How to Create a Custom Camera Profile in Capture One

Steps to Achieve Perfect Colours

Introduction

Creating a custom camera profile in Capture One allows photographers to correct colours and tailor the rendering of raw files to their preference. This guide outlines the steps to create, save, and set a custom ICC profile as the default for your camera.

Understanding ICC Profiles

One of the fundamental controls over how raw files are rendered in Capture One is the Base Characteristics’ ICC Profile. These profiles are developed in-house at Capture One, balancing quantitative accuracy and visual appeal.

Using the Colour Editor

The Colour Editor is a powerful tool in Capture One, enabling extensive colour adjustments. You can learn more about its capabilities by referring to "The Colour Editor overview."

Steps to Create a Custom ICC Profile

1. **Adjust Colours:** Use the Colour Editor to fine-tune colours to your exact preference.

2. **Save as ICC Profile:** Once satisfied with the adjustments, save the settings as an ICC Profile via the dropdown at the top right of the Colour Editor tool.

Applying the Custom Profile

1. **Select New Profile:** Go back to the Base Characteristics tool and select your new profile from the ICC Profile dropdown.

2. **Reset Colour Editor Adjustments:** If the colours appear strange, reset the Colour Editor adjustments to avoid doubling the change.

Setting the Profile as Default

To set your custom ICC profile as the new default for your camera:

1. **Save as Defaults:** Click the dropdown at the top right of the Base Characteristics tool and choose "Save as Defaults for…"

2. **Automatic Application:** Any new images imported or captured via tethered connection will now inherit this new profile as the default.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can achieve more accurate and pleasing colours in Capture One, ensuring that your images reflect your vision precisely.