementaryWatson-123]

I rarely need to change WB on my Nikon (it's set at AWB-A0) -- it's usually correct, but still looks pleasant even when slightly off. With my Sony ACii, the AWB is always wrong. I even added a shift in AWB White setting to make it less orangy, and it's still unsatisfactory. I'm ready to dump Sony on ebay, because nothing I do makes the pictures look as pleasant as Nikon.

[@TomiBonTomi_2.0]

Markus, this kind of advice should be declared for an official currency. Thank you so much!

[@13onyoursidesales96]

Great video Markus! I appreciate you taking the time to make this. One of my favorite white balances was using a full roll of toilet paper. The talent found it so funny holding it in front of their face, instantly got them relaxed.

[@bobmayphotography]

Stumbled across this thanks to KZbin algorithm. A pleasure to watch, engaging and informative, and habit changing. I'm gonna try crumpled paper tomorrow. Now for some sleep, perchance to dream ... of perfect white balance! Thank you Markus.

[@GODlikeTeaching]

wow, after so much time wasted to learn, you explained it so simple and smart in the same time thank you

[@andybcalderon]

Great information I am just getting into Photography

[@Ushashri]

Omg.. it’s that simple.. !!!! Am not scared of videos as much as I did before .. thank you 😊.. I do event photography .. 90% composition is on the spot .. white balance on Auto.. I change the tone.. color/tint/white balance in post if they turn out to be yellow.. and it’s bulk editing so takes few secs longer..

[@TRwalks]

Appreciate the great advice. I'll have to add a crumpled papper to my bag.

[@bcblues9980]

Great tip, thanks! I tried to correct with a paper towel in the kitchen today. What a difference! Thanks for a great explanation.

[@MileyonDisney]

Thanks, Markus. Working on a budget, I use a WhiBal card. It's always worked great for me. i really like the crumbled paper idea.

[@GAURON123]

This knoledge ALL IS GOLD. Thank you

[@DiarmaidMcGee]

Brilliant Video Markus! Always an amazing source of top-class knowledge.

[@ALSNewsNow]

ALWAYS use white if you want to white balance. We carried a perfectly white sheet when we went mobile, and Markus' has a video about zooming in at your actual focal length- it is good and basically SOP for pro video. BUT: if you shoot full color performance stages like at Casinos with mixes of robos and handheld, we always use AUTO WB. Why? Well, if you balance for the band specials (Lekos, etc), which are usually 3200 as Markus explains about tungsten glow worms, when the moving lights and follow spots come on at 6k+, your balance is gone anyway. AUTO WB is so good on modern cameras it's good enough for anything except portraits or interviews where nothing ever changes. Try AUTO more, you'll dig it.

[@mySeaPrince_]

I film outdoors and the Sony 405 on auto seems to be ok as it is... 😻 I like the crinkley paper.. I was watching a YT video by 'Professor Simon' about cave paintings yesterday.. seems they made use of the bumpy surface in combination with the light from a flickering flame to create a sort of animation. They also animated a gold disc 1000s of years old, with 12 faces on it.

[@Digitalmindseye]

Thanks for the tricks! I find the diffuser style white balance tools work well when you take the measurement from the subject's position facing towards the shooting position/lights. Much like using the incident mode of a light meter. Helps get a good average.

[@MarkusPix]

Yes

[@EugenBrinzoiu]

Always a pleasure watching you❤

[@genejoanen]

Again logic and Common Sense prevails❤ thanks Markus!!!!

[@MarkusPix]

My pleasure!

[@chrisfigley]

I learn something almost every time and when I don’t I just enjoy you! Thanks for doing YT!

[@neilwheel]

Genius tips, Markus! 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@atlanticamorphine]

I wholeheartedly agree with - just because we have all the modern tech features and post, doesn't mean you should get sloppy and not try for the best results, even before post. As if you were shooting on film. And often, it does save time.

[@hellopsp180]

i agree white paper is my go to !! i love it and thanks for showing us markus

[@sachsaseil5670]

My white balance strategy is pretty simple. I use the automatic white balance from the camera and tweak it a little bit, if I'm not satisfied with the colors. And I make some custom white balance profiles for special light situations. Another thing is, if you're shooting in RAW, the whole white balance process can be done in seconds, simply by matching the colors with your eyes.

[@baki225]

Thank you for this, I never knew I needed this lesson in my years of taking Photos.

[@ThePandaPhotographer]

Markus is one a very few photographers that is honest and right

[@miguelheras7371]

Markkus I have enjoy your videos Exposure and White balance I think I have learned a lot simple explanation and well very detailed, the bells are ringing

[@JoePenaProductions]

Crumpled piece of white paper. -- All these years using a smooth one... not anymore! Thanks Markus.

[@DanFarrar]

Great examples Markus! Orangey lol. After measuring and finding ideal WB multiple times….you can get pretty good at guesstimates and knowing when to zig and zag your color balance to fit the lighting. Get it right before you do it 😊

[@MarkusPix]

yep. Gitter rite

[@rexko381]

I 100% agree with your comment - get it right in the beginning, no more post adjustments.

[@markoda8455]

I find your channel so useful! I’ve gain some excellent advice to improve my pictures. I love your get it right in the camera!!!

[@tedl1441]

You are a total genius. What an effective and economic way to solve a complicated problem.

[@theonlycreativeurge]

Dude, I love your energy and perspective. I can't wait to try this! Thank you for your expertise!

[@xan-ellis]

This is such a helpful tip. It's so frustrating to see people say to fix the WB in post, because often you can't get it right. Auto WB in Lightroom is hit or miss, and the presets are awful for my Panasonics, they are always way too magenta. I don't want to spend 20 minutes tweaking the sliders to get them exact so getting the WB right the first time fixes everything.

[@henryIRL]

I totally missed this one! Dude, I love how you show us the importance of the simple things. Like a piece of white paper. Thank you! I'm actually putting this knowledge to work today. Can't wait to see how it goes.

[@Mr.Altavoz]

He's simply the best in teaching photography

[@Random_Woman]

Thank you so much for these videos you’re going to help me pass my college photography class which has been boggling my mind! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@MarkusPix]

Good luck!

[@veggitarianredneck]

Thank you for making this this simple enough that even i can figure it out.

[@bovinicide]

Crumpled piece of white paper - epic! I love your philosphy Markus! Thanks for sharing this gem! 🔥🙏

[@Johnnywilsonforever]

I knew about the paper sheet but I didn't knew about the crumpled one, that one is awesome, thanks!

[@BroGenZod]

Wow!! Thank thank thank you 🔥🔥👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾🙏🏾 For your time. and Energy.

[@johnbartram9056]

The perfect explanation from a really likable guy.

[@LikeTV]

I have a lot of paper, I'd love to crumple it, thanks Markus!

[@RMahPersonal]

GREAT video and helpful. I’ve done the flat piece of paper but I appreciate the review of the color panel items and why crumpled paper can help. Thank you.

[@northislandnow8858]

Im with you Markus, I use a crumped sheet of paper. I have probably 50 sheets in my lowpro camera bag where my laptop is meant to be for white balance. I'll try crumpling it tomorrow.

[@akhyarrayhka4048]

finally longer video that we all need

[@blainemitchell]

Thank you for this video. I appreciate you taking the time to explain it.

[@MarkusPix]

My pleasure!

[@lb7144]

Markus is just the absolute best! Thank you for sharing your knowledge with the rest of us.

[@AwayWithWordsMusic]

Markus!!! Thank you so much for your videos. I didn't know squat about filming but after watching some of your videos I got two old cheap Canon HD video cameras and am getting great results for KZbin promo of my gigging. Thanks!

[@Shuttterbugg]

I use a piece of paper too...wow i feel smarter now thanks markus

[@teddyb4168]

Love this video about White Balance! I switched to an old GH5 in 2024 cause the menus are just so easy to use vs Sony.

[@DiscoveringTheHighLife]

Yes! I've been using a sheet of paper for years! Never tried to crumple but it makes sense. Will be trying this out. Cheers