Calibrating a DSLR.....(Canon 40D specifically)

[beanbag]

I've heard about being able to calibrate a camera, but that's about it so I'm quite curious....

What is it all about?
Does it help?
Is it worth the money?
How is it done?
What do I get out of it?

Just curious!

[_dobbo_]

Never heard of it! If it exists I'd wager it would be a total and utter waste of money.

[DIW35]

Does your camera currently take photos to your satisfaction?

If the answer to the above is yes, why would you consider messing about with it in the pursuit of what may or may not be an improvement?

I have a 40D but have not heard of calibration. I'm happy with the photos my camera takes, and if I want to make any changes, that's what Photoshop is for.

[rustyspit]

Presumably you mean calibrating the autofocus system?

Sometimes a camera slips past QA with an autofocus system that is out of adjustment (i.e. it always focuses either behind or in front of the subject). In that situation the manufacturer can usually re-calibrate the autofocus system so that it is within their spec. Some cameras (e.g. Nikon D300) have the ability to adjust calibration of the autofocus system electronically to match variations between specific lenses.

As others have said, If you're happy with your pictures don't worry about it.

[beanbag]

I wasn't planning on doing something unless totally necessary or if it was a benefit to me.

It was more curiosity than anything else.....but thanks

[ehasler]

I'm guessing you're referring to colour calibrating, which involves taking a photo of a particular set of colours, and processing the image from the camera through some specialised software that creates an icc profile, to be used by your processing software.

It's not that useful for most people, as it depends on lighting conditions being exactly the same, however in some situations it can be very useful - for example doing an advertising studio shoot for Cadburys, where the colour of the chocolate bar wrapper has to be very accurate.