What object is typically used to white balance a camera?

The most common object used to white balance a camera is a white card. White cards are specifically designed to reflect light evenly and help ensure accurate color representation in photography or videography. When you point your camera at the white card and let it adjust its settings based on that white reference, it helps eliminate any color casts caused by different lighting conditions. This results in more accurate color reproduction in the final image.

While color palettes, gray cards, and reflective surfaces can also influence white balance, they do not serve the same primary function as white cards. A gray card, for example, assists with exposure and color correction but is less effective than a white card for setting white balance specifically. Reflective surfaces might provide some visual cues for exposure balance but lack the neutrality and consistency needed for precise white balancing.