What is the instrument used to detect color?

The main instruments used to detect color are spectrophotometers and colorimeters (including photoelectric integrating colorimeters). 

Spectrophotometer: High-precision option. It analyzes the full visible light spectrum to measure color accurately. Suitable for complex scenarios like textured surfaces, special effect colors, or batch consistency checks in industries such as paint and coatings. 

Colorimeter (Photoelectric Integrating Colorimeter): Cost-effective and portable. It uses RGB filters to measure tristimulus values directly. Ideal for quick color difference detection in simple applications. Key Selection Tip Choose based on accuracy needs: use a spectrophotometer for high-precision color measurement, and a colorimeter for fast, basic color difference checks.