Using my setup for standards

Flag: ⭐️ Modified: February 14, 2026 7:58 PM Created: October 6, 2025 2:25 PM Master Type: Notes Hide: No Starred: Yes Status: Unassigned

Step 1: Setup Your Capture

1. Lighting
   • Use daylight-balanced LEDs (~5500–6500K).
   • Diffuse the light with softboxes or diffusers.
   • Ensure even illumination across the whole target/object.
2. Camera & Copy Stand
   • Camera plane perpendicular to object.
   • Use a level if needed.
   • Hold originals flat with clamps or weights if necessary.
3. White Balance
   • Use your 8×10 WB card + ColorChecker Passport.
   • Take a WB reference shot under your lights.

Step 2: Capturing Images in RAW

1. Set your camera to manual exposure.
2. Disable all in-camera noise reduction and sharpening.
3. Shoot RAW only; do not rely on JPEG previews.
4. Include your slanted-edge / resolution chart in a few test shots.

Step 3: Histogram Check in Capture One

1. Open the RAW file in Capture One.
2. Show the histogram:
   • Left = shadows, right = highlights, middle = midtones.
   • No channel should clip (touch the edges).
3. Turn on highlight warning: blown highlights appear as blinking areas.
4. Adjust exposure if necessary, then re-shoot until histogram is well-distributed.
   • Aim for most data in midtones, no spikes at either edge.

Step 4: Optional Waveform / Evenness Check

• Photoshop + RawDigger demo:
  1. Open RAW file.
  2. Use RawDigger to view brightness across the frame.
  3. Check for uneven illumination (hotspots/shadows).
• If you don’t want extra software:
  • Zoom into your slanted-edge chart in Capture One at 100%, look at brightness across the target.

Step 5: Slanted-Edge / Sharpness Check

1. Use your DGK Chrome SD or Tiffen RES7 chart.
2. Open the image in ImageJ (free, Mac-compatible).
3. Install slanted-edge plugin (tutorials available).
4. Steps in ImageJ:
   • Draw a rectangle around a slanted-edge area.
   • Run the plugin → it gives you an MTF/line-pairs-per-mm readout.
5. Verify that the resolved line pairs meet your expected target range.
   • For 2–3 star FADGI, visual confirmation plus rough MTF is sufficient.

Step 6: Color & White Balance Verification

1. Open your ColorChecker Passport image in Capture One.
2. Use the color editor or eyedropper to check neutral patches and primary colors.
3. Ensure colors are within your expected ranges; adjust WB or camera profile if needed.

Step 7: Final Notes / Output

• RAW files → keep for archives.
• TIFFs → processed for DAMS.
• JPGs → only if you need quick previews.
• Include metadata: capture date, chart used, exposure info, color profile.