A gray card gives your camera a neutral reference. Shoot it once in the light you are using, then set a custom white balance in the camera or match colors later in editing. Cards come as pocket-size sets, folding reflectors or color charts with extra patches.
The six sets below run from a three-card pocket pack to a folding kit and a ColorChecker with profiling software. Sizes and contents come from each listing page. We have not used these products ourselves, and accuracy claims are the makers’ own.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Links below are affiliate links, and they do not change the product information we give.
What to Look For
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Card size | Larger cards are easier to fill the frame with at a distance |
| Cards in the set | Gray, white and black sides cover white balance and exposure |
| Extra patches | Color charts suit editing and camera profiling |
| Carry method | A lanyard, pouch or case keeps the card clean |
| Software | Some charts pair with profiling software |
Specs at a Glance
| Set | Size | Contents | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Macolink | 3.35 x 2.2 in | Black, white and gray cards | Matte finish; lanyard; 1.5 oz |
| Sedremm | 2 x 3 in (5.4 x 8.5 cm) | Black, white and 18% gray | Lanyard and microfiber cloth; 1 year warranty |
| Anwenk | 12 x 12 in | Gray and white reversible panel | Collapsible; carry bag; density 0.74 |
| Pixiss 4 in 1 | 12 x 12 in | Gray, white, black and color checker | Polypropylene; carry case; lanyard; cloth |
| DGK DKC-Pro | 5 x 7 in | 2 cards, 12% and 18% gray, 18 color patches | Frame stand and user guide |
| Calibrite Passport Photo 2 | 7 x 5.25 x 0.65 in | 4 targets in a folding case | Lanyard; PROFILER software for DNG and ICC; 4.9 oz |
The 6 Best Gray Card Sets
1. Macolink Grey Cards
Three pocket cards in black, white and gray, each 3.35 by 2.2 inches, with a matte finish the maker says reduces reflections, plus a separable lanyard. The listing says the gray card works for custom white balance with JPEG and RAW files and weighs 1.5 ounces.
Suits: a pocket reference. Strengths: three tones and a lanyard. Weaknesses: small. Skip it if you shoot from far away.
View Macolink White Balance Grey Cards 18% Gray Cards Custom Color Calibration 3.35 x 2.2 on Amazon
2. Sedremm 3 in 1 Set
A black, white and 18% gray card set, each about 2 by 3 inches, with a clip-release lanyard and a microfiber lens cloth. The maker describes the cards as waterproof and lightweight and offers a one year warranty.
Suits: a light kit with a cloth. Strengths: a lanyard and cloth. Weaknesses: smaller than Macolink. Skip it if you want a large panel.
3. Anwenk 12 x 12 Folding Card
A collapsible 30 cm panel, gray with a printed target on one side and neutral white on the reverse. The maker says the 18% side has a maximum error of 1/8 stop and a density of 0.74. It folds into a pouch for carrying, and the pouch is the only extra.
Suits: portraits and studio work. Strengths: a large target. Weaknesses: bulkier than cards. Skip it if you want black as well.
4. Pixiss 4 in 1 Foldable Set
A 12 inch foldable polypropylene panel with a gray and white side, plus black cards and a color checker with a 24 step gradient, a carry case, a lanyard and a microfiber lens cloth. The maker calls the cards waterproof. Some spec fields on the page look wrong, so rely on the bullets.
Suits: one kit for most jobs. Strengths: many parts. Weaknesses: messy page data. Skip it if you want a single card.
5. DGK DKC-Pro Pair
A set of two 5 by 7 inch cards, each with 12% and 18% gray references and 18 color patches. The maker says the patches use its n-Chrome process for saturation and to avoid metamerism. It comes with a metal frame stand and a user guide and is meant for Photoshop and Lightroom work.
Suits: color correction in editing. Strengths: two grays and color patches. Weaknesses: no white or black card. Skip it if you want a pocket card.
6. Calibrite ColorChecker Passport Photo 2
A four-target kit in a folding protective case with a lanyard, covering exposure, custom white balance, camera profiling and enhancement patches. It measures 7 by 5.25 by 0.65 inches and weighs 4.9 ounces. The maker says Calibrite PROFILER software builds DNG and ICC profiles for a camera and lens pair.
Suits: profiling work. Strengths: four targets and software. Weaknesses: more than a basic card. Skip it if you only need white balance.
Using a Gray Card
- Place the card in the same light as the subject.
- Fill the frame or the center spot with the card.
- Set a custom white balance, or shoot one frame to match later.
- Keep fingerprints off the surface.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Shooting the card in shade when the subject is in sun.
- Using a scuffed or dirty card.
- Expecting a basic card to build a camera profile.
- Skipping a fresh reference when the light changes.
Gray Card Sets FAQ
Which ones include black and white cards?
The Macolink, Sedremm and Pixiss sets list black and white as well as gray.
Which one supports camera profiling?
The Calibrite Passport lists PROFILER software for DNG and ICC profiles, and the DGK DKC-Pro lists color patches for editing work.
The Short Version
For a pocket trio, the Macolink. For a light kit with a cloth, the Sedremm. For a large panel, the Anwenk. For a many-part kit, the Pixiss. For color patches, the DGK DKC-Pro. For profiling, the Calibrite Passport.
