White Balance Problems Be Gone With the ExpoDisc Filter

[Filip Norrgard]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.expodisc.com/' target='_blank'>http://www.expodisc.com/</a><br /><br /></div>Looking for a way of easily obtaining better white balance in your photos and movies? The solution might be to add an ExpoDisc filter to your digital camera or camcorder. As the manufacturer claims:<br /><br /><i>"Obtain the warm skin tones preferred by many wedding and portrait photographers while setting your white balance. Eliminates the need for post-capture color adjustment or attachment of color correcting filters to achieve a warm balance. Results are equivalent to using an 81A filter on your digital camera’s lens after setting the correct white balance."</i><br /><br /><img src="http://www.digitalmediathoughts.com/images/FilterBrideBeforeAfter.jpg" /><br /><br />I can not help but be sceptical to the claims of the manufacturer of this filter, but it is in my nature. :oops: However, the reviews and testimonials seem to all conclude that this filter works, so maybe it does! Has any DMT reader used this or seen it in action?

[jdepew]

for years i have used a much simpler solution that any other cost conscious photog will back up - a paper coffee filter.

cover the lens w/ the filter paper and snap a pic. then use this frame as your custom white balance.

i too was nearly swayed by the ExpoDisc at one point too.

give it a shot :wink:

[sylvangale]

Digital Media thoughts should request a sample from Expodisc to test its white balance results against coffee filters and pringles lids! :rainbowafro:

[Gary Sheynkman]

when i get my dslr (few months) I'll be sure to request a copy!

[mrwickham]

I have one at 77mm size and find that the disc works amazingly well. I have seen many people speak of the success of coffee filters and pringale lids to achieve correct white balance. Never tried those, personally. The disc is expensive, however. Luckily you can simply buy one for your largest lens and then use it to cover all your other lenses.

I mainly use it in bad white balance situations, the white balance on the 20D seems to be much more accurate than on my previous 10D, so I don't use the disc as often. Of course, shooting RAW also helps reduce the need for this type of device.

But hey, how can you call yourself a photographer without several "must have" devices?

For those shooting jpgs and/or with poor white balance control it is a very good option (all be it a little on the costly side). It is easy to use and the results are wonderful especially if you do before and afters.

[Neil Enns]

I have Whibal cards instead of the Expodisc. Way cheaper and far more flexible. It rocks! Here are some links to other stories at DMT about it:

http://www.digitalmediathoughts.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=7234&amp;highlight=whibal

http://www.digitalmediathoughts.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=5726&amp;highlight=whibal

Neil