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22 Sept 2010

Datacolor SpyderCheckr

Looking suspicously like a slightly inflated version of the X-Rite ColorChecker Passport, the new Datacolor SpyderCheckr has just been launched at Photokina.


I haven't actually seen or used it, but it appears to have 24 colour patches (in a different layout to the X-Rite Passport / Macbeth chart) on one side, with greys, skin tones and other subtle colours on the other. The actual patches are reversible (the rear has larger grey patches) and replaceable. There is a tripod mount at either end of the hinge which enables easy positioning.

Datacolor say that the small red dot on the bottom left is a fade indicator, which will alert the owner that the patches need replacing in order to maintain colour consistency. Replacement patches are scheduled to ship during 2011.

As well as the physical product, the SpyderCheckr also comes with software that works with Adobe Photoshop, Photoshop Elements and Lightroom to create presets which will actually perform the colour adjustments required to get your cameras back to 'perfection' as far as colour is concerned. Notice that this is not the same as a profile, which is valid only for certain lighting conditions, although I believe that the software can also create a profile for specific conditions.

The SpyderCheckr is also available as the SpyderCheckr Pro which ships with the SpyderCube for additional checks and tests. UK prices have not yet been announced, but from the £ and € versions, it's looking to be around £99 which prices it above the X-Rite ColorChecker Passport.

Will it sell? Well the price could be a problem for Datacolor. Although there are differences between it and the X-Rite Passport, most people will just see the SpyderCheckr as a large Passport. Datacolor's job is to ensure that they can differentiate it and communicate the specific advantages and benefits of the SpyderCheckr.

As soon it it's available, we'll be listing it on http://nativedigital.co.uk

Jan 2011 Update: now available. Find the Datacolor SpyderCheckr on Native Digital.
 

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