What are the differences between the G6 WhiBal and the new G7 WhiBal?

First the similarities
All G6 and G7 Genuine WhiBal cards are:

• Individually measured to assure maximum neutrality of your WhiBal card
• Guaranteed to meet the following spec: lab color space measurement of 0.00 (+/- 0.50) in both a and b* channels
• Waterproof
• Scratch resistant
• Able to be cleaned
• Very rugged
• Not prone to fading
• Contains Dark Black and Bright White relative reference patches
• Designed for both JPEG and RAW
• Designed as a precision WB reference for in-computer post production image processing
• Studio and Reference Cards designed for optimum setting of in-camera custom WB
• Low Glare but with high gloss glare indicator for optimum performance
• Inch and Centimeter Scale for forensic use
• 1/4 inch hole for attachment to Lanyard, Spring Loaded Retractor, S-Biner™ or other hanging device
  

Now the differences

Thickness:

• G6 All: 0.12in - 3 mm
• G7 KeyChain/Pocket: 0.04 in - 1 mm (same as credit card)
• G7 Studio/Reference: 0.05 in - 1.3 mm

Size:

• G6 KeyChain: 1x2 in - 2.5x5 cm
• G6 Pocket: 2x3.5 in - 5x8.9 cm
• G6 Studio: 3.5x6 in - 8.9x15.2 cm
• G6 Reference: 8.5x11 in - 21.6x27.9 cm
• G7 KeyChain: 1x2.2 in - 2.5x5.6 cm
• G7 Pocket: 2.1x3.35 in - 5.3x8.5 cm
• G7 Studio: 3.5x6 in - 8.9x15.2 cm
• G7 Reference: 7.5x10 in - 19.1x25.4 cm

Construction:

• G6: The G6 is made up of a single PVC substrate in which the color is "embedded". The good news is that if the surface is scratched more of the same color is revealed so that the scratch is not critical. However, on the other side it is very difficult for the color and the surface to be uniform, so that maintaining the precision neutrality of the WhiBal is a hit and miss proposition from the manufacturing standpoint. The material is made in huge batches, and as a small user we have no control of the final result. All we can do is measure and reject bad or non-uniform material at both the sheet (4x8 feet) level as well as at the point of final test before final packaging. This and the fact that the "sheet" manufacturers changed what "light gray" meant to them from time to time led us to reject this as a viable material if we were to continue to make the WhiBal quality level of product. Also the Black and White reference had to be applied as a sticker which eventually would "wear out."

• G7: The G7 is made of a sandwich of precision made materials. Our optimized neutral Gray "color" is applied to our substrate and is completely under our manufacturing control and is precision measured to meet our neutrality spec directly after application so that all parameters are taken into account. Of course we do an additional precision measurement before shipment of each and every WhiBal card. Any cards that do not meet our spec are discarded. Although the "color" is applied to our substrate it is impervious to water or scratching because it is subsurface applied which means that a tough layer of plastic stands between the "color" layer and the outside world. All measurements both at manufacturing and final QC are done though the plastic layer ensuring that the measurement represents what the camera will "see". And because the Plastic layer is not an applied layer, but the substrate itself, it will not peel or discolor for the life of the WhiBal card, even under rough real work conditions. In addition, all other "markings" like the black and White reference patches are integrated appropriately into the multi-layer substrate sandwich. This eliminates hand labor and assures proper and consistent quality.

Kit Contents:

G6 Pocket and Studio Kits include the following components:

• Precision measured genuine WhiBal Card
• 2x3.5 inch table stand
• Thin All-ete™ carrying case
• (not w/G6 Studio Kit) High quality quick-release lanyard with height adjustment bead and safety break-away latch

G7 Pocket and Studio Kits include the following components:

• Precision measured genuine WhiBal Card
• Genuine Stainless Steel S-Biner™ by Nieize™ - a dual function S-Hook that can be used as a table stand or a hanging device for your WhiBal
• Ultra-Thin Tyvek™ protective storage sleeve
• High quality quick-release lanyard with height adjustment bead and safety break-away latch