How do I evaluate Saturation with scopes? at DVinfo.net

Paul Cascio · July 22nd, 2009, 01:48 PM

Is saturation strictly subjective or can I use scopes to adjust saturation? If so, how?

Bill Ravens · July 22nd, 2009, 02:07 PM

You need to look at an image with a vectorscope. The traditional vectorscope has small square targets that indicate where the 7 primary and secondary colors fall. For 601 images, the color targets represent 80% saturation. For 709 images, the targets should include 100% for Blue, red, cyan, and yellow. If you can't look at a color bar pattern with your vectorscope, keep in mind that the concentric circles on the vectorscope represent saturation levels.

Paul Cascio · July 22nd, 2009, 02:48 PM

Thanks for responding Biil. Sometimes one color, maybe green, looks too saturated, but the vector doesn't really extend out past the markers. Is adjusting saturation mostly done by eye, except when it's 'out of bounds on the scope'?

I've been learning some basic color correction and understanding proper Saturation seems to be alluding me.

Bill Ravens · July 22nd, 2009, 03:14 PM

The way I guage color balance, like one color is too strong, is to look at the center of the vectorscope. The big white "blob" should be pretty much centered on the central dot. This is an indication of the color balance of the shadows. To get an idea of the color balance in the highlights, ie the whites, look at the "RGB Parade". The peaks of each channel of RGB should be at about the same level. Adjust each channel independently to balance these out. Note: this ONLY works with white.

Dean Sensui · July 30th, 2009, 01:01 PM

With RGB parade in a waveform you can also spot possible oversaturation. Look for any one of the channels approaching or exceeding 100 IRE.

July 22nd, 2009, 01:48 PM	#1
Paul Cascio Trustee Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Bristol, CT (Home of EPSN) Posts: 1,192	How do I evaluate Saturation with scopes? Is saturation strictly subjective or can I use scopes to adjust saturation? If so, how? __________________ Paul Cascio www.pictureframingschool.com

July 22nd, 2009, 02:48 PM	#3
Paul Cascio Trustee Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Bristol, CT (Home of EPSN) Posts: 1,192	Thanks for responding Biil. Sometimes one color, maybe green, looks too saturated, but the vector doesn't really extend out past the markers. Is adjusting saturation mostly done by eye, except when it's 'out of bounds on the scope'? I've been learning some basic color correction and understanding proper Saturation seems to be alluding me. __________________ Paul Cascio www.pictureframingschool.com

July 30th, 2009, 01:01 PM	#5
Dean Sensui Inner Circle Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Honolulu, HI Posts: 2,054	With RGB parade in a waveform you can also spot possible oversaturation. Look for any one of the channels approaching or exceeding 100 IRE. __________________ Dean Sensui Exec Producer, Hawaii Goes Fishing

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July 22nd, 2009, 02:07 PM	#2
Bill Ravens Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: santa fe, nm Posts: 3,264 Images: 10	You need to look at an image with a vectorscope. The traditional vectorscope has small square targets that indicate where the 7 primary and secondary colors fall. For 601 images, the color targets represent 80% saturation. For 709 images, the targets should include 100% for Blue, red, cyan, and yellow. If you can't look at a color bar pattern with your vectorscope, keep in mind that the concentric circles on the vectorscope represent saturation levels.

July 22nd, 2009, 03:14 PM	#4
Bill Ravens Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: santa fe, nm Posts: 3,264 Images: 10	The way I guage color balance, like one color is too strong, is to look at the center of the vectorscope. The big white "blob" should be pretty much centered on the central dot. This is an indication of the color balance of the shadows. To get an idea of the color balance in the highlights, ie the whites, look at the "RGB Parade". The peaks of each channel of RGB should be at about the same level. Adjust each channel independently to balance these out. Note: this ONLY works with white.