Sekonic C-500? Or other?

[Ron Michaels]

Hello everyone,

First off, thanks in advance; I've received lots of great advice on these threads!

Was thinking of purchasing a color meter and I was wondering If anyone still recommends a c-500? As much as I would like to own a c-700, not sure I would like to spend $1200 to $1500 on one. I know the c-500 isn't reliable for led lighting, however most lights I'll be working with are tungsten, natural, and some kino flo's. I've rented the c-700 before and its extremely helpful to see the spectrum curve as well as the CRI/RA readings, especially when working with mixed sources. Question is whether or not you recommend a c-500 or something else all together?

Thanks again,
Ron

 

[Stacey Spears]

I have not used the 500 myself. I do own a 700 and use it for trying to match the color of lights. The color temp dial on the lights I own (ARRI LEDs) don't really match what the screen reports on the light itself. So having a way to match LED lights is important.

I don't use the CRI rating. It is interesting to see the shape of the spectrum if you want to test lights.

 

[Mark K.]

The C500 and other conventional colour meters aren't ideal these days, as they can't give you a clear idea of the moribund deficiencies of the many discontinuous spectrum lights (generally LED and CFL) that you'll encounter in locations these days. So you really want the broader measurement capabilities of a spectrometer (like the C700) to fill in the (literal) gaps.

 

[Ron Michaels]

I read somewhere at some random point in space/time that someone was using an x-rite i1 display pro hooked up to there laptop? Possible, probable?