Guide
What a VFX Chrome Ball Does on Set
A chrome ball records the environment around the subject so CG elements can be lit from the same light as the plate. Here is what it is and how it is used.
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Guides about chrome balls, grey balls and the capture routine around them, written for the person holding the handle rather than for a search engine.
Guide
Chrome Ball and Grey Ball Compared
A chrome ball records the environment, a grey ball records how that environment exposes. Why VFX crews shoot both and what 18 percent reflectivity means.
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Guide
How to Shoot HDRI Reference on Set
A step by step capture routine for chrome and grey reference balls, including bracketing, ball placement, colour chart use and what to log for post production.
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Guide
Choosing a VFX Ball Size for Your Lens
How to pick between 12.6cm, 20cm and 25cm reference balls based on lens length, set size and how the kit has to travel.
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Guide
Looking After a Chrome Ball and a Grey Ball
Cleaning, handling and storage for VFX reference balls, including why fingerprints and scratches show up directly in the HDRI.
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Questions About These Guides
Who writes these guides
They are written from the way our customers actually use the balls on set, and from the specifications of the products we make.
Do the guides cover other brands
No. They cover chrome and grey reference balls generally and the products listed on this site.
Can you advise on a specific shoot
Yes. Message us with the lens range and the set and we will tell you which size reads best.
How often is this section updated
New guides are added when customers keep asking the same question. Send us the question if it is not covered here.
Ask a Question We Have Not Covered
If your question is not answered in these guides, send it to us and we will answer it directly.