Canon makes colour matching a cinch with a new app

Canon has introduced a new software application designed to simplify colour matching in video production. The Camera Color Matching Application is tailored for use with Canon’s CR-N700 PTZ camera ($7999). The software aims to make it easier to achieve consistent colours across multiple cameras, whether for live broadcasts, multi-camera setups, or content creation projects.

Production teams often face difficulties when trying to match colours across different camera models or brands. The new application offers a straightforward way to tackle this issue. It automatically generates 3D LUTs (Look-Up Tables) by analyzing colour charts, reducing the need for manual adjustments and advanced colour grading skills.

The app is designed to work not only with Canon cameras but also with non-Canon Cinema, Pro-video, and PTZ models. This versatility makes it a practical tool for a range of production setups. At the moment it’s compatible with Windows but not Mac operating systems.

It’s interesting that Canon is coming up with more and more software solutions for their users. Although this one is aimed at higher-level professional users and small broadcasting teams, no doubt it will eventually filter down to the other cheaper PTZ cameras that are often used by community groups, schools and churches.

Simple three-step process

Canon has built the app around an intuitive three-step workflow, which is designed to save time and deliver professional-quality results with minimal effort.

1. Capture: The user shoots a colour chart using both the CR-N700 and the main production camera. The still images are saved to a PC.
2. Generate: The software analyzes the images, calculates the differences, and creates a 3D LUT for colour correction.
3. Apply: The LUT is applied to the CR-N700, ensuring colour consistency across the production.

Price and availability

The Camera Color Matching Application will be available as a free download starting January 16, 2025. More details can be found on Canon’s website at usa.canon.com.

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