Buying a camera, consider its colour science?


When buying a new camera, there are a lot of specs you might consider (ergonomics, resolution, continuous shooting speed etc., but have you looked at its colour science? Seriously?


During a recent reel, Andrea (@aa.vision) posted “Leica Q3 Killer? Sony A7RV + 35mm 2.8”. Could the Sony camera with a similar focal length lens produce the same type of images as the Leica Q3. Andrea’s reel led to a spirited discussion among viewers about the colours produced by both cameras. Some questioned the rationale behind spending the extra $$ on the Leica Q3, given that its sensor is manufactured by Sony, and argued that any difference in the colours between the two cameras could be resolved in post production.


While I could have focused my response on just those two cameras I broadened my answer to the question, do (any) two cameras with the same sensor produce the same colours out of the box?  If I was going to compare mirrorless cameras with sensors manufactured by Sony, I would have to also include Nikon, Fujifilm, and OM System cameras,


So if the images sensors produced by all these cameras are made by Sony, then does it follow that the colour produced by these cameras are all the same out of the box?


Mirrorless cameras, like other digital cameras, capture colour images through a process that involves a combination of optics, sensors, and digital processing. Here's a simplified overview of how mirrorless cameras produce colour images:


  1. Lens and Optics
  2. Light enters the camera through the lens.
  3. The lens focuses the incoming light onto the camera's sensor.
  4. Image Sensor
  5. Mirrorless cameras use a digital image sensor to capture light and convert it into an electronic signal.
  6. The two main types of image sensors are CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) and CCD (Charge-Coupled Device).
  7. Colour Filter Array
  8. The image sensor is covered by a colour Filter Array, commonly known as a Bayer filter.
  9. The Bayer filter consists of tiny red, green, and blue colour filters arranged in a specific pattern (typically a mosaic of 2x2 pixels).
  10. Each pixel on the sensor is sensitive to one of the three primary colours: red, green, or blue.
  11. Photon Detection
  12. When light strikes the image sensor, the individual pixels detect the intensity of light for their corresponding colour.
  13. Analog-to-Digital Conversion
  14. The electronic signals generated by the image sensor are analog in nature.
  15. These analog signals are then converted into digital data through an Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC).
  16. Digital Processing
  17. The camera's processor performs various image processing tasks, including demosaicing.
  18. Demosaicing is the process of reconstructing a full-colour image from the incomplete colour information gathered by the Bayer filter.
  19. Colour Reproduction
  20. The camera's processor interprets the RGB (Red, Green, Blue) values for each pixel based on the information gathered from the Bayer filter.
  21. Algorithms are used to interpolate and estimate the missing colour information, creating a full-colour image.
  22. White Balance and colour Correction
  23. White balance adjustments are made to ensure accurate colour reproduction under different lighting conditions.
  24. Additional colour corrections may be applied to enhance the overall colour accuracy and vibrancy.
  25. Image Storage
  26. The final processed image is then stored in a digital format (e.g., JPEG or RAW or HEIF) on the camera's memory card.


Mirrorless cameras, being digital, rely on sophisticated electronics and software to capture and process colour information accurately. The specific technologies and algorithms used can vary among different camera models and manufacturers. This is why the colours produced by different camera brands vary.


Hasselblad uses the term colour solution rather than colour science to describe the colours that come out of their cameras. They describe colour solution as the “Hasselblad Natural Colour Solution.  (HNCS) is a colour management system independently developed by Hasselblad. From the initial capture to post-editing. It empowers Hasselblad cameras to render genuine, true-to-life colours with smooth, detailed transitions to restore the world of colours as perceived by the human eye.”


Want to dig a little deeper, keep reading ...


Ghancie, from .thisisghanci’s website wrote an excellent article on colour science “A camera’s colour science is built into the capture chain of the camera. Some of the elements of colour science are corrective, rather than aesthetic, which may be a result of the maker trying to compensate for tints in the IR filter, Optical Low-Pass Filter, or some other part of the image chain.”


Several factors contribute to the differences in colour reproduction among digital cameras. Here are some key reasons why different cameras may produce different colours:


  1. Image Sensor Type and Size
  2. Different cameras use various types and sizes of image sensors, such as CMOS or CCD sensors.
  3. The physical characteristics of these sensors, including their size and technology, can influence how they capture and interpret light, affecting colour reproduction.
  4. Colour Filter Array (CFA)
  5. The arrangement and design of the colour filter array (Bayer filter) on the image sensor can vary among camera models.
  6. The specific pattern and characteristics of the CFA influence how colours are captured and processed.
  7. Signal Processing and Algorithms
  8. Each camera brand and model typically employs its own signal processing algorithms and colour correction techniques.
  9. The manufacturer's proprietary image processing pipeline can affect how colours are interpreted and reproduced.
  10. White Balance Calibration
  11. White balance settings determine how a camera compensates for different lighting conditions to maintain accurate colour representation.
  12. Variations in white balance calibration can lead to differences in the perceived colour temperature of images.
  13. Colour Profiles and Picture Styles
  14. Cameras often offer different colour profiles or picture styles that users can choose from.
  15. These profiles can affect contrast, saturation, and colour tone, allowing photographers to achieve a specific look.
  16. Lens Characteristics
  17. The optical characteristics of the camera lens, including the coatings and glass elements, can influence colour rendition.
  18. Lens imperfections or unique lens characteristics may contribute to colour variations.
  19. JPEG Compression and Processing
  20. Cameras apply compression and processing algorithms when saving images in JPEG format.
  21. The level of compression and the specific algorithms used can impact colour quality.
  22. Sensor Calibration and Quality Control
  23. Variations in manufacturing processes and sensor calibration can lead to differences in colour reproduction between individual camera units.
  24. High-quality control standards during manufacturing can help minimize such variations.
  25. Firmware Updates
  26. Manufacturers may release firmware updates that can influence how a camera processes and reproduces colours.
  27. Updating a camera's firmware can sometimes result in improvements or changes to colour rendering.
  28. User Settings and Customization
  29. User preferences and settings, including adjustments made by photographers to colour settings, can influence the final colour output.


Because of these factors, photographers may notice variations in colour reproduction when using different camera brands or models. It's essential for photographers to understand their camera's characteristics and settings to achieve the desired colour results and consistency in their work. Additionally, post-processing tools can be used to fine-tune and adjust colours during the editing process.


So when you're deciding which camera to buy; do your homework. Buying a camera with a colour science you like right out of the box means you spend less time in your photo editing software tweaking the colours.


And lastly, if I had a choice between the Leica Q3 and the Sony A7RV and I had the budget, I would choose the Leica Q3 ... what a gorgeous camera!