6D same scene multiple shots different image color

[eninja]

hi did continues shots (3 shots) of the same scene, but when I check the pictures, i notice that the color shade is shifting (different from each other). i use same setting manual mode, fluorescent white balance, fix iso.

Is this normal?

Please see following pictures:
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/14105504/IMG_0717.JPG
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/14105504/IMG_0718.JPG
https://dl.dropbox.com/u/14105504/IMG_0719.JPG

 

[Loswr]

Assuming you chose Fluorescent WB becuase the lighting was fluorescent, then yes, it's normal. It's because of the fluorescent lighting, and it's not a WB issue. Basically, fluorescent light actually flickers - faster than your eye/brain can perceive, but not faster than a camera's shutter can be set. The flicker is timed to the alternating current of the power source. If your shutter speed is at the cycle frequency or slower, you're fine. If your at twice the cycle frequency, you're usually ok. In between 1x and 2x, and faster than 2x, you'll get irregular color, and when you get faster than the camera's max Xsync speed (the fastest speed at which the entire sensor is uncovered during imaging), you'll also get uneven illumination.

In the USA/Canada, AC power is 60 Hz, so 1/60 s and slower is fine, 1/125 s is usually ok. Your shots are at 1/125 s, so I'm guessing you're in a part of the world where the AC power is 50 Hz. Try 1/100 s, or 1/50 s or slower, or overpower the ambient lighting with flash.

 

[RustyTheGeek]

The WB setting doesn't do much to correct the problem because the problem is a moving target both in exposure and color. This link (below) explains it in depth. In general, anything above the frequency of the light pulse is a problem. So 50 or 60 Hz means anything above 60th shutter. If you think fluorescent is bad, wait until you try shooting in a gym with those funky buzzing mercury vapor lights! Ugh!

http://www.sportsshooter.com/message_display.html?tid=20873

If you read through and also some of the linked threads you'll know more than you wished you had to know about this.

Oh, and I love this animated gif that Guy Rhodes created that shows the effect very well...
(http://www.guyrhodes.com/photo/flicker_lapse.gif)

 

[eninja]

Thanks. Wow you've nailed them. This is a good learning foundation. I was testing with min shutter speed and notice this.

Btw, do photographers bench mark their new camera, for camera performance testing later on?
I was testing multiple shots indoors, then I remove lens and remount again, suddenly my shots became a bit under exposed, got me freak out, so I clear all the settings just incase something mess up.

 

[RustyTheGeek]

eninja - This has been asked before and in general, the answer you will hear most often is: go shoot with it and see how it works. I suspect your concerns merely indicate a 'new camera' learning curve for you. I wouldn't suspect camera problems until you've used the camera a while and become more familiar with the settings, menus and instruction manual. Which camera did you have prior to the 6D? Perhaps you can use that experience to help give you perspective on the 6D performance and functions. Good luck and enjoy your new camera!