Not sure if your monitor is up to spec? SpectraCal, the company behind CalMAN monitor calibration software, recently announced that their Colorchecker Software is now available as a free download. This software, once only available for purchase or as part of a larger CalMAN product suite, allows users to determine whether their monitor is true to industry standards such as Rec709, DCI or Adobe RGB.

Recently, I have gotten some calls about the Sony FS700 and outputting characters to a monitor. In particular, operators report they have checked their menus and can't figure out why the monitor isn't displaying any characters.

To camera people like ourselves, the term Auto White Balance usually brings to mind that little AWB button on many camera systems. When you press the button, the camera tries to adjust its RGB gain levels to make white things in your picture actually white. However, this is not the only place on set where white values are important. A properly calibrated monitor is essential to ensuring what you see on set is what you'll actually get back in post.

While most cameras provide exposure tools like waveform monitors and zebras, having a properly calibrated monitor or viewfinder serves as an additional means to quickly determine exposure - something that is especially useful in run & gun situations. In addition to helping you gauge exposure, a calibrated monitor also gives you a way to check for color accuracy and can help in making color decisions.