# What is color grading vs color correction?

> Color correction fixes technical problems — adjusting white balance, exposure, and contrast so the image looks natural and accurate.

URL: https://camerashop.com.eg/what-is-color-grading-vs-color-correction/
Language: en

## Color correction fixes **technical problems** — adjusting white balance, exposure, and contrast so the image looks natural and accurate. Color grading is a **creative choice** — adding a specific mood, tone, or visual style to the image. Correction comes first, grading comes second.

## **Color correction — making it look right**

Color correction is objective. The goal is to make the image look as close to reality as possible — or at least technically neutral and consistent.

**Fix white balance:** Remove unwanted color casts so whites are truly white.

**Adjust exposure:** Set overall brightness to the correct level.

**Set contrast:** Ensure blacks are black and whites are white without clipping.

**Match shots:** Make different clips in the same scene look consistent — same brightness, same color, same contrast.

## **Color grading — making it look intentional**

Color grading is subjective. It is the artistic layer that gives your work a signature look.

**Warm and golden:** Adds a nostalgic, romantic, or inviting mood. Used in dramas, food content, and lifestyle.

**Cool and desaturated:** Creates a clinical, tense, or melancholic feel. Used in thrillers, horror, and corporate.

**Orange and teal:** The most popular cinematic grade. Warm skin tones against cool backgrounds. Used in blockbuster films and music videos.

LUTs (Look-Up Tables) are pre-made grading presets that apply a specific look instantly.

## **Cameras with Log for grading at Camera Shop Egypt**

## **Getting started with color grading**

**Always correct first, grade second.** Applying a creative grade on top of poorly corrected footage produces inconsistent results.

Use **DaVinci Resolve** — it is free and the industry standard for color grading. Its node-based workflow separates correction from grading cleanly.

Start with **subtle grades**. The best color grading is invisible — the viewer feels the mood without noticing the color manipulation.

Shoot in **10-bit Log** if you plan to grade heavily. 8-bit footage falls apart under aggressive grading.

## 

The difference between amateur and professional video often comes down to color. Spending 10 minutes on color correction and grading in DaVinci Resolve transforms footage more than any camera upgrade.

## Gear that does this

Available in Egypt and suited to what this guide covers.

- [Sony ZV-E1 Mirrorless Camera (Black)](https://camerashop.com.eg/product/sony-zv-e1-mirrorless-camera-black/) - 102500 EGP, in stock, SKU 1663
- [Sony ZV-E10 II Mirrorless Camera with 16-50mm Lens (Black)](https://camerashop.com.eg/product/sony-zv-e10-ii-mirrorless-camera-with-16-50mm-lens-black/) - 59000 EGP, in stock, SKU 1716