Apple Final Cut Express HD - Manual (Page 842)

842 Part IX Effects
6 Since the image is underexposed, adjust the Mids slider to bring more detail out of
the shadows.
Moving the Mids slider to the right moves the distribution of midtones farther to the
right. Lightening this shot using the Mids slider, as opposed to readjusting the whites,
allows you to preserve the maximum amount of available detail in the image. Otherwise,
boosting the whites might result in the lighter areas of your clip being blown out.
Now it’s time to address the color. In the example, the white cat is tinted green because
the video camera was color balanced incorrectly.
7 To compensate for this tint, click the Whites Select Auto-balance Color button (the
eyedropper).
Note: When this button is selected, your pointer turns into an eyedropper when you
move it into the Canvas.
8 Click the eyedropper in an area of the picture that’s supposed to be pure white.
The Color Corrector filter automatically adjusts the Balance control to compensate for
whatever tint exists in that area of the picture. In this example, click a highlight of the
white bedspread.
Remember, don’t select an area that’s overexposed, like a light source or a shiny
highlight. This does not give you the desired result. Instead, select a properly exposed
area of your picture that’s white, like a well-lit shirt sleeve or white wall. You may have
to try several different spots to get the result you want; don’t hesitate to undo this
operation and try again if you’re not satisfied with the results of your initial selection.
Click the eyedropper near
the Balance control.
Click the eyedropper on
a white area of the image,
such as the bedspread.