Understanding how to use "Levels" To Brighten Dark Footage

A

andybiz_2005

Well-known member
Hi all,

I use Adobe Premiere Pro 1.5 as my NLE. In the past, I always used the Brightness/Contrast option in Premiere Pro to brighten up my dark video footage. But I've been reading some threads here that advice to use "Levels" instead.

I have captured a screenshot from my Premiere Pro 1.5 NLE, but there are so many confusing settings to play around with :

1155172178.jpg


Which are the main settings I should use to brighten up my dark video footage without making it look too grainy?

Should I also use "Curves" to brighten up dark footage? Thank you in advance.

Regards,

Andrew
 
White & Black input/output. It offers finer control than Brightness but there's only so much you can do with Levels.
 
Thanks Jade. But what's the difference between the Output level & the Input level? When do I know which (input or output) to use when brightening dark video?
 
Try using the COLOR CORRECTOR filter then adjust the levels in the CURVES tab. Start by making it somewhat of an S shape...you'll find it does a pretty nice job...
 
B & W Input Levels are the simplest. You are wanting to control the souce you are inputing for processing cos that is where the issue is (eg too darks light)

You will note that if you use Output , control is "reversed" (subtractive)

The Level Curves suggestion is a good one and a nice graphic interface thats helps one understand the concept of "knee" /"shoulder". (also controlling the middle range (gammas) of your image)
 
Actually, if you click that little square box next to the stopwatch, you can adjust your levels in a simplier way by sliding the little things over on the graph, and it'll show up on your image so you can see how bright or dark it is getting. Try it out.
 
Woah!, Thanks all of you guys for all your great suggestions. I'll try out both the B& W Input levels & the Level Curves suggestion in my next edit & see which gives the best results. Thanks again for the helpfull advice.

Andrew
 
I have another question. By using the any of the two methods suggested earlier to brighten dark footage, would it also brighten the noise in the image & make it more obvious?
 
well, whenever you attempt to manipulate the image in post, you are going to increase the noise somewhat. But, if you are trying to brighten up dark footage, the trade off may be well worth it.
 
If you "gain" information form a dark area where there is none, you will get noise.

Obviously a good exposure is most desireable and the use of levels is to optimise and balance the look. Using levels for problem solving such as a bad exposure has trade offs but they maybe worth it. eg Loch Ness monster caught on DV camera just on dusk.
 
Individual settings can drive you nuts!
Use the small "box" at the top left corner (click on it) and use it moving the levels until you adjust the right image
 
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