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Sony HDW-F900: White Balance Programming

Say Goodbye to the Blue Gel on a White Card to Warm White Balance!!!

In November of 2003, I had the pleasure of working on Disney’s first High Definition movie of the week titled, "Going to the Mat." Being a "Digital Image Technician" can certainly have its slow periods and "Going to the Mat" was no exception.
    During one of those slow times, I noticed that the "White" Red, and Blue values (green was unaffected) located on Page 2 of the Paint Menu would alter according to white balance. Shortly after that initial observation I started recording the "R" and "B" values and plotted them on an "X/Y Axis" with the hope that a pattern would develop. Indeed one did.
    The following numbers may be rolled into Page 2 of the Paint Menu on the "White" line under "R" and "B" settings. The numbers are not meant to dial in a perfect white balance as the white balance numbers "R" and "B" numbers can vary dramatically due to lighting scenarios. However, the numbers listed below are a very good ballpark reference and a familiar user of the numbers will eventually become accustomed to subtle manipulations.
    The below numbers allow a user to warm or cool a picture subjectively and provide options to a producer/director while on-location. The numbers are also a lock in matching white balance between multiple cameras.
    Numbers listed may be further manipulated for Kelvin Temperatures not listed. Example: A 3400 Kelvin Temperature could be selected by dialing in a "4" into the Red Value and –29 into the Blue Value.
    Kelvin Temperatures can be confirmed by toggling between the “White Balance” settings located on the exterior of the camera (Preset/A/B) once the "Display Menu" is enabled.

* Denotes what I will typically program into the “A” White Balance Setting.
** Denotes what I will typically program into the “B” White Balance Setting.