Camera custom white balance reference targets: gray card, white target, and using edges
According to the product manuals of X-Rite and Datacolor, and the Sony α6700 manual, explain the use of gray patches and white targets in specific white balance workflows, emphasizing sampling according to the target and camera model instructions; do not claim the superiority or inferiority of gray/white cards across brands, the 18% universal standard, or PTFE material specifications.
First, select the sampling target according to the camera instructions
Custom white balance is not presented in these sources as 'all cameras must use the same gray card or white card.' For example, the Sony α6700 manual specifies covering the sampling frame entirely with a white area; Datacolor indicates that the gray target on the back of a SpyderCHECKR can be used for in-camera white balance. First, follow the respective instructions of the camera and target. [G-CARD-03, G-CARD-05, G-CARD-06]
Gray targets and white targets each have specific uses
The X-Rite ColorChecker manual recommends using the gray patches on its target for JPEG/RAW white balance reference and cautions that if the white channel reaches the maximum value and loses tone, white balance cannot be performed based on it. Datacolor lists additional uses for the gray patches on a SpyderCHECKR, including RAW editor white balance and exposure reference. The above instructions are the uses for each product and do not imply that all gray cards, white cards, or camera behavior are the same. [G-CARD-02, G-CARD-03]
Keep lighting and sampling consistent when photographing reference targets
Datacolor recommends placing the Spyder Checkr Photo in the same lighting as the subject, positioning the target directly facing the camera to avoid glare or uneven lighting, and sampling larger color patches in custom white balance mode. X-Rite also suggests placing the target under the same lighting as the subject and warns that strong shadows, reflections, or improper exposure can affect the results. When performing in-camera steps, still set the sampling area and exposure according to the target and camera instructions. [G-CARD-01, G-CARD-04]
Do not use unverified universal numbers as a replacement for product instructions
Currently cited product instructions are insufficient to support a unified standard such as '18% gray card is the white balance standard,' a fixed ranking of gray cards versus white cards, or guarantees regarding materials or reflectivity of PTFE/Spectralon, nor do they support a single set of menu and histogram thresholds applicable to all camera models. When these specific specifications are needed, refer to the model instructions from the target manufacturer and the camera manual. [G-CARD-06]
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