Front Lit

2012 Catalogue

The DSC Front Lit Chart family is broken down into four groups, each with their own distinct set of features and benefits. When selecting a chart it is important to consider several factors, including but not limited to, the size of the project, the number / type of cameras being used and ultimately the tools you require in order to get “that look” you want. CamAlign charts can also be grouped according to the category of chart they fall into (Chip Chart, Focus Chart, Skin Tone, etc...). See the "Categories" table below for more information.

*CamAlign Models*
*Example Chart*	*Category*	*Features*
	GreyScale and White Balance Cards	· DSC’s wide dynamic range grayscale charts generate signals more consistent with those found in real-life, giving you deeper blacks and whiter whites · Reproduce grays faithfully through the entire tonal range, using DSC patented "color-true" spectrophotometrically neutral grays · Set gamma levels quickly and with confidence
	Focus and Resolution	· Charts for setting focus, checking resolution, camera frequency and response, identifying flare, framing your shot and much, much more
	Color Chip Charts	· Designed to generate a precise hexagonal shaped vectorscope display for HD, SD and NTSC images (set to Rec. 709 colorimetry standard) · Quickly evaluate and adjust your cameras color matrix utilizing a waveform / vectorscope · Invaluable in post production as a baseline color reference to adjust for changes in lighting, check color consistency, and match footage · Different combinations of colors available, starting from 6 primaries up to 72 colors · Most CamAlign charts also include a precision crossed grayscale for quick adjustment of gamma
	Specialist Charts	· Designed in cooperation with industry leaders, these charts are made for projects requiring specialized tools not available on any other DSC test patterns · Lighting reference tools, camera orientation markers and specialized color chips are just a few of the additional features included on some of the specialist charts · Current line includes charts for 3-D and Visual F/X work
	Skin Tone Reference	· Skin tone reference charts to ensure skin tones are reproducing accurately and do not become tinged / distorted during color correction · Highly detailed, ultra-high resolution images allow for fine tuning of camera detail settings · A full arrangement of different common skin tones for a thorough check of color accuracy

*Front Lit Chart Formats*
*Example Chart*	*Chart Series*	*Benefits*	*Considerations*
	EFP Series (Electronic Field Production)	· Easily fits into a camera bag or pocket · Ideal for single camera projects · Best suited for professional consumer level equipment · Affordable · All charts include DSC’s patented “True White” white balance card	· Small size limits its use in larger projects or when shooting at a distance · Charts are batch calibrated · Limited number of colors and features available · Not suitable for alignment of high end cameras
	FrontBox Series	· Wider selection of colors and features then the EFP Series · Easily fits into a laptop bag or backpack · Quick and easy to setup anywhere utilizing DSC’s Tilt’n Hold stand · Simplified instructions on the face of the chart · Backfocus comes standard on the rear of every chart	· Small size limits its use to small projects and spaces · Charts are batch calibrated (no calibration data included) · More limited range of models available then regular CamAligns
	CamBooks™	· Get several of DSC’s most popular charts in one portable package · Affordable alternative to buying each chart individually · Package fits neatly into most camera bags · Sensitive charts are protected · Available in different combinations to meet your specific needs	· Small size limits its use to small projects and spaces · Charts are batch calibrated (no calibration data included) · Cambooks are sold as fixed sets
	CamAlign®	· DSC’s premium range of charts · Can be used to line up multiple cameras from great distances · Charts are made to order and individually calibrated to ensure precision · Calibration data included with every chart · Available with a range of features and upgrades (ex. Cavi-Black) · DSCs full range of charts are available in this format including the popular Visual F/X and 3-D models · Mounted on aircraft aluminum	· Larger charts are more difficult to transport (require a bag) · More expensive then the batch calibrated models

Relative Chart Sizes

Abbreviation	Chart Size	Chart Type	Size (Inches)
SXW	Super Maxi	CamAlign	(51.5" x 30.5")
XW	Maxi	CamAlign	(40" x 24")
SRW	Senior	CamAlign	(24" x 14.7")
SW	Standard	CamAlign	(21.3" x 13")
JW	Junior	CamAlign	(17" x 10")
FB	FrontBox	FrontBox	(11" x 9.5")
CB	CamBook	CamBook	(11" x 6.8")
H	Handy	EFP	(10" x 6")
P	Pocket	EFP	(6.25" x 3.75")

CamAlign charts are available with a range of upgrades and accessories.
Interested in finding out more?

Visit our DSC accessories page.

RED 101 - DSC CamAlign Charts

The CamAlign Story

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 several years ago for the United States space program, CamAligns are now widely used in broadcasting and digital cinematography, worldwide. CamAligns are extremely accurate, high dynamic range, test charts that combine precision with practicality.

With many patented tools and a user friendly layout, CamAligns have come to set the standard for HD camera setup and alignment.

Some CamAlign uses are:

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

General CamAlign Information

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.
Make shadows neutral, every time. DSC patented DSC technology helps users reproduce grays faithfully through the entire tonal range, because every gray tone is designed to be spetrophotometrically neutral.
Match cameras quickly and easily to current ITU-R 709/SMPTE 274M Colorimetry. All CamAligns Series charts (not EFP, FB and CB series) include calibration sheets, simulations and instructions. 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.
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.
Make better looking images come rain or shine! Treated with a clear protective laminate, CamAligns are virtually weather proof - ideal for location shooting.
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.
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.
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.

CamAlign Charts Smooth Gloss Surface

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 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.

See "What Users Say" about DSC Labs CamAlign Family of products.

Interested in purchasing a CamAlign of your own.

Visit our Online Store or give us a call toll free at 1-866-DSC-LABS, to get the model that's just right for you.

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.