Color Problem

The MR 16's are the only lights on in the room with an exception of my dual monitors about 2' from where I am shooting. I cover the window to keep out the outside light when I shoot during the day. Although most of my shooting is in the evening when it is dark. I suppose that could be some of the problem I am having. I never would have thought that. I will have to figure something out to isolate it from the monitors and give it a try. I shoot remotely from my computer also, so I have to keep it close to the computer as the cord is not that long. Thanks for the response and the suggestion.

That's why I'm thinking there's a variable outside light source, like a monitor, which doesn't shine the same as the moment the WB shot was taken. It's my experience that Canon Custom white balance solutions are very good, and I've owned and shot this same camera. But, when you're shooting at a level of sophistication that includes custom white balance, the variables which can screw up the shot are magnified.

Finally got back to it. I diffused the light and reset the white balance. Tried to calm down the hotspots some. Looks like the white balance is a little off. Then again I can't tell if it is my monitor or not. Being colorblind is not helping much either. Would like to know what anyone else thinks.

Much better than before. Seems your lights have some color variation across their field. This might actually explain some other comments folks have had about LED lighting being hard to WB. I almost never use the LED's with direct lighting, instead diffusing them through vellum, which equalizes their WB a bit and increases apparent "size". This may be why I have no issues with WB using LED's.

I'd personally prefer to see your lights at a higher angle to the coin. You'd get better luster and color. The toning on the quarter is showing up as a dull oxidation with the low lighting angle. Bring the lights up a bit and the color will come out rather than the dull surface finish.

Post your final results if you make any changes to lighting or other factors!

I don't see any need in your case. These images are very large, clear, and more than sufficient to grade from.

What picture setting are you using with the camera? Having mentioned going to f/5.6, I imply that you're using Aperture Priority, setting aperture and allowing the camera to determine exposure. This (and I express only my own opinion here, not necessarily a fact) has led to images slightly brighter than I'd create for myself.

I note from EXIF data that the Lincoln was shot at an exposure of 1/30. I took that image into the Gimp, and manipulated the Level to illustrate what a switch to 1/60 or 1/80 might do for this coin:



I manipulated only the brightness of the image - the color and sharpness level are precisely what they were in the one you posted.

Changed a few things. Set ISO to 50, F4.5 and set picture effect to vivid. The half and quarter are at 1/160 and the cent 1/80. I noticed I am losing some of the sharpness when I resize it smaller. Guess that is normal. Any way around this?