Setting PERFECT White Balance on the Canon R5 Mark II
Nothing ruins great footage quite like bad colors. Imagine capturing the perfect shot only to realize later that your subject is bathed in an orange or blue hue. Frustrating, right? If you’ve been there, you’re not alone.
The culprit? Incorrect white balance. But fear not—this guide will walk you through setting custom white balance on your Canon R5 Mark II to achieve true-to-life colors, no matter the lighting conditions. By the end of this, you’ll have the confidence to nail your colors every time.
Why White Balance Matters
White balance ensures that whites in your footage appear white, and skin tones look natural. While it can be a creative choice—adding warmth for a sunny day or a cool tone for an isolated scene—accurate white balance serves as a strong foundation for your creative vision.
Let’s dive into the steps to set custom white balance on the Canon R5 Mark II.
What You’ll Need:
A gray card or a plain white object: These tools help your camera interpret the lighting conditions accurately. You can find affordable gray cards on Amazon (link provided in the video description).
Your Canon R5 Mark II: Make sure it’s ready for action!
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Switch to Photo Mode
Before setting custom white balance in video mode, you must first switch your camera to photo mode. This is because the Canon R5 Mark II uses a photo to determine white balance settings.
2. Capture a Photo of Your Gray Card
Hold your gray card (or white object) in the center of the frame.
Ensure it’s positioned in the same lighting conditions as your subject.
Take a photo. If you’re working solo and the camera is out of reach, use a timer to capture the shot.
3. Return to Video Mode
Once the photo is taken, switch back to video mode. This ensures that your white balance settings apply to your video footage.
4. Access the White Balance Settings
Open the camera’s menu.
Navigate to the red menu (camera icon) and go to the fifth page.
Select Set Custom White Balance.
5. Choose the White Balance Photo
In the custom white balance menu, select the photo of the gray card.
Confirm your selection, and the camera will register the photo for white balance.
6. Set Your Custom White Balance
Scroll to the bottom of the menu and select Set as White Balance.
Exit the menu and return to Live View. Your custom white balance is now applied.
Tips for Success
Lighting Consistency: Ensure your gray card is lit the same way your subject will be. Any variation in lighting can affect the accuracy of your white balance.
Creative Adjustments: Once you’ve set an accurate white balance, you can tweak it slightly to suit the mood of your scene. Warm tones convey coziness, while cooler tones suggest isolation.
Practice Makes Perfect: The more you use this technique, the quicker and more intuitive it becomes.
Why It’s Worth It
Taking a few moments to set custom white balance can elevate your footage from “good” to “professional.” It’s a small step with a big impact, ensuring your colors are accurate and your storytelling shines through.
if you have questions or need clarification, drop a comment below—I’m here to help.
