XL2 Viewfinder Question!

[nychris2007]

Will what I see and record on the XL2 viewfinder be EXACTLY what will be shown when I playback my footage on a tv screen? In other words, is the image I see and record on the viewfinder 100% reliable for what my footage will look like in terms of lighting and exposure when I play it back on tv?? This will make my shoot much easier and won't have to worry about how the shot looks if it looks as it looks on the viewfinder.

[Huy Vu]

Will what I see and record on the XL2 viewfinder be EXACTLY what will be shown when I playback my footage on a tv screen? In other words, is the image I see and record on the viewfinder 100% reliable for what my footage will look like in terms of lighting and exposure when I play it back on tv?? This will make my shoot much easier and won't have to worry about how the shot looks if it looks as it looks on the viewfinder.

No it won't. The eyepiece doesn't have enough pixels to represent colors or exposure accurately; nothing in this price range does. I believe it also overscans, meaning that it will cut off a small percentage of the footage at the edge of the frame.

[nychris2007]

I shot my last project and it turned out what you see in the viewfinder is exactly what you will see on screen in terms of color and lighting, it looked phenomenal actually. But that was the first time I used the camera and just wanted a 2nd opinion.

How then would I go about shooting without having to worry about the end result of my shots not looking good?? My shoot is on Wednesday. I used a 9inch monitor the first time but it made the colors look too hot on the screen and I wasted a lot of time figuring it out.

[moonlitnite]

Another problem with the viewfinder is that you won't be able to detect video amplifier noise, an particular concern with the XL-2.

[ProfessorU]

Yes, use a monitor, calibrate it first. The LCD is more of a guess-and-check. I've seen real stuff shot with just the LCD but it was from a DP who'd used the camera for years.
If you're not using a monitor, at least use zebras.

[nychris2007]

The only problem with using a monitor is that I will be shooting outdoors in a parking lot for the exterior scene I'm doing, therefore I will not have access to outlets. Shots will be taken outside and also in a car. I am not too worried about lighting for the shots inside the car b/c I have a sunroof and will improvise lighting with sunlight. It will be partly cloudy-mostly cloudy on Wednesday where I am on Long Island, NY.

What does anyone suggest I do that day to get some good footage outdoors?

[ProfessorU]

Put your monitor in another car and power it with an inverter.
Bring lots of reflection. Polarizers are nice for shooting cars outdoors.
Wetting the pavement is an awesome way to fake an extra two stops of latitude.