Digital Photographer's Software Guide - Bertemes - Net

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The Digital Photographer's Software Guide
ICC Profiles
A color profile is a description of the color characteristics of the device in question. In
structure, it consists of matrices, tone curves and lookup tables (LUTs) that describe
characteristics such as “blackest black” or “most saturated blue” in their respective color
spaces. Profiles can be passed in both directions of the workflow. For example, you can
obtain the ICC profile of an intended printer and use it to adjust the printer input.
Calibration
If color management is to work properly, every device in the chain needs to be calibrated
regularly, especially the monitors and printers. Color management software usually
comes with a color-measuring device for this purpose. Monitors require a colorimeter
to measure the color of emitted light; printer output needs a slightly more expensive
spectrophotometer to measure reflective light. Once used exclusively by professionals,
this type of hardware is now within reach of the amateur—a sure indication that color
management has come of age.
Software
Listed in this chapter is a selection of color management software, chiefly from the two
manufacturers, X-Rite and Datacolor, which dominate the market. X-Rite in particular
has a huge, and some would say, bewildering range of solutions that has undergone
re-naming and reorganization following the acquisition of Monaco, GretagMacbeth,
and Pantone. Not listed here are any of the consultancies that have sprung up to help
companies implement color management, a discipline that is not as hard as it seems on
first acquaintance. Although the color science underpinning the software requires
lengthy study to be fully understood, using the software is relatively easy. No one should
be put off using it because of its supposed difficulty.
PANTONE huey
Vendor: Pantone, Inc.
Purpose: Monitor calibration system, with colorimeter and software
Description
PANTONE huey is a popular monitor-calibration system that comes in a package containing
a slim colorimeter and accompanying software. It is used for calibrating all types
of monitors: CRTs, LCDs and laptop screens. When it’s not being used for this purpose
the colorimeter sits in a stand, measures ambient light, and adjusts the monitor accordingly.
It is aimed chiefly at consumers and photo enthusiasts.