The CamAlign Story 
| CamAligns on Location
A CamAlign ColorBar/GrayScale hits the track in Valencia, Spain.
Photo courtesy of
Michael Brennan. |
A New Approach to Front-Lit Test Charts CamAlign™ is a very different kind of test chart designed to optimize the performance of today's HD/SD cameras. Developed
Ten years ago for the space program. CamAligns are now widely used in broadcasting and digital cinematography, both in camera alignment and as an on-the-set test targets. CamAligns are extremely accurate, high dynamic range, test charts that combine precision with practicality. CamAlign - is a Multipurpose tool used: In the Lab - to evaluate cameras In the Studio - to set-up and match cameras On-the-Set - as a production test standard In Post Production - to optimize image quality
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CamAligns help our clients: Shoot richer-looking pictures and achieve optimal tonal reproduction. CamAlign's unique smooth surface and wide dynamic range illuminates more consistently and provides true black levels typical of those in a scene. Optional "CaviBlack" DSC's unique 3-D cavity black provides the ultimate black level. Make shadows neutral, every time. Reproduce grays faithfully through the entire tonal range, using "color-true" grayscales. Made using patented DSC technology, CamAlign grays are as close to spectrophotometrically neutral as possible. Match cameras quickly and easily to current ITU-R 709/SMPTE 274M Colorimetry. All CamAligns (except FrontBox series) include calibrations, simulations and instructions. Use charts for quantitative evaluation using vector scopes and waveform monitors. Please Note - following good engineering practice, all DSC primary vector colors are at a saturation level lower than the 75% electronic color bar, but higher than typical real world colors. In RGB levels, each color is a combination of 560 and 280mV, or 80 and 40 IRE units. For those with calibrated vectorscope gain adjustment, theoretically accurate reproduction will be achieved when RGB, CMY colors are in their boxes with scope gain increased x 1.875. In NTSC, this is achieved by increasing vectorscope burst along the axis, to a position opposite the outer corner of the yellow box. It is important to note that accurate reproduction is a good reference point, but seldom makes the best looking pictures. Realize the full potential of your HD and SD cameras! CamAligns are available in combined HD/SD (16:9/4:3) or SD format in Maxi, Senior, Standard and Junior. CamAlign's ideal for the shop, studio, stadium and truck. Set up your CamAligns in seconds with CamStands. Level and tilt charts instantly, using a standard 5/8" lamp stand - with innovative, fully-adjustable CamStand and CamStandle. Protect your investment - tough, easy-care charts go everywhere you go. CamAligns mounted on aircraft aluminum (1/16 in, 1.6mm thick), have protective flexible edging. Dust and fingerprints wipe off quickly with a damp cloth. Store and carry your charts in soft-sided CamFolders. Make better looking images come rain or shine! Treated with a clear protective laminate, CamAligns are virtually weather proof - ideal for location shooting. Prices are affordable, trade-in options attractive. Ask about quantity discounts, and periodic trade show specials. Trade in charts after one year, and receive a 15-30% discount on their replacements (discount depends on number traded in). CamAlign charts are your environmentally friendly choice. Major components are recycled on trade-in. This page contains information about regular CamAlign Chip Charts only! Please see Front Box Series Charts for DSC's economical and compact production charts. Please see White'nWarm Card Sets for DSC's camera white and "warm balancing" system. Please see CamFocus Cards for DSC's backfocus star and white balance cards.
Align with CamAlign - and See the Difference!
Patterns include crossed grayscales, ITU-R BT.709 vector colors, skin tones, multibursts, hyperbolics, flare and monitor registration and backfocus - in various combinations. 4:3 or combined 16:9/4:3 models. All charts include operating instructions and CamAligns (except FrontBox Series Charts) include individual calibration sheets. CamAlign Charts are Smooth Operators
 CamAlign's smooth surface has visible reflections in it if charts are set up incorrectly. A problem? No, as it's easy to eliminate these reflections by slightly tilting the chart forward. AntiReflect and CamStand and are accessories for expediting and optimizing chart use. Flare is the reason we make CamAlign charts with a smooth surface, not a matte one. Our tests indicate that, while cameras see flare on matte-surface test charts, the technicians aligning them often don't. An elusive and insidious problem, flare can make charts generate inconsistent and misleading information - resulting in serious gamma errors and crushed blacks. A reduced dynamic range adversely affects both tonal reproduction and color saturation. However, in some multiple camera situations matte charts may be preferable and CamAlign charts are available in matte finish by special order. Bear in mind that matte charts cannot be cleaned or washed and damage easily. Find out more about using CamAlign charts in maintenance and production, in these articles.
"DSC CamAlign is Key to HD Production" (Reprinted from TV Technology, Feb '01 issue)
"Using Reference Test Objects: From Camera Setup Through Post-Production" (Reprinted from the SMPTE Journal, Feb '01 issue)
Looking for incredibly accurate rear-lit test transparencies and illuminators? Click here for DSC's Ambi/Combi System!
DSC test products are covered by one or more patents, others pending. Liability of DSC Laboratories is limited to the replacement of test products purchased from DSC.
Go to "What Users Say" and read about the industry's leading CamAlign users! Click for Home Page |
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