white balance

This term is a technical compound used primarily in photography and cinematography. It refers to the calibration of a camera's sensor to ensure that the color temperature of the light source does not distort the perceived colors of the scene, preventing a "warm" orange or "cool" blue cast.

When used as a verb, it describes the active process of calibration. While it is a specialized term, it is used across various registers, from professional studio manuals to casual hobbyist discussions about digital imaging.