White Balance - an Honest Answer

[gmen]

I think the simple answer is:

1. Shoot RAW at all times - make any adjustments afterwards
or 2. If you must shoot jpg AND you are have concerns about the end result you may get, then try (if time allows) to shoot 2-3 pictures of the subject using different WB settings.

[another view]

I agree with Michael Fanelli. You know, I probably have never said that before !!!

Actually, most of the time I shoot Auto WB. If I'm in jpeg, then the camera does a pretty good job. You'll figure out the situations where you need either a custom WB or shoot RAW and sort it out later. The presets don't get used often, especially the ones for artificial lighting (shooting a Fuji S2).

It only takes a second to shoot a custom WB and the results are so much better especially under fluorescent or metal halide (similar to mercury) lighting than you could ever get in Auto or with one of the presets. I use the "Pringles Cap Method" for the custom WB - hold the cap in front of the lens like a filter and shoot the scene that you'll photograph. For some reason it works and I can't tell you why. If you need anything more critical you'll have to use RAW and a calibrated monitor.