Why a Consumer Ball Fails
A reference ball is a measuring instrument. If the surface is not a true specular mirror the captured environment is distorted, and if the grey is not neutral the exposure reference drifts.
Our VFX balls are produced for the film and television industry in post production. The grey scale is accurate and has been brought to a professional level through long term testing in the later stage of the scene. The surface of the light sphere is finely treated through more than twenty processes to maintain specular reflection.
Sizes
Diameters of 6 cm, 12.6 cm, 20 cm, 25 cm and 30 cm are produced. Larger balls are easier to frame from the camera position on wide sets, smaller balls travel more easily.
Chrome, Grey and Split Balls
Chrome balls capture the environment for the HDRI. An 18 percent reflective grey ball gives the exposure and colour reference. Half chrome half grey balls put both references into a single frame, and kits combine the pieces for units that travel.
Specification Reference
| Sphere diameter | 19 mm to 5000 mm |
|---|---|
| Wall thickness | 0.6 mm to 6 mm |
| Stainless grades | AISI 201, 304, 316, 316L |
| Other metals | Carbon steel, brass, copper, aluminium, corten steel |
| Finishes | Mirror polish, Mill finish, Brushed, Electroplating, Sandblasting, Etching, Silk printing, Spray painted RAL colour |
| Forming | Water pressure forming, mould pressing, spinning |
| Freight limit | 7 feet by conventional freight |
