Digital Camera Calibration and Profiling

Camera calibrating and profiling is a controversial subject. Some people think that it's a waste of time, while others feel that it's the last remaining step to take in attempting a full and properly colour managed workflow.
There are two approaches to raw processing. Programs like Phase One'sCapture Oneuse expensive equipment, skilled technicians and a great deal of time and effort to create ICC profiles which are then used by the raw processing software. Multiple profiles for different light situations or subject types may be available.
The approach taken by AdobeCamera RawandLightroomis to create two proprietary custom profiles (non-ICC) for two different standard illuminants and then blend them depending on the colour temperature of the light recorded in the camera's metadata. Without debating which is the best approach, be it enough to say that only one ,and in almost all cases never more than a couple of cameras of any particular model, are used when a camera profile is created ...