Ryan,
Now that you've proclaimed your not a paint expert, I am a certified body & paint expert.
As I stated earlier, if you do not have a paint code but you do have a paint sample, a camera can and will give you a formula, if you have that formula mixed, you can then have that matched formula tinted to the desired variance by a qualified painter. I never mentioned using a spray out card first, after you have the mix, you then take your mix and your sample to a professional painter, they then will use a spray out card and tint the mix accordingly. The painter would make an exact match. The same rule applies if you have a paint code.
As for your comment about a camera getting an exact match, I never stated that. I stated the camera will give you a formula to go from. For your question of "taking a picture of an adjacent panel and poof" the fact of that matter would be taking pictures of multiple panels on the car, hood, deck lid, quarter panel, door, ect. it will then give you a formula that a qualified painter can tint exactly.
Referring to your comment on primer or sealer not affecting top coat, and being able to cover in 3 coats over black is completely absurd, and to make the reference that red is one of the easiest colors for coverage tells me that you have apparently not painted to many items.
I am simply referring to even the average Joe obtaining paint to refinish his/her pump, they would have to comply with the EPA and would either be obtaining a single stage paint or a base coat clear coat whether it is a high or low quality product the basics are still exactly the same, painting a panel flat in the horizontal position is completely different than painting the same panel in the upright position. These are basics, I am just giving information.
I have heard members talk about painting their items with a roller and house paint and I have also read posts of members asking for true professional advise, so there is a wide margin here. My offer of information is the most basic and to the point for any novice in obtaining the desirable color of his/her choice. None of these options that I have offered will cost the novice extra with the exception of a painter, may or may not charge you for a tinting fee. You can then take your products home and have the full gratification of painting your object yourself.
You also state that I have confused 99% of the members but yet your the only member that has negatively commented. I merely gave simple information to better direct members to the appropriate places for their color matching.
I don't need to name drop or give any of my certifications, this is a basic path for any and all to obtain their desired colors.
I am sorry that you have taken offense or perhaps misread my input but frankly with the vast years and experience that I have, there are not any other options than what I have mentioned in obtaining the desired color match of choice.
TONY
