DATACOLOR, THE COMPANY THAT
produces the Spyder series of tools, are
experts in instruments and software used
to achieve perfect colour consistency
on monitors during image editing and
in printing. The latest SpyderX tool is an
essential for monitor calibration, and the
advanced bundles, including the Capture
Pro and Studio kits, also allow you to do
so much more.
Looking specifically at the Capture Pro
collection, Datacolor’s package includes
the SpyderX Elite, LensCal, Cube and
Checkr. The LensCal is a tried and trusted
tool for fine-tuning lens AF, and making
sure you get the sharpest shots possible
from your kit. It’s a simple construction,
though very accurate for AF fine-tuning.
The Spyder Cube is essentially a 3D
grey card. You’ll notice white, black and
grey covering the different angles. It allows
you to select the perfect white balance in
post-production, with a white balancepicker tool, and keep tonal accuracy in
your shots. It’s one of the most important
tools in studio photography, and the angles
on this cube allow you to get even more
accurate with reflected light.
Finally, there’s the Spyder Checkr. It
may look like a watercolour palette, but
it’s designed for 100% colour accuracy in
your shots, making it ideal for professional
fa shion and product shots, for example.
It also comes with software that exports
a preset to ensure your camera’s images
are spot on.
While we would encourage everyone
to use the SpyderX, and to calibrate their
monitors regularly, we acknowledge this
isn’t a cheap purchase to make. However,
if you want to ensure 100% precision in
the appearance of your images, this may
prove to be a worthwhile investment.
spyderx.datacolor.comSpyderX Capture Pro £279
COLOUR CALIBRATION
PRACTICALPHOTOGRAPHY.COM 135
MINI TESTS
Samsung EVO
Plus microSD £98This microSD
boasts a read
speed upto
10 0MB/s,and
write speed
up to 90MB/s,
makingit
th e fastestin itsclass.This
al so meansit’s ideallysuited
to capturinghigh-resolution
images and 4K video. In fact,
we can confirm it makes short
work of both. It comes in a range
of 32 to 512GB and is water,
temperature, magnet and X-ray
proof. While microSD cards
aren’t new, having one with the
largest capacity and speed is
great if you need to record a lot
of data at a time. samsung.comMastersof Street
Photography £25This is the perfect coffee table
book for anyone who has an
interest in the artistry of street
photography. Published by
Ammonite Press, it showcases
the work of creative craft
masters, such as Jay Maisel,
Ash Shinya Kawaoto and
Marina Sersale. Each section
includes a biography, collection
of stunning images, in which
the photographers explain the
story behind each of their shots,
and a brief Q&A session. The
photos themselves range from
traditional to contemporary,
and feature social commentary
and evocative imagery in equal
measure. ammonitepress.comBAGS
Lowepro’sBP 200is a bit of a designmarvel.
Despitebeingcompact,it’s deceptivelyspacious
withplentyof pockets– theseincludethreestretch
pockets, a zipped front compartment, elasticated
pockets on the straps, dedicated SD card pockets
and space for small accessories. There’s evenspace
fo r a two-litre hydration reservoir or 11in laptop.
The ActiveZone rear, which acts as ventilation,
is comfortable, and you can remove the insertto
use it as a day bag. You can access your gearfromboth
si des or the top and, instead of traditional dividers,there’s
a brilliant three-tier folding shelf system. It willfit a camera
and a brace of lenses, or possibly more if you’re shooting on
a smaller mirrorless setup. The shelves are hinged and fold
flat when not in use. It’s not the cheapest bag on the market,
and we’d love a tripod holding system, but it’s very well
designed and offers a lot of space and
comfort. lowepro.comAbove The
Photo Active
BP 200 is both
compact, and
very well
designed.Lowepro PhotoActive BP 200 £150