Deal Alert: Datacolor Introduces the Spyder5CAPTURE PRO Bundle Priced at $269.99

Announced today, Datacolor is introducing the Spyder5CAPTURE PRO bundle for a managed color workflow from capture to editing.  The new product includes the Spyder5ELITE colorimeter, SpyderCHECKR, SpyderCUBE, and SpyderLENSCAL. Shipped together in a foam-padded metal case, this bundle is selling for an introductory price of $269.99, which is normally the cost of just the Spyder5ELITE alone.

In case you are wondering what all of this is included in the Spyder5CAPTURE PRO, here’s a breakdown of how everything is used.

SpyderLENSCAL

Starting off Datacolor’s complete camera to editing workflow is the SpyderLENSCAL. This lens calibration unit is used to correct the autofocus of your lenses. On many recent DSLR cameras, you can actually fine-tune the focus calibration using microadjustments in the menu settings. By properly setting up and shooting the SpyderLENSCAL target, making these adjustments to back-focusing and forward-focusing is made simpler and more accurate.

A couple nice features of the SpyderLENSCAL that I liked is that it folds flat, sets up easily, has a built-in bubble level, and includes a tripod mount in its design.

SpyderCUBE

The SpyderCUBE is an awesome little product that can be a big time-saver for doing basic editing after importing image files for post-processing. There’s actually a lot going on with the SpyderCUBE that at first glance I didn’t realize. The product is used to set white balance, exposure, black level, and brightness just by shooting it as a reference photo. When all of your images from one location plus this reference photo are imported, you simply use the eyedropper tool in your editing software to select the areas of the cube that pertain to the adjustment being made. Once this reference photo has been adjusted, you copy over these adjustments to all the other images. In an instant, all of your images have been set up with base editing without any guess work.

The SpyderCUBE comes with a piece of string that you can use to hang it on something, or you can use the built-in tripod mount to mount it or stand it up on something. According to Datacolor, it is made from a fade proof, shock resistant, and highly durable hybrid resin. There’s also a little protective pouch included for storing and transporting the unit.

SpyderCHECKR

Like the SpyderCUBE, the SpyderCHECKR is another tool used as a reference object for producing accurate images. Color reference products like this are essential for matching colors in the real world to your digital image files. This is extremely important in the advertising world, but it’s also a smart practice to set up all your images with the most accurate starting point before doing any creative editing.

The SpyderCHECKR includes 24 sRGB standard color patches, plus 24 other patches for “more precise skin tone, medium saturation color, and near-white tints and black tones, for a more dynamic range.” The way this works is that after you photograph an image with the reference color patches visible (you can have a model hold it, prop it up, or use the built-in tripod mount), you can then create a custom color profile that will match real-world colors with the raw color data in your image files. You should create these profiles for every unique shooting situation (cloudy, shade, direct sunlight), and for every camera and lens combination.

The color patches are replaceable and you can tell when they need to be changed by looking at the light sensitive fadeCHECKR found on the SpyderCHECKR.

Spyder5ELITE

Moving on to the workstation, the Spyder5ELITE is Datacolor’s top of the line colorimeter. When people talk about calibrating your display, this is the product that is used for that.

As their advanced colorimeter solution, the Spyder5ELITE has an “expert mode” for those that have specific display and lighting requirements. However, there is still the simple setup wizard if you don't care to get too technical. This colorimeter has unlimited settings for gamma, white point, and luminance and features fine-tune gray calibration. Using the software also allows you to calibrate multiple displays so that they look identical.

The device has active room light monitoring to ensure what you see will match your prints by adjusting the shadows and highlights if lighting conditions change. When you first calibrate with the Spyder5ELITE, it will also guide you to proper room lighting levels, which I found very helpful in creating a proper working environment.

After you perform a display calibration, you can do before and after image comparisons on your own photos full-screen or use the photos included with the software. There's also a display analysis built into the software to track the performance of your monitor over time.

The Spyder5ELITE has a built-in lens cap that doubles as a counter weight when doing calibrations and, like everything else in the bundle, has a tripod mount. Although, this is the first one that makes me scratch my head as to why you would need a tripod-mounted colorimeter. A mobile workstation with no flat surfaces but an abundance of unused tripods?

In all, the Datacolor Spyder5CAPTURE PRO comes with the Spyder5ELITE, SpyderCUBE and carrying pouch, SpyderCHECKR case and target color cards, SpyderLENSCAL, cleaning cloth, a welcome card with product serial number and warranty information, and a nice custom foam-fitted metal case.

You can purchase the new Spyder5CAPTURE PRO for $269.99 until September 30, 2016, when the price will increase to $369.99. This is a great deal for anyone that is looking for a complete package of camera and color accuracy in their photography workflow.