setting exposure in manual mode?

H

highdefvideo

Member
How do you set the optimum exposure in manual mode?
I need to use this mode because I'm shooting a stage (bright subjects surrounded by dark background).

The LCD screen changes brightness when viewed from different angle. So, to judge exposure by the LCD's brightness require that I move my head around to find the brightest angle each time. Is the LCD accurate enough to be used this way?

What is the best threshold to put the zebra pattern at?

In situations where contrast range is too large, one has to quickly decide whether to sacrifice some highlights (let them clip) or shadow (let them go black). Should I eyeball the LCD and adjust exposure until it looks good? Surely there must be a more reliable way.

Are there external monitor that is more accurate or has extra features to help set exposure?
 
video, in generally is better when you under expose, and if need be, in post, you can push it. You will get more noise, but at least you will have an image. The same cannot be said if you over expose, espeically high contrast stage lighting.

Set your zebras to 95% and make sure whatever clips is intentional. And use the exposure meter to see how your doing exposure wise.
 
Personally, I like to set my Zebras at 80 IRE & adjust the exposure for skin tone. It will vary a little with each skin type, but letting the skin be right under 80 IRE I know that the subjects (usually people) are exposed correctly & there's 20 IRE left for highlights.

Of course, this is a guideline not a rule...don't try it with silhouettes or anything like that of course. Hope this helps.
 
Im a still photographer and was recently assigned a in-house video project for an ad agency. I am newer than a newbie when it comes to the XH A1. I had a day to play with the rental camera and day to shoot. Exposure seems critical to the quality of the HDV. what looked good on the LCD screen appeared a little underexposed and noisy when loaded into FCP. I was using the zebras @ 80 adjusted for just a few clipped areas as my exposure best guess setting. I'm wondering how most users work with video? Calibrate a tv monitor to your computer for in-field viewing and exposure analysis? Use the zebra function and light meter or B&W white to black stepped gray pattern for perfect range exposure?
I shot indoors with hot lights, shooting 60i, 60fps @ 5.6. When I opened the exposure, re-shot footage and the image was less noisy and much cleaner when viewed in FCP. Still my disappointment was that HD wasn't that impressive. I am open to all suggestions for getting the best image possible out of this camera for my client. I appreciate any and all tips from the knowledgeable members in this forum.
 
John,

turn of Auto gain on the camera to OFF position... probably this is the reason, what causes noise for ya..
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top