The C-800 series incorporates a CMOS linear sensor, that measures and evaluates the true color temperature of a light source from 380 to 780nm in 1nm output wavelength increments, capturing spikes in output of conventional light sources as well as fluorescent, flash, HMI, and LED sources.

Measurements include Kelvin (K), Illuminance (lux/fc), LB/CC filters (for camera lens or lighting filters), LB/CC Index, CRI (Ra, R1 thru. R15), ⊿uv, SSI, TLCI, TM-30-15 (Rf, Rg), CIE1931 (x, y) chromaticity coordinates, Hue, Saturation.

Standards include CRI, SSI, TLCI, TLMF, and TM-30-15.

Up to 99 data measurements can be stored in the memory.

270-degree swivel head, dark calibration without a cap, large 4.3" color touch panel LCD display, and Customize Function.

Text, Spectrum Graph, Spectrum Comparison, CRI, CRI Comparison, SSI, TLCI/TLMF, TM-30-15, lighting filter for Rosco and LEE, camera filter for Kodak Wratten, LEE and Fuji, Multiple Lights Comparison, White Balance Correction.

The utility which can be downloaded from www.sekonic.com, offers easy settings in the meter and analysis of memorized data in a computer.

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. In multicamera/live event situations, are you using the color meter to choose gels for your own led lights (and camera white balance)?

A: Yes, the C-800 can be used to determine the proper filtration to allow multiple light sources to match in the scene.

Q: 2. Can the c-800 measure flicker in the incident light? If not is there a different model that will measure flicker?

A: No, this light meter cannot do that. The C-800 will measure all visible spectrum colors and also brightness. If you'd like to measure the flicker of your light, you can set your light to the desired power setting (typically 20-50% if doing so specifically for measuring flicker) and adjust the shutter speed of your camera until you see indications of uneven exposure such as dark bands or stripes in the frame. Please note that you can often defeat flicker by turning up a light to 100%, or in still photography by shutting off a silent shutter or front electronic curtain shutter setting. Many modern mirrorless or DSLR cameras also feature anti-flicker settings which can delay a shutter release just enough (mere microseconds) to take advantage of the moments in the flicker cycle when the light is most consistent. The Gossen MAVOSPEC BASE Industrial Light Meter (BH #GOM521) will measure flicker, and it typically is used for industrial purposes as it lacks certain photography-oriented features of the Sekonic C-800 such as measuring flash duration for exposure. It would be useful if you are testing lights and aren't concerned about setting your exposure, however: https://bhpho.to/3qlOuj4

Q: 3. How much is calibration? How often is it required?

A: This meter comes fully calibrated from the factory and does not require calibration on a regular basis.

Q: 4. What is its Lux Resolution?

A: The Sekonic SPECTROMETER C-800 can read lux 1 to 200,000.

Q: 5. What are the main differences between this one and the C-700-U? Also does C-800 give you F-stop values like a lightmeter? Or should I get a different light meter for that purpose?

A: This is a color meter. While it can measure illumination levels in lux and footcandles, it does not measure in f/stops, shutter, ISO etc, etc. You do need a light meter for that. The main difference from the 700 is that the 800 can measure more types of light. In particular, it is the only affordable, movie technician meter that can measure the new color standard, Spectral Similarity Index (SSI) which is more reliable than CRI.

Q: 6. Since this is a Color Meter only, do you know of a model that has both an exposure and color meter functionality in one small device? I think both the C-800 and C-700 series are color meter alone. I need both in one unit and in a rugged body unlike Lumu and other attachments.

A: I'm sorry, no, there isn't a color meter & exposure meter in one.

Q: 7. As an event video shooter our most challeging task is to record in uncontrolled light situations with multiple cameras and make them cut nicely in edit... with this meter will it allow us to know the most precise overall Kelvin temp of several ambient lights in a room and any magenta/green necessary adjustments? We have used grey cards but the cameras have crazy readings when we use the white balance setting based on those? specially yellow/green painted rooms and vivid green nature backgrounds...

A: This color meter can give you exact information based on the color of the light. Depending on where and how you meter relative to other lights you can get a combined reading or a reading per light. Color meters are more accurate than gray cards for setting white balance.

Q: 8. Does this meter have a function to allow the user to walk away from the device and record the highest light level?

A: In order that we may further assist you, please write telling us more about what you wish to to. prophoto@bhphoto.com.

Q: 9. Sekonic released C800-U. I'm wondering the difference or upgrade?

A: They are changing all model numbers to include where the warranty is offered. The one with U in the end has warranty in the USA. These older options that have no letter at the end of the model number still have warranty in the USA though.

Q: 10. To calibrate digital cinema projectors I need a color meter that reads reflected light: is there a spot attachment for the C-800?

A: There is no spot attachment. This is designed as an incident meter. Though if you took a reflective reading, at close range off of a color neutral surface it should work.