Colour TestMate: The Ultimate Guide to Color Accuracy

Colour TestMate Reviews: Which Model Is Right for You?—

Colour TestMate is a compact color calibration tool designed for photographers, videographers, designers, and display enthusiasts who need quick, accurate color checks on cameras and monitors. This review compares the main Colour TestMate models, explains how they work, and helps you choose the right one for your needs.

What is Colour TestMate?

Colour TestMate is a handheld color reference device produced by a company specializing in color-control tools. It combines a set of standardized color patches with a built-in light sensor and software support to help you verify and adjust color accuracy across cameras, displays, and lighting conditions. Instead of a full spectrophotometer, Colour TestMate focuses on portability and field use—ideal for on-set verification and quick checks.

How Colour TestMate Works

Colour TestMate typically uses a printed target with color patches and a sensor that reads reflected color values. The device compares measured values to known reference values and reports deviations in common color spaces (such as sRGB or Rec.709). Results are usually displayed as delta E differences, which quantify perceptual color differences: lower delta E means better accuracy.

Main Models (Overview)

• Colour TestMate Classic — The entry-level model with essential patches for basic color checks.
• Colour TestMate Pro — Adds more color patches, improved sensor accuracy, and expanded software features.
• Colour TestMate Studio — Designed for studio workflows; offers advanced calibration targets and tighter tolerances.
• Colour TestMate Cinema — Tailored for video and film production with Rec.709/Rec.2020 support and motion-friendly features.
• Colour TestMate Pocket — Ultra-portable version for photographers and vloggers who need quick validations on the go.

Key Features Compared

Strengths and Weaknesses

• Colour TestMate Classic

  • Strengths: Affordable, easy to use.
  • Weaknesses: Limited patches and lower sensor precision.

• Colour TestMate Pro

  • Strengths: Good balance of accuracy and price; more patches and software features.
  • Weaknesses: Not as comprehensive as Studio for advanced color-critical work.

• Colour TestMate Studio

  • Strengths: Highest accuracy, extensive patch set, professional workflows.
  • Weaknesses: Higher cost; more complex setup.

• Colour TestMate Cinema

  • Strengths: Tailored for video; supports Rec.709/Rec.2020 and LUT generation.
  • Weaknesses: Overkill for still photographers; expensive.

• Colour TestMate Pocket

  • Strengths: Highly portable and fast.
  • Weaknesses: Limited accuracy and features compared to Pro/Studio.

Use Cases and Recommendations

• If you’re a hobbyist photographer or just need basic color checks: Colour TestMate Classic or Pocket.
• If you shoot commercially or need consistent results across projects: Colour TestMate Pro.
• For studio photographers, retouchers, and color-critical print work: Colour TestMate Studio.
• For cinematographers, colorists, and video productions: Colour TestMate Cinema.

Practical Tips for Using Colour TestMate

1. Always place the target perpendicular to the light source to avoid glare.
2. Use consistent lighting (daylight-balanced or controlled studio lights) for repeatable results.
3. Take multiple readings and average them to reduce noise.
4. Update the device firmware and software to ensure latest reference data.
5. For video, use the Cinema model’s LUT generation to speed color grading.

Final Verdict

Colour TestMate offers a range of models that trade portability, price, and features. For most users, the Pro model is the best balance of accuracy and value; studio professionals should consider Studio, while video specialists will prefer Cinema. Hobbyists and travelers will appreciate the Classic and Pocket for quick, affordable checks.