Datacolor has taken its expertise in color to the next level with an innovative device that surpasses the traditional light meter. Datacolor LightColor Meter is a compact, Bluetooth-enabled, and multifunctional tool that acts as your on-site assistant – and fits conveniently in your pocket.
In real-time, it streams both light and color data directly to your smartphone via the free Datacolor LightColor Meter app, allowing you to adjust lighting and exposure without leaving the camera. For even higher precision and efficiency, you can synchronize multiple devices and measure light and color temperature from several points simultaneously. The result? A smoother workflow and even more accurate measurements.
- A meter that measures both light and color temperature.
- Works with ambient, continuous, and flash lighting in any environment.
- Synchronize multiple LightColor Meters to measure light in multiple locations at once and receive all data directly in the app.
- Streams data in real-time for precise exposure, matched camera settings, and a smoother workflow.
- Wireless meter transmits real-time light & color data for accurate exposure.
- Accurate exposure & efficiency.
The easiest way to ensure correct exposure
Datacolor LightColor Meter is one of the simplest ways to ensure correct exposure for reliable results and a smoother post-processing experience. It allows us to master the science of color and light while you focus on the artistic aspect of visual representation. Measuring eliminates guesswork around exposure settings and helps photographers, videographers, cinematographers, and hybrid photo/video creators better control lighting conditions and color consistency across different lighting environments and camera setups.
Measurement data is instantly sent to your smartphone
Measurement data is instantly sent to your smartphone via the Datacolor LightColor Meter app and continuously updated to ensure accuracy, even under varying lighting conditions such as shifting daylight. In addition to time-saving benefits and wireless convenience, the comprehensive light and color information from the Datacolor LightColor Meter gives users increased creative control.
Accurately measures all types of light
The Bluetooth-enabled meter delivers accurate light measurement in any environment – from changing outdoor lighting and a mix of natural and artificial light to all types of studio lighting, including both continuous lighting and flash/strobe.
Synchronize multiple Datacolor LightColor Meters
You can synchronize multiple Datacolor LightColor Meters to obtain measurement data from different areas of your shoot simultaneously via the app, and this information is continuously updated – an invaluable feature in shifting light conditions that saves both time and effort while providing accurate real-time results.
Measurement of Color Temperature and Color Shift
Datacolor LightColor Meter not only measures color temperature but also Duv (Delta u, v) – an indicator of color shift in light towards green or magenta. This function helps you determine whether correction is needed for different light sources, such as fluorescent, LED, or natural sunlight.
Perfect White Balance with Accurate Color Temperature Measurement
Using a meter allows you to precisely read the actual color temperature of light instead of relying on your camera's automatic white balance. This enables you to set the correct white balance from the start and avoid time-consuming corrections in post-production. In mixed lighting environments, the meter's flash and ambient color measurement feature allows you to match your flashes with existing light. This eliminates unwanted color casts and ensures a consistent lighting setup.
For challenging light sources like LED or fluorescent lighting, you can measure them individually to understand how to adjust the white balance. Alternatively, you can use color correction filters to optimize the light's characteristics. With built-in filter libraries from Profoto®, LEE®, and Rosco®, selecting the right filter for perfect colors in every shot becomes easy.
Smart Light Alerts
Datacolor LightColor Meter allows you to set up to 15 alert notifications on any connected device. These provide instant warnings about changes in light levels, shifts in color temperature, or other deviations. Perfect for detecting when clouds form and move across the sky outdoors or when a flash does not trigger correctly in a studio.
Key Feature Highlights
- Incident Metering for Ambient & Flash
- Mobile App/Wireless Bluetooth 4.0 LE
- Photo, Video, Cine Exposure Modes
- Measures Lux, Chromaticity, CCT, and +/- Green (Duv)
- Measures Any Kind of Light Source
- Color Temperature Range: 1,600K - 20,000K
- Luminance Range: 1.0 - 1,000,000 lux
- Cine Settings: Frame Rate, Shutter Angle/Speed & ND Filter Compensation
- HSS Flash & Flash Duration Measurements
- Included: Gel Filter Libraries from Profoto®, LEE® and Rosco®
- Simultaneous Measurements from Multiple Meters Up to 80 ft Away
- Hands-Free Functionality - incl. Magnet, ¼"-20 Mount
- Cord-in (PC Sync)
- Custom Exposure Profiles
Product Description
- A wireless, Bluetooth-connected meter that measures both light and color temperature. Works with ambient, continuous, and strobe/flash lighting in any setting, for easier, faster lighting and greater creative flexibility. You can also sync several LightColor Meters to take measurements at multiple locations simultaneously and get all the readings at once on your phone via the Datacolor LightColor Meter app.
- Product Description (154)
- Wireless meter measures both light & color. Continuously streams data in real time for precise exposure, matched camera settings and streamlined workflow.
- Product Description (71)
- Wireless meter sends real time light & color data for precise exposure.
- Product Description (29)
- Precise exposure & efficient.
Features & Benefits
- An Advanced Way of Metering - The Datacolor LightColor Meter uses wireless Bluetooth technology to continuously send both light exposure and color temperature information directly to your smartphone, running the free Datacolor LightColor Meter app for iOS or Android. More data is delivered to you instantly for streamlined lighting set up and precise exposure.
- Ideal for Both New & Experienced Light Meter Users – The value-added combination of having both a light and color meter in one convenient, Bluetooth-enabled device gives you multiple products for the price of one. The meter’s remote functionality delivers all the valuable info you need in real time to your phone in a clear, concise format while eliminating the need to run back and forth to your camera, saving you time and effort.
- Seamless Meter Synchronization – The Datacolor LightColor Meter app lets you sync multiple LightColor Meters to your phone. This allows you to get all the light and color data at once, for unparalleled creative control. Streamlining the lighting & camera set-up process for proper exposure reduces post-production editing.
- Multi-Media Use - Whether you’re shooting stills, video or cinema, the Datacolor LightColor Meter also includes the convenience of remote sensing & multiple sensors in a small yet powerful tool that works in studio or on location.
- Eliminates Exposure Guesswork – Metering allows you to take the guesswork out of managing your lighting and setting your camera’s exposure. For instance, you can set foreground/background lighting ratios for a consistent look and set lights to fill shadows to your specifications.
- More Precise than a Camera’s Auto Mode - Using a dedicated device like the LightColor Meter offers more precise control over exposure by taking measurements in any areas of a scene you select. Get consistent results across different lighting conditions, especially in challenging situations like high contrast or mixed lighting, for greater creative control over your image.
- A Dream for Green Screens – The Datacolor LightColor Meter’s remote functionality is perfect for metering large areas to get uniform lighting for things like green screens. The device can accurately meter light and color temperature from a distance of up to 80 feet. By using and syncing several meters, you can cover a wide area at once for even faster, more efficient lighting set-ups.
- Hands-Free Functionality - The rare earth magnet on the back of the meter has accessories for mounting or can be attached magnetically for convenient placement. A ¼"-20 threaded mount for attaching to light stands and tripods allows you to place the meter next to your subject while you work on lighting. The through-hole for lanyards allows you to hang the device anywhere for convenient access or even in your photo/video scene. The included alligator clip lets you hang the meter off clothing or other fabrics.
- Constant Communication – In addition to having your light and color temperature data continuously streamed to your phone via the app, the device itself has LEDs that let you know the mode your meter is in, displays the connection status plus lets you set up to 15 alarm notifications for light changes.
- Flashes of Brilliance - The 3.5 mm jack lets you attach a sync cable for triggering a strobe/flash if needed. The Datacolor LightColor Meter can also detect a flash without a sync cable from the sensor inside. The power & measure button turns the meter on and off and also triggers manual light reading including firing your wired flash.
- An Agile, On-Set Assistant – The crush-proof, spring-loaded light diffusion dome toggles between raised and lowered positions. When the dome is raised, the device can be used for exposure metering of people or other 3D objects and multiple light sources at the same time. When the dome is pressed down, it’s ready to measure color temperature or metering flat objects or single light sources.
- The Wireless Advantages - Because metered information is delivered to your phone instead of on the device itself, it’s easy to read even when outdoors or in brighter light conditions. The familiarity of mobile phone use also makes the LightColor Meter perfect for both individuals who have never used a meter before as well as experienced users transitioning to this wireless functionality.
- Hardworking, Easy to Handle - The Datacolor LightColor Meter’s design makes it easy to handle and comfortable to hold. The meter is rugged and can even withstand being dropped, and unlike traditional meters, your info will remain displayed on your phone. The device’s portable size and protective case makes it an ideal on-the-go tool to always keep in your camera bag. The Datacolor LightColor Meter only uses 2 AAA batteries for up to 40 hours of continuous use, to keep working as hard as you do.
Use Cases
Here are some examples of how the Datacolor LightColor Meter works in various use cases for both photography and videography/cinematography:
For Photo
- Studio Shoots with Mixed Lighting – Example: Studio set up with various light sources (LED, tungsten, etc.) Results: Harmonious balance of light plus accurate color representation reflecting the intended artistic vision. The device provides simultaneous measurement of both flash/strobe and continuous light sources.
- Outdoor Portraits – Example: Varying light conditions. Results: The Datacolor LightColor Meter ensures natural, accurate skin tones and balanced exposure, minimizing post-edits. You can leave the device in place, and it will provide you with continuous light and color temperature data as the light varies.
- Event Photography in Varied Lighting – Example: Indoor events like weddings, outdoor events like concerts. Results: Consistently capture well-exposed, color-accurate images in the fast-paced and varied lighting conditions of event photography.
- Product Photography for Accurate Color Representation – Example: Product photo shoot. Results: Product images accurately represent the true colors of the items, reducing returns due to color discrepancies while increasing customer satisfaction. The minimal footprint of the Datacolor LightColor meter makes positioning in the shooting environment easier, with minimal effect on the lighting in the shot.
- Landscape Photography – Example: Outdoor shoot during the Golden Hour: Results: Showcase the dramatic lighting and vibrant colors of the Golden Hour with well-balanced exposure and color fidelity.
- Product Photography with Controlled Highlights – Example: Photographing products with reflective surfaces. Results: Achieve precise control over highlights and reflections on reflective or metallic products. Photographing products with reflective surfaces requires control over color temperature and light intensity - crucial for showcasing the product accurately and its response to reflections and highlights. Well-controlled highlights and reflections enhance the product’s appeal without a distracting glare. Achieve this with the Datacolor LightColor Meter’s directional light precision, enhanced by its compact and wireless design.
- Portrait Photography with Rim Lighting – Example: To create a dramatic rim lighting effect to enhance the subject’s outline and separate it from the background. Result: In either a studio or controlled outdoor setting, using the Datacolor LightColor Meter ensures the subject is beautifully highlighted with a rim light that provides depth and separation from the background. The Datacolor LightColor Meter’s direction measurements are perfect for rim lighting, achieving the desired effect through precise measurement and adjustment of the directional light.
For Video
- Videography in Mixed Lighting Conditions Example: Shooting in mixed light conditions such as sunlight/LED lights, etc. Results: The final video has uniform exposure and accurate color balance throughout, despite the mixed lighting conditions, reducing the need for extensive color correction in post-production.
- Interview Set-Ups – Example: Achieve precise lighting and color balance for a studio interview in controlled lighting set up. Result: The interview footage has professional-quality lighting and accurate color representation, enhancing the subject's appearance and the overall aesthetic of the video. The wireless feature of the Datacolor LightColor Meter quickly and conveniently allows you to set up the perfect 3-point lighting for the shoot.
- Dramatic Lighting for Narrative Filmmaking – Example: Establish mood and atmosphere in short film scenes using controlled, directional lighting. Result: The filmmaker prepares to shoot a scene requiring specific lighting to convey mood, such as suspense, warmth, or mystery. The scene effectively communicates the intended mood through lighting, with the directional light contributing to the narrative's emotional depth and visual appeal. Metered light and color temperature measurements are used to fine-tune the contrast and color of lighting to create dramatic scenes.
- Event Videography – Example: Capture well-exposed and color-accurate footage of an outdoor event such as a wedding, outdoor festival or performance, etc., that spans several hours, including changing light conditions (e.g., from afternoon to sunset). Result: The event video maintains consistent exposure and true-to-life colors throughout its duration, capturing the essence of the event from daylight into the evening. The Datacolor LightColor Meter gives you the right color and exposure levels on-the-fly with its continuous measurement mode.
- Green Screen Chroma Keying – Example: Optimize lighting for green screen work to ensure easy and effective chroma keying in post-production. Result: A scene is set up with a green screen backdrop for keying out the background. The green screen is evenly lit, and the subject is properly exposed with accurate colors, simplifying the chroma keying process in post-production and ensuring high-quality visual effects.
- Cinematic Lighting for Interviews – Example: Create a cinematic look for interviews using directional lighting to add depth and sculpt the subject's features using light and shadows, aiming for a cinematic look. Result: The interview footage exhibits a cinematic quality with well-defined, sculpted lighting on the subject, enhancing the overall production value thanks to getting the right exposure and contrast by using the Datacolor LightColor Meter and app.
- "Run-and-Gun" Documentary Filmmaking – Example: Maintain consistent exposure and color balance in documentary footage across various locations and lighting conditions with additional on-camera lighting. Result: The documentary project involves shooting in diverse locations, from indoor settings with artificial light to outdoor scenes under natural light. The camera operator uses on-camera lighting to fill in shadows when required. The documentary footage exhibits consistent quality, with well-balanced exposure and accurate color representation creating an authentic, real-life experience for the viewer.
- Documentary Filmmaking in Varied Lighting Conditions – Example: Capture consistent, high-quality footage across a variety of natural and artificial lighting conditions for a documentary film. Result: Filming a documentary that involves shooting in diverse environments, from brightly lit outdoor landscapes to dimly lit indoor spaces, requires quick adaptation to changing lighting conditions. The documentary footage exhibits consistent exposure and color accuracy across these varied scenes, enhancing the narrative's visual appeal and emotional impact. The Datacolor LightColor Meter’s versatility in measuring both ambient and directional light, combined with its wireless adaptability, ensures documentary filmmakers can capture consistent, true-to-life footage in any environment.
What’s Included
- LightColor Meter Hardware
- 2x Magnetic Mounts
- Carrying Case
