Details about zebras

V

verity5000

New member
Hi guys!

First off, I want to say that I am the proud new owner of a DVX100A. Came in yesterday with my AT4073a. Also, I finally decided to get off the guest list and become an actual member... so hello!

Here's my question. I understand the premise behind the zebras, but I need some in depth knowledge. My biggest problem is not knowing how much of the zebras should be visible at the 80 level and how much of it should be visible at the 100 level.

Also, does the dvx100 have a lightmeter? i.e. an actual light measuring line as opposed to just the zebra strips?

And lastly, I'm INSANELY excited about this camera!!
 
Re: Details about zebras

Toggle through the zebra button and you will get to the "marker" which essentially is a spot meter. The % marker works great in the "A" camera as it goes from 0 - 100. You can now use this as a zone system when setting lighting and exposure.

Michael
 
Re: Details about zebras

if you hit the zebra button once more after its at the preset 100 level(or 105 or whatever the 2nd one is on the "a"), you will see a small reticule in  the center of the lcd, and on the bottom left of the lcd display there should be a bigger 2 digit # displayed, the reticule is a spot meter, and  the # will read out the  average level of the light in the spot. its not quite the same as an actuall light meter, but it lets you know where your exposure level is.  the users manual covers it in a bit more context.
 
Re: Details about zebras

Yeah I read the manual about the Marker feature earlier but forgot to ask the question about that in my first post.

Okay, so I see a percentage in the left corner. What do I want this percentage to be at for optimal exposure? The manual just says that the marker function measures the value of the video. I'm not sure what "value of video" means.
 
Re: Details about zebras

im pretty sure its the video ire exposure level.  the level you want it at depends on what your pointing the cam at, and how you want your scene, or subject, or whatever to be exposed.  generally i never use it. if i like what i see on the monitor or in the viewfinder as far as exposure relations,, im good.
 
Re: Details about zebras

I use it all the time. I use the zone system to determine where I want parts of an image to fal into. This is a common use for dramatic type lighting. The zone system can be researched and described in several books - try to get Ansel Adams description if at all possible. Also page 122 of the Blain Brown book in Cinematography has a good description and example of its use in cinema. The book is also a good read for all other aspects of exposure, color, for both film and video and I recommend highly.

Basically you decide in what zone you want to place the area of interest depending on mood, look and feel (the creative part of the whole process). From there, knowing the zone system, you will have more or less detail in exposes areas towards pure white or pure black depending on direction of exposure. Remember that behind every great color pitcure is a great black and white picture... so thinking if these zones as exposure is a great tool. From there you can see ho wmuch range you have for detail (and zone) by pointing the camera marker to various parts of the frame. Using the %, dividing by 10 gives you the 10 zone range. If you want the keylight to fall within a zone 5, then the marker should read anywhere from 50-60 deoending on where you want to put it. Depending on other relationships in the frame, you can either increase or decrease the lighting, or the exposure.

Michael
 
Re: Details about zebras

I second that. I received the book by Blair Brown on my BDAY in FEb and this book is LOADED with detailed techincal info on Cinematography. In fact, the section on Page 122 That MP refers to is juicy and explains in great detail the ZOnes.
 
Re: Details about zebras

"Lighting for Film and Electronic Cinematography" by Dave Viera covers the subject pretty well too.
 
Re: Details about zebras

They each have their advantage, most run and gun situations will perfer the zebra method as you are protcting the highlights and overall exposure of the inage averaged out. The Market is good for controlled situatiuons where you are "painting" with light across the image to get a look and feel.

Michael
 
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