For those unfamiliar with the term, “black shade calibration” is an image process that ensures that your camera has clean and regular pixel sensitivity. It helps map out any fixed pattern noise and produce a “uniform noise profile” over your camera’s image without fall off.

In this RED TECH video by RED Digital Cinema, we get a nice in-depth lesson not just into how to perform black shade calibration on your RED camera (and why you would want to do it), but it’s also helpful information on why and how you should consider using the process on other cameras you might own or work with.

Not every camera will have the option available, but for those who have been in the industry long enough to know its importance (especially after you’ve moved your camera from say a warm location to a cold environment), it’s highly recommended that those unfamiliar at least look into it and see if it’s something they can apply.

So, check out the video below if you’re interested in any of the following:

•  What Black Shading is and why it is important
•  How to perform a Black Shade Calibration
•  Navigating to Menu - Settings - Maintenance - Calibrate - Sensor
•  Differences between Manual and Auto Calibration
•  Which calibration is recommended
•  How often should it be done

Black Shade Calibrationred
Cinematography & Cameras