Best under $200 light meter

The meter you referenced is probably OK for still photography, but for movies you need the ability to measure lighting ratios, which requires a readout in lux or footcandles, plus a decent-sized incident diffuser dome, and ideally the option to use a flat diffuser plate for measuring individual light sources. I have literally never used a light meter in reflective mode for cinema work, so it doesn't make sense to pay extra for that capability.

Although a little above your stated budget, this one looks useful:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/751935-REG/Sekonic_401_310_L_308DC_DigiCineMate.html

If you can't afford that or find a used one at a better price, the economy choice would be something like a used Sekonic L28C-2 or L-398. These are solid-as-a-rock analog meters using a selenium cell, so they don't require a battery. The downside is that their sensitivity is not great in very low light levels -- but if you're adding lights for cinematography anyway, that's not usually a big concern. I used an L28C-2 as my only light meter for years and years and it served well through several generations of cameras, both film and video, stills and movies.

Some people argue that the builtin exposure aids in modern cameras are more accurate and useful than a handheld light meter nowadays, but I still think they're invaluable to use while lighting the scene, to measure light ratios and see if you're in the ballpark on overall intensity. Ironically, though, I probably wouldn't use one for setting the actual exposure in the camera anymore. But then again, my camera has a builtin waveform monitor that is, in essence, a two-dimensional light meter -- you won't have that with a DSLR.

- Greg
 
Have you considered purchasing a used unit? Many wannabe film makers run out and buy a meter only to sell it later.
eBay is usually loaded with light meters.

Good Luck!
 
Back
Top