Calibrate Sensor: Manual Calibration

This section describes how to calibrate the sensor with Manual Calibration.

For cameras using the HELIUM 8K S35, MONSTRO 8K VV, or GEMINI 5K S35 sensors, the performance of auto sensor calibration does not have the same benefits as it does for the DRAGON sensor. RED recommends using manual sensor calibration (Manual Capture) for the HELIUM 8K S35, MONSTRO 8K VV, or GEMINI 5K S35 sensors, because it provides the best image quality across a range of temperatures, and requires significantly less time for the entire process.

When you start a Manual Calibration, the camera calibrates the sensor at the current exposure and temperature setting. You will need to re-calibrate the sensor after extreme changes in exposure and temperature. The Manual Calibration process takes several minutes.

Manual Calibration Procedure

To perform a Manual Calibration, follow the instructions below:

  1. Ensure that the camera reaches the temperature that you want to use for your shoot.
  2. Set the exposure to the exposure that you want to use for your shoot.
  3. Ensure that the sensor is as dark as possible.
    • Preferably, take off the lens, and install the front body cap.
    • If you cannot take off the lens, put a lens cap on the lens. (Not all lens caps completely block IR. Lens caps are made to protect the lens, not necessarily to block light.)
    • If possible, use a dark room.
    • Just closing the aperture is NOT sufficient.
  1. Go to Menu > Settings > Maintenance > Calibrate > Sensor > Create > Manual.
  2. Select how many calibration maps that you want to create from the Number of captures drop-down menu. You can create up to four (4) calibration maps at a time.
  3. Select the exposure that you want for each calibration map from the Capture drop-down menus.
  4. Select Start Captures.
  5. Select OK on the dialog box that opens. The system initializes and then makes multiple passes through the following phases of the calibration:
    • Capturing
    • Analyzing
    • Erasing
    • Programming
  1. When the Calibration Successful dialog displays, select OK to complete the process.

    The new calibration map is automatically selected.