Datacolor, a global leader in color management solutions, has introduced the LightColor Meter, a multifunctional device for measuring light intensity and color temperature. It supports various light sources, including changing daylight, artificial light, LED, HMI, fluorescent tubes, and flash. Unlike traditional light meters, this device goes beyond simple exposure measurement.
Color temperature measurement—determining whether a light source is warm or cool—provides essential information for selecting the best lighting and exposure for a scene, ensuring consistent color rendering. The device also includes built-in gel filter libraries from Profoto, LEE, and Rosco to help users choose the right color correction filters.
Wireless Data Transmission and App Integration
Paired with the free Datacolor LightColor Meter App (iOS/Android), the Bluetooth-connected device continuously transmits real-time data to a smartphone. This allows for remote, on-the-fly adjustments without needing to move between the camera and the meter. Filmmakers, photographers, and hybrid shooters can easily fine-tune lighting and exposure. Additionally, multiple LightColor Meters can be linked to synchronize lighting measurements across larger sets or live events.
According to Heath Barber, Director of Consumer Product Management at Datacolor, the device acts as a “personal assistant on set—except it fits in your pocket.” Beginners benefit from automated exposure guidance, while professionals gain precise measurements of color temperature, dUV, and light intensity in one compact tool.
Why Precise White Balance Matters
White balance is crucial for achieving consistent color reproduction in digital production. Different light sources emit varying color temperatures, making images appear warmer or cooler depending on the conditions. Accurately measuring color temperature allows for precise white point adjustments, preventing unwanted color casts. This is especially vital in high-end post-production or multi-camera setups, where consistency is key. The LightColor Meter provides real-time, accurate data, minimizing color correction efforts and ensuring uniform results across shots.
Gel Filter Libraries: Preloaded Color Adjustments
The LightColor Meter comes with built-in gel filter libraries from Profoto, LEE, and Rosco, three industry leaders in lighting modification. These libraries include a wide range of correction and creative effect filters, allowing users to match artificial lighting to daylight or create stylistic color effects. The app provides a digital preview of these filters, helping users select the right combination before even setting up lights. This not only speeds up workflow but also reduces the need for extensive color grading in post-production.
Price and Availability
The LightColor Meter is available for €449 (incl. VAT) and can be purchased via the Datacolor website, Amazon, and authorized resellers. The LightColor Meter App is free to download for iOS and Android.
Production-Ready?
While the LightColor Meter offers a powerful and compact solution for precise light and color temperature measurements, professionals should test it in their workflow before integrating it into active productions. In production environments, stability, accuracy, and seamless integration are non-negotiable.
And, if you aren’t sure: Digital Production author and resident Color Scientist Prof. Uli Plank has almost received the package with the LCM (Or so the DHL tracking claims), and he’ll test it and give you a verdict!
