D200 CWB Setting

[deadpixel]

Prior to getting my D200 and several weeks after I got it, I'd been reading several posts from D200 users that it was not possible to do a Custom White Balance (CWB) through regular methods. I believed this and even contributed to the misinformation too. This is a link to the current method of setting an IR CWB on the D200:

Current method for setting CWB on D200

White Balancing is the process of removing incorrect color casts from your photos so that an object you know to be white will appear white in the photo. With digital infrared photography, this process is used to get the camera to recognise green foliage as white when the scene is shot through the infrared pass filter.

One important requisite for a good white balance measurement is an image that is properly exposed. This means that if an image requires 1/2 a second of exposure to be properly lighted up, we would need to let the white balance function measure the scene for 1/2 a second.

The reason I'm writing this first part is because I've asked, in a couple of other posts here and elsewhere, whether anyone had ever tried doing a CWB with a shutter speed matching what would normally be required for an IR photo on the D200, that is, 5-15 seconds on ISO100. Since no one has replied positively, I finally got off my butt and did a few simple test on the D200 to measure some IR CWB.

I conducted two test over two days. The first was done yesterday at 2pm under modrately cloudy/overcast conditions. I set the D200 to ISO400, switched to 'M' mode, set the lens' aperture to f/2.8 and the shutter speed to 13 seconds, screwed on the IRP filter, switched on the CWB measuring, pointed on a patch of grass (not too well lit) and pressed the shutter release. When it was complete, the top LCD showed "Good"... I then fired of a couple of test shots, completely blur, cause I did them handheld, but definitely IR "coloring".

The second test was done at 12:55pm today, in modrately bright settings with the sky being a little cloudy/hazy. I set the D200 to ISO100, switched it to 'M' mode, set the lens' aperture to f/3.5 and the shutter speed to 8 seconds. I then screwed the IRP filter on the lens, switched on the CWB measurement, pointed at a brightly sun-lit patch of grass, crossed my fingers and pressed the shutter release. 8 seconds later the top LCD showed "Good". This time around, I saw a power box and used it as a platform for a test shoot; here's the outcome:



D200, 17mm, f/3.2 @ 8sec with a/b inversion done in CS2

It isn't tack sharp cause the camera wasn't sitting on a proper tripod. Still, the image is unmistakably IR.

D200 owners...hope this helps make your CWB setting a little easier.

Please note that CWB readings taken of different types of grass/leaves at different times of the day will show different results.

Cheers,
Matt

[Dennis]

Thanks Matt, will check it out.
I remember I tried on a very sunny day with a 2s exposure but could not get a good CWB.
It may be that I am pointing a a green patch that was under shade.

[deadpixel]

Originally Posted by Dennis Thanks Matt, will check it out. I remember I tried on a very sunny day with a 2s exposure but could not get a good CWB. It may be that I am pointing a a green patch that was under shade.

Hi Dennis,

2s may be a little short. The shortest time I've been successful at so far is 5s...

Cheers,
Matt

[Dennis]

Yep realised it now.
Will check it out once I have sun and cam on hand.

[teerex]

Thanks for the info and tests Matt.

I'll try out with various apertures and shutter speeds to see results. Have to bring a tripod out liao.

[vortex]

Originally Posted by Dennis Yep realised it now. Will check it out once I have sun and cam on hand.

steady lah...the sun is at your command

anyways great discovery work matt!!!

[ark19]

Wah... like that like poison to buy D200
Cheers!

[deadpixel]

Originally Posted by teerex Thanks for the info and tests Matt. I'll try out with various apertures and shutter speeds to see results. Have to bring a tripod out liao.

Hee...hee...yep, but it is also a return of color blending and overlaying IR

Cheers,
Matt

[deadpixel]

Originally Posted by vortex steady lah...the sun is at your command anyways great discovery work matt!!!

Thanks, just trying to get more D200 users to join in the fun.

Cheers,
Matt

[deadpixel]

Originally Posted by ark19 Wah... like that like poison to buy D200 Cheers!

Hee...hee...

_

[TrailsofLife]

Hey Matt,

This is good. It applies to all camera infact, when doing CWB, exposure must be correct.

Its critical to Canon users, because canon needs long exposure, so when shooting a sample for CWB, must make sure your exposure is correct.

[Reno]

Cool man..!! will try out this sat....!!

[wiz23]

Thanks for the info, Matt!

[Francis247]

Hey Matt,

Thanks for the info.
Going to try that out some time.
Appreciate your effort.

[deadpixel]

Hee...anytime....no worries

Cheers,
Matt

[Dennis]

OK tested according to Matt's method and it worked, also from Som's testing the D200 can take some nice IR pics although shutter speed may be long. .

[deadpixel]

Originally Posted by Dennis OK tested according to Matt's method and it worked, also from Som's testing the D200 can take some nice IR pics although shutter speed may be long. .

Wooohooooo!! So I wasn't dreaming after all...ha ha!

I've just tested out a couple of interesting techniques for IR, so as soon as I can get some time to try them out on proper scenes, I'll put them up.

Cheers,
Matt