Getting the color right on digital images can be one of the most challenging hurdles in all of digital photography. Under certain conditions even the best, most expensive cameras struggle with auto white balance. That's why it's a good idea to set it yourself on the spot or get a good reference image to work from the moment you sit down in front of your computer. Datacolor has taken the gray card concept and improved it by light-years with the diminutive and inexpensive SpyderCube white balance tool. Set the Cube anywhere in your scene or have the subject hold it, fire off a frame, and you're ready to get the color right. From now on, Color Me Badd will be regulated strictly to iTunes, not your pics.
Review: DataColor SpyderCube Calibration Tool
Datacolor's simple and inexpensive multisided SpyderCube improves upon the gray card concept by light-years, solving one of the most frustrating picture-taking problems: color balancing.
All products featured on WIRED are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
WIRED
This small, relatively inexpensive accessory can be placed in any scene to help you get accurate color balance. Just shoot it in situ and dial in a custom white balance based on the true whites, grays, and blacks displayed on the thing's facets. It's also extremely handy as a reference in postproduction.
TIRED
As pocket-friendly as an angry hedgehog.