Sensor Calibration

Sensor calibration, also known as black shading, is a process during which the camera optimizes image quality by ensuring that pixel sensitivity remains consistent throughout the sensor. Calibrating the sensor generates a calibration map based on system and environment settings. After calibration, the sensor shows a uniform noise profile over the whole area without any falloffs on any side.

The camera offers two (2) ways to calibrate the sensor:

• Manual Capture: For more information, go to Calibrate Sensor: Manual Capture.
• Auto Capture: For more information, go to Calibrate Sensor: Auto Capture.

For more information on sensor calibration, see the Black Shading Calibration article.

NOTE: Calibration maps are still available after performing a system restore.

Check Noise Profile

To check the current noise profile, follow the instructions below:

1. Ensure that the camera reaches the temperature you want to use for your shoot.
2. Set the exposure to the exposure you want to use for your shoot.
3. Put a lens cap on the lens (if a lens is attached) or a front body cap on the camera (if a lens is not attached).
4. Set FLUT to 8.000. For more information, go to FLUT.
5. Check the noise that displays on the monitor:
   • The noise is random, with no fixed patterns or lines. The sensor is calibrated.
   • The noise has patterns or lines. Calibrate the sensor.

When to Calibrate Sensor

Calibration is required:

• After an extreme change in temperature (+/– 30°F or +/–15°C) from the current calibration map.
• After an extreme change in exposure time (+/– 1/2 sec) from the current calibration map.
• If either the T or E in the CAL: T/E indicator is not green.
• If the noise profile shows patterns or lines. For more information, go to Check Noise Profile.
• After each firmware upgrade.

To check the temperature/exposure of the current calibration file, go to System Status.

Calibrate Sensor: Manual Capture

The camera offers two (2) ways to calibrate the sensor: Manual Capture and Auto Capture. This section describes how to calibrate the sensor with Manual Capture. For more information on Auto Capture, go to Calibrate Sensor: Auto Capture.

When you start a Manual Capture, 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 Capture process takes several minutes.

To perform a Manual Capture, follow the instructions below:

Calibrate Sensor: Auto Capture

The camera offers two (2) ways to calibrate the sensor: Manual Capture and Auto Capture. This section describes how to calibrate the sensor with Auto Capture. For more information on Manual Capture, go to Calibrate Sensor: Manual Capture.

When you start an Auto Capture, the camera calibrates the sensor at 16 exposure settings, and uses that data to build a calibration curve. Afterward, the sensor is calibrated for each exposure along the calibration curve, so you do not need to re-calibrate every time you change the exposure. The calibration process does not factor in multiple temperatures, so you will need to re-calibrate the sensor after extreme changes in temperature. This process can take up to 40 minutes.

To perform an Auto Capture, follow the instructions below:

1. Ensure that the camera reaches the temperature you want to use for your shoot.
2. 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.

3. Ensure a properly formatted SSD is attached to the camera.
4. Go to Menu > Settings > Maintenance > Calibrate > Sensor > Create > Auto. A dialog box displays, reminding you to cover the sensor.
5. Select OK to continue. The system initializes and then makes multiple passes through the calibration phases.
6. When the Calibration Successful dialog displays, select OK to complete the process.

NOTE: When you change the exposure setting, the E indicator turns yellow and it may take up to 8 seconds for the calibration map to load.

Calibration Map Naming Conventions

Each calibration map has a unique name that uses the format described in the table below:

For example, a sequence of calibration maps may look like this:

1. 48_32C_20140128122150
2. 72_34C_20140128122858
3. 120_41C_20140128124306

NOTE: If you mount an SSD with calibration files to your computer, each calibration map displays as a sub-folder in a folder called Calibration. To save a calibration map to your hard drive, copy the entire sub-folder (for example, 48_32C_20140128122150) to your drive.

Calibration Management

To apply, export, and import calibration maps, go to Menu > Settings > Maintenance > Calibrate.

• In Camera: The calibration maps that are saved internally on the camera:
  • Factory: This is the calibration map generated during the manufacturing process. (Default)
  • All other: The user-created calibration maps.
• Media: The calibration maps that are on the SSD in the path shown (for example, S-SSD\calibration).

Calibration Map Actions

• Apply: Apply the selected calibration map (if the calibration map is on the SSD, the camera applies the map temporarily, and does not import it into the camera).
• Create: Create a calibration map.
• Delete: Delete the selected camera calibration map. You cannot delete the factory map.
• Rename: Rename the selected calibration map.

Export and Import Calibration Maps

NOTE: The camera cannot export calibration maps created by Auto Capture.

Calibration maps can be stored on the camera or transferred to SSD to be shared with other cameras. You can also build a library of calibration maps to use in different settings.

• : Export selected calibration map from camera to SSD.
• All: Export all files from camera to SSD.
• : Import selected calibration map from SSD to camera. This overwrites the user HS calibration map.
• All: Import all files from SSD to camera.