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Using Automatic Color Corrections
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You can also apply up to three automatic color corrections in a single operation by selecting options
in the AutoCorrect tab of the Correction Mode Settings dialog box and applying the Color Correction
effect from the Effect Palette to one or more segments in a sequence.
The Color Match control also corrects automatically by adjusting an image so that a poor color value
matches a better one. You select the colors on which you want Color Match to operate using an
eyedropper. For more information, see “Using the Color Match Control” on page 625.
Understanding Automatic Color Correction
Automatic color correction simplifies the work of correcting common color problems in video
images. When you use an automatic color correction, Media Composer analyzes the existing color
characteristics of an image and adjusts color correction controls to either eliminate or significantly
reduce a specific color problem.
You often want to begin your color correction work by using automatic color corrections. Automatic
corrections are especially useful when you do not have time for detailed manual adjustments, if you
only need to correct basic color problems such as color casts, or if you lack experience with the
manual controls in the Color Correction tool.
Automatic color correction adjusts controls in the Color Correction tool just as you would when
making manual corrections, so you can make additional adjustments manually if you need to fine-
tune a correction. Also, automatic color corrections can help you learn how to recognize color
problems in images and what kinds of adjustments you might make to correct images manually. For
example, if the Auto Balance automatic correction in the Hue Offsets subdividing tab adjusts an
image by adding yellow in the ChromaWheels, then Media Composer determined that the image has
a blue color cast.
Automatic color corrections operate within normal limits for legal video levels. For example, an
automatic color correction does not make an adjustment that takes a significant area of an image
beyond legal luminance levels.
Considerations When Using Automatic Color Correction
Although automatic color corrections are much simpler to learn and perform than manual
corrections, practice and experience still improves your ability to correct a range of images with
different color characteristics. If one set of automatic corrections does not produce good results,
remove it and try a different combination. Remember also that some images might require manual
correction in addition to or instead of automatic correction.
The following tips and suggestions can help you to achieve the best possible results when using
automatic color correction:
• The Auto Contrast correction is most useful for images that should have areas of strong highlight
(white or close to white) and areas of strong shadow (black or close to black). If you make an
Auto Contrast correction on an image that does not need a full tonal range (many close-ups fall
into this category), the correction might introduce too much contrast. When an image requires