Spectral response is a Cinematography term in filmmaking. In virtual production, the nuances of this term take on special meaning. Here, we break down the definition to give you a starting point.
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Spectral response is a term used to describe the portion of the visible light spectrum that is emitted by a given source. In the field of cinematography and virtual production, it is an important factor in creating realistic looking lighting for a scene.
A great example of lights with high spectral response are cinema lights. These lights contain bulbs made from full-spectrum material, allowing them to emit more colors than other types of lighting fixtures. The result is better saturation and vividness when capturing footage with these kinds of lights. LEDs on the other hand have a lower spectral response due to their use of RGB bulbs. This means that some colors may be missing compared to what would be seen with traditional lights.
The importance of spectral response can’t be overstated in the world of virtual production. Different types of cameras will interpret different color spectrums differently; this affects how they capture light and its properties, such as depth and intensity. Therefore, having the right type of lighting with good spectral response allows us to accurately recreate environments in post-production and create believable looks for our scenes.
Ultimately, spectral response changes depending on which type of light you choose. While cinema lights have excellent spectral response, they may not always be practical or affordable for every project. On the flipside, while LEDs have reduced spectral response, they are often much cheaper and easier to manage. Knowing what kind of lighting fits your needs best is key when choosing which one to use.