Black Balance on Epic - frequency?

[Mark Deeble]

Hi, I am new to the RED system and, having just purchased an Epic-M, have a question re black calibration, namely how often does this need to be performed?
I have used another RAW camera, the si2K, extensively and have been accustomed to black balancing immediately after switching on, again once the camera temp has risen c 10 deg C and then on and off throughout the day if the camera changes temperature (the process takes a few seconds).

Is the Epic similar in this respect? Also, does it need to be done if the camera is powered down momentarily to change batteries, change SSDs, move location etc?

Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[Uli Plank]

No. You need to black calibrate only after firmware changes or if you switch to long time exposure (or back again).

 

[paulherrin]

exactly. you dont have to worry too much about that kinda thing.

 

[Deanan]

No. You need to black calibrate only after firmware changes or if you switch to long time exposure (or back again).

I would add to what Uli said...
Black shade in significantly cold or hot environments.
Also of note is that the camera will currently lose the user black shade
and revert to the factory black shade if you restore factory defaults or upgrade
with the "force upgrade" procedure.

 

[Mark Deeble]

Thanks guys - I'll be working in hot environments - equatorial exteriors, but there won't be much fluctuation in temperature ( c. 80-110 deg F) - does this mean a black calibration every week or so should suffice as long as I'm not doing long exposures or firmware upgrades or restores in between?

 

[Uli Plank]

I think you should just do it after some 20 minutes with the camera on and at it's intended fan settings, it should have reached it's balance by then. After that you should be fine until environment temperatures change.