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ExpoImaging ExpoDisc 77mm Digital White Balance Filter - Neutral

by ExpoDisc
4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (76 customer reviews)

Price: $99.95 & FREE Shipping. Details
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Size: ExpoDisc 77mm
ExpoDisc 52mm
ExpoDisc 58mm
ExpoDisc 62mm
ExpoDisc 77mm
  • Provides consistent, accurate color
  • Calibrated and certified for neutrality
  • Use in ambient, studio or mixed light
  • Durable, compact and lightweight
  • Easy to use, no software required
  • Convenient, fast and easy-to-use
  • Works in Mixed and Difficult Lighting
  • Reclaim Time Spent Correcting Color
  • Replace Your Gray Cards and White Cards
  • Assembled and tested in U.S.A. to strict standards of neutrality and overall light transmission

Frequently Bought Together

ExpoImaging ExpoDisc 77mm Digital White Balance Filter - Neutral + ExpoDisc EXPOD77W 77mm ExpoDisc Portrait White Balance Filter + Neewer 110CM 43" 5-in-1 Collapsible Multi-Disc Light Reflector
Price for all three: $217.56

Buy the selected items together


Product Details

Size: ExpoDisc 77mm
  • Product Dimensions: 3.2 x 3.2 x 0.5 inches ; 2.2 ounces
  • Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
  • Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
  • ASIN: B0002GFOSU
  • Item model number: EXPOD77
  • Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (76 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank:
  • Date first available at Amazon.com: June 17, 2003

Product Description

Size: ExpoDisc 77mm

From the Manufacturer

ExpoDisc Professional Custom White Balance Filter

ExpoDisc on Camera
The ExpoDisc easily mounts to your camera's lens by pressure mount or can be held over smaller lenses.
Features:
  • Quickly set white balance for photo and video
  • Meter 18% Incident Exposure
  • Individually hand calibrated, tested and certified in U.S.A.
  • Durable aluminum filter mount
  • Includes nylon storage pouch and black woven lanyard
GrayBeforeAfter
ExpoDisc custom white balance (left) and Auto White Balance (right). Images copyright Zach and Jody Gray.
Why should I white balance with an ExpoDisc?

Because it saves time. The ExpoDisc White Balance Filter can be used to quickly set a custom white balance, virtually eliminating the need for RAW and JPEG color adjustments.

When used to set a custom white balance, the ExpoDisc consistently produces excellent color in natural, artificial, and studio lighting, and it even excels in difficult mixed lighting environments.

How does the ExpoDisc work?

Your camera’s internal light meter measures the color temperature of light passing through the ExpoDisc to make an “in-camera” color adjustment. This color adjustment is applied to all subsequent images taken using the custom white balance applied from the selected light reading.

Or, if you prefer shooting in RAW and batch processing later, simply capture a reference image through the ExpoDisc to use later with your image processing software.

How is the ExpoDisc different from other white balance tools?

The ExpoDisc is more accurate than other white balance tools because it is hand calibrated and certified for an 18% light transmission across the visible spectrum. We individually adjust each ExpoDisc using multiple custom filters to correct for any variation in base materials. This precision ensures that your camera applies the correct color adjustments when setting a custom white balance.

Using an ExpoDisc is also easier than using unwieldy exposure targets and gray cards, awkward tools that often require an extra set of hands to hold and position properly. To use an ExpoDisc, simply attach it to the end of your lens before setting a custom white balance or metering for exposure.

ExpoDiscLabChart
ExpoDisc representative Lab values: L*=49.40,a*=.-.06, b*.04, Z%=17.90 These representative Lab values were produced by measuring light passing through an ExpoDisc using a transmission spectrophotometer.
Why is it important to use a spectrally neutral white balance tool?

Only tools that reflect or transmit light evenly across the visible spectrum can be trusted to work properly in a variety of shooting environments.

As the inventors of the Custom White Balance Filter, we have always gone to great lengths to ensure the neutrality of every ExpoDisc. Any non-neutral white balance tool will introduce color casts to resulting images because the tool itself changes the color of light against which the camera applies the color correction.

How are ExpoDiscs constructed?

ExpoDiscs are made from multiple layers of custom formulated materials contained within a high grade anodized aluminum filter ring. Each ExpoDisc's filter combination is adjusted by hand to achieve its neutrality. To ensure that every ExpoDisc is neutral, we measure and calibrate each ExpoDisc at our California facility for 18% light transmission and neutrality across the visible spectrum (400nm to 700nm). This 18% light transmission is ideal for setting a custom white balance, as well as metering for incident exposures in ambient light.

Will the ExpoDisc work with my camera?

The ExpoDisc can be used with any digital camera with a custom white balance capability, including all digital SLRs and most point & shoot cameras. The ExpoDisc works with all major camera brands, including: Canon, Nikon, Sony, Pentax, Olympus, Samsung, Lumix, and Leica.

TreesBeforeAfter
Auto White Balance in daylight (left) and ExpoDisc custom white balance (right). Images copyright Terry Livingtsone.
How do I use the ExpoDisc?

Getting great color with the ExpoDisc is easy. To set a custom white balance with the ExpoDisc, simply place the disc in front of your lens and follow your camera’s custom white balance procedure to capture an incident light reading through it. For most cameras, this procedure takes about 15 seconds. That’s it. If you’re shooting JPEG you’re done. And if you’re shooting RAW, simply download your images as shot and save yourself valuable time correcting color. No special software, and no post processing required.

Does the ExpoDisc work for video applications?

Yes, the ExpoDisc can be used to quickly white balance any digital video camera with a custom white balance function. White balancing your video camera with an ExpoDisc will save valuable time in the editing room adjusting for color casts and inconsistent color.

How does the ExpoDisc attach to my lens?

The ExpoDisc was designed to make white balancing your camera easy. To help accomplish this, the ExpoDisc quickly attaches to the lens using an innovative friction mount design. When gently pushed into a threaded lens or filter, three small spring loaded ball bearings located around the filter ring slide over the lens threads to hold the filter in position until removed.

Do I need to buy an ExpoDisc for all my lenses?

No, if you have multiple lenses you can purchase an ExpoDisc to fit your largest lens. When using smaller lenses, simply hold your larger ExpoDisc flush over the end of the smaller lens.

What ExpoDisc filter sizes are available?

ExpoDisc Professional Custom White Balance Filters are available in standard filter sizes, including 52mm, 58mm, 62mm, 67mm, 72mm, 77mm, 82mm, as well as 4x5.65 Video Format Filters.

Every ExpoDisc is individually hand calibrated, tested and certified in U.S.A.

Contents:
  • ExpoDisc White Balance Filter - Neutral
  • Nylon Filter Pouch
  • Black woven lanyard
  • Certification Card
  • QuickStart Guide
What is a custom white balance?
WeddingCakeBeforeAfter
Auto White Balance (left) and ExpoDisc custom white balance (right). Images copyright David Guy Maynard.

Even the best digital cameras struggle with consistently reproducing accurate color. Images shot with incorrect white balance may have unnatural looking red, yellow or blue tints that are time consuming and difficult to correct.

To help photographers cope with this problem, digital camera manufacturers have designed their cameras with multiple white balance functions, including Custom White Balance, Automatic White Balance (AWB), and factory Preset color temperature settings for Sun, Shade, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Flash, and Cloudy. When shooting, photographers must select one of the camera's fixed white balance settings to apply in-camera, or to apply later in post processing if using the RAW file format.

Unfortunately, Auto White Balance (AWB) often produces maddeningly inconsistent color results, and the color temperatures assigned to the camera's Preset white balance settings often do not reflect real world lighting conditions, causing a color-cast.

Using the Custom White Balance function remains the most reliable way to consistently reproduce accurate, balanced color in digital cameras. The custom white balance function eliminates the inconsistencies of AWB and the gross generality of factory Preset color temperatures because it allows the user to calibrate the camera to an exact color temperature at image capture. The custom white balance procedure requires a neutral reference like the ExpoDisc to measure the color of light accurately.

Product Description

The ExpoDisc white balance filter allows digital photographers to quickly and easily set an accurate custom white balance. Each ExpoDisc is individually assembled, calibrated and certified for neutrality in the visible spectrum, and for 18% light transmission. The ExpoDisc can be used on-the-fly to set a white balance in-camera when shooting JPEG, or later in post production when shooting RAW. Using an ExpoDisc to set a custom white balance results in consistently balanced color and eliminates many of the yellow, red and blue color casts commonly seen in digital photography. The ExpoDisc is easy to use. Setting a white balance with the ExpoDisc eliminates many of the inconsistencies and inconveniences associated with using white balance cards and targets, including unwieldy size, unwanted reflectivity, improper angling, and shadows. To set a white balance with an ExpoDisc, simply take a photograph of the light source (incident light) through the ExpoDisc, then follow your camera's instructions to set the camera's custom white balance. Because the ExpoDisc is calibrated for an 18% light transmission, you can also use it as a reference tool for manually determining proper exposure. The ExpoDisc is available in a variety of sizes to fit most popular lenses. The ExpoDisc does not thread into the lens; instead, its quick mount design can be pushed-on and popped-off to facilitate a quick white balance.

Customer Reviews

The ExpoDisc definitely makes getting the white balance out of your camera much easier. Rod Williams  |  32 reviewers made a similar statement
As I said, I love it and use it when I'm taking studio shots and also when I'm using flash. Billy Jackson  |  15 reviewers made a similar statement
This product works amazing. Aaron Lee  |  9 reviewers made a similar statement
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
69 of 69 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars An amazing tool for obtaining correct color balance. August 24, 2009
Size Name:ExpoDisc 77mm
I don't remember how I came to learn about this tool, but I bought it in a store for my Nikon D300 without reading any reviews. I did try it out in the store and I was immediately impressed with the results so I bought it on the spot.

The disk is amazingly well packaged. It's packaged just like an iPod that I received some years back. It doesn't have the scrimpy, we-don't-care Made-In-China feel. It comes with a lanyard, a semi-rigid pouch that you can attach to your belt, a CD with all of the PDF instructions in multiple languages and a how-to video.

Their web-site also has instructions on how to set the Nikon D300 pre settings.

For years, from the time I got my first DSLR I've been plagued by color balance issues. It seems that I have to color correct each and every photograph in Photoshop. I shoot in RAW so that I have more control but it takes so much more work and time. I'm also not very good with color correctly with PS. I have all the instructions and I follow them carefully, but I always had problems getting the hang of it.

I own gray cards but they're bulky and I don't walk around with one. I also haven't had very good luck with them either. I'm sure it's my technique but I never did get the hang of it.

Shooting under artificial light is a real pain. Auto WB never really works.

I first tried the ExpoDisk in a room lit with CFs (Compact Fluorescent) bulbs. I used the ExpoDisk as directed and I received absolutely perfect results the first time. Then I tried another room lit with LEDs. Again, perfect results. I put a Gretamacbeth colorchecker chart in each of my test shots. Every time, the whites are whites and the blacks are black. Zero color cast.

I've never been able to photograph granite and achieve the correct color. After using the ExpoDisk, the granite color perfectly matches the first time. When photographing faces, I'm utterly clueless obtaining the correct tones unless I have a Gretamacbeth colorchecker chart in the photograph and fiddle around with Photoshop. Again, ExpoDisk to the rescue.

Maybe it's the camera or maybe it's me, but I also have problems with color casts using a flash with the color balance set to flash. The ExpoDisk washed those problems away.

Shooting under different lighting sources is a challenge. Which do I aim at? Unfortunately, the ExpoDisk never addresses that issue. I probably have to use colored gels on the flash (I have the SB-900 and SB-800's) to neutralize the fluorescent bulbs.

I don't intend to use this while casually walking around but when I want to be certain that the color balance is perfect, then I use the ExpoDisk. Even at 77mm (the size of my largest lens so that it will fit all my other lenses) it's small enough to carry around in my pocket. I don't know if I'm dorky enough to put it on my belt.

The hardest time I had with this was getting the lanyard cord through the hole. The only way I could get that thick cord through the tiny hole was to take a sewing thread to make a loop and pull the lanyard cord through the hole.

I've spent thousands of dollars on camera equipment but I've had so many problems getting the color balance correct and this relatively small investment has already saved me a lot of grief. So perhaps I'm incompetent with Photoshop and gray cards, but this resolves so many of my problems to begin with.

I can now shoot in RAW/JPG and directly use the JPGs when I don't need to adjust the exposure. Another time saver.

I strongly recommend the ExpoDisk if you're serious about photography and want perfect color balance the first time.
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46 of 46 people found the following review helpful
By ppmd
Size Name:ExpoDisc 77mm|Amazon Verified Purchase
If you struggle trying to "fix" your images' white balance after your digital capture, this item is your answer. Put it on over your lens, point it toward the dominant light source (such as that funky incandescent / fluorescent light mixture in most homes), take a photo, and set the Custom White Balance in your camera. That's it! I have captured photos using home/indoor lighting, stage lighting, etc. NO MORE TWEAKING WHITE BALANCE IN PHOTOSHOP! It's dead-on every time.

I take this with me wherever I know there will be mixed lighting and use it before I photograph. You will be impressed as I am.
Was this review helpful to you?
30 of 30 people found the following review helpful
Size Name:ExpoDisc 77mm
I read a lot of reviews of the expo disc and decided to give it a try. It is so easy to use and the results are sooooo much better than auto white balance. Like anything else in this world, it is only a tool; it doesn't do miracles. But, when it is used correctly, it helps make your photos look fantastic. Initially, I hated having to pay $100 dollars for it. I thought, "What a rip-off for such a little lens" But, after I saw the results I quickly realized how valuable it is to me. Once you get accurate colors, you'll never want to go back to auto and presets again!!! Imagine being able to shoot jpgs that have correct color. I hate shooting Raw because the file sizes are huge and there is always the extra step of converting them to a format that anyone can view. When I use the expo disc I can get the color right the first time and not have to sit in front of a computer tweaking the color of thousands of photos! Even if you like to shoot Raw, it still saves you time because you won't have to edit the white balance on every photo taken indoors.

This is a lot more convenient than using a gray card and it is more accurate.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars Saved me from white balance problems
I am so glad that I purchased this. I was having issues getting correct white balance even with a gray card it was still hit or miss for me. This is quick and easy to use. Read more
Published 11 days ago by Photo Girl
5.0 out of 5 stars Gift
I bought this as a gift for my wife who is a professional photographer. She absolutely loves this product and uses it all of the time. Read more
Published 14 days ago by Jeff Zimbelman
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent
I'm a semi-pro photographer and I was looking to speed up my workflow, particularly with weddings. I was using auto white balance in camera and color correcting in post processing. Read more
Published 15 days ago by CJ
5.0 out of 5 stars BUY THIS
This is a necessity for all photographers. I use this mostly when I have more then one light source being used on my subject. Read more
Published 21 days ago by Michael Hernandez
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing white balance tool!
I had read about the ExpoDisc on a couple of photography forums, and knowing that white balance is my #1 headache, I decided to give it a try. I am so glad I did! Read more
Published 24 days ago by Mindy B.
5.0 out of 5 stars Great product!
I was reading reviews at a photography forum and finally decided to get one. After watching the videos on the company's website, I was able to set up my manual settings on my... Read more
Published 29 days ago by T. Derrico
5.0 out of 5 stars Received it last night and already love it
I had done a lot of reading & research trying to decided whether or not to try this product out.. and I finally just hit buy and did it.. I'm glad I did. Read more
Published 1 month ago by jason alexander
5.0 out of 5 stars Love
Love the ExpoDisc takes a bit to get use to but once you do you will love the perfect WB
Published 2 months ago by fourtoneys
5.0 out of 5 stars Love, love, LOVE my Expodisc!
Short version: I love my Expodisc, and it lives permanently in my purse along with my camera.

Long version: I am a beginning photographer, but I shoot RAW and couldn't... Read more
Published 3 months ago by Stephanie R. Roberts
5.0 out of 5 stars I can't imagine being without this product.
The ExpoDisc almost completely eliminates having to make any color corrections in post processing. It really makes a difference if shooting inside a gym without flash... Read more
Published 3 months ago by TLavine
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