Computer Display as Camera Profiling Target: When “Good Enough ” is Good Enough

For many low-end applications, it is beyond reach to follow accepted procedures for making colour profiles for cameras. A camera colour profile for use in a colour management system usually involves photographing a carefully measured colour test chart. There still may be need to improve colour rendition of a camera even if one is without the luxury of a well-characterized reflective colour target. Computer displays may hold the key to a “poor man’s ” camera calibration chart. Even a display in good calibration raises the caution of those familiar with issues concerning instrumental metamerism. Several experiments described here show use of LCD displays for creating camera profiles and demonstrate that under best circumstances, the profiles are of fair quality. Even when using uncalibrated LCD displays, camera performance improves with colour profiles made from targets presented on screen. 1