Exposure question!

jgastelb

jgastelb

Well-known member
Ok... So I have a Letus35a which I have been using a lot lately. The problem is that I do have to throw in a lot of light especially when shooting night scenes. Even with 700 watts or so the image is still pretty dim. Now in post (Vegas) I will play with the levels and make it look sweet and all but I'm wondering what the ideal waveform should be registering at prior to doing any CC? It usuallu doesn't excede above 52 so I'm probably underexposing, right? I guess it should be closer to 100 before I do any corrections on it. I'm just looking for some feedback so I can get the most out of the DVX. Thanks!
Jgastelb
 
Expose for highlights and in post keep them under 100 IRE to avoid illegal levels.

I always underexpose when shooting anyway to have play room later.
 
John,
But if I underexpose and then bring things back up to taste in post won't it also bring back noise and other artifacts?
Jgastelb
 
I'm sorry. I just meant that was my preference (not to indicate you should do it as well)

It depends on how much you bring them up. I personally like noise. I like grain in my stuff.

Are you using Zebras in the field ?
 
80% is what I usually use to expose for skin tones. Though I think I read you or someone else say to use both the 100's and 80's to get it right in some other thread. When you look at your inital raw footage what is usually your peak level in the waveform? Just curious. I'm more interested in the interior night shots.
Jgastelb
 
80% is what I usually use to expose for skin tones. Though I think I read you or someone else say to use both the 100's and 80's to get it right in some other thread. When you look at your inital raw footage what is usually your peak level in the waveform? Just curious. I'm more interested in the interior night shots.
Jgastelb
Click to expand...

I expose my highlights at 100 (Zebras) and 80 for Skin Tones. But as mentioned, I prefer to underexpose by a few. So, my 80 Zebra is probably closer to 70 (I do not know; maybe Barry could best guestimate this)

100 is for highlights; sun sparkle on chrome for example

-

I am not sure what my initial RAW is (never paid attention to that number as the end is what I am after)



BTW,
How do you add that short footage at the end of your posts? I like it.
Click to expand...

It's just a Gif Sig !
 
John,
I think there's come controversy in regards to what makes a good picture. It's obviously somewhat subjective but I do agree that a bit of grain contributes immensely to the fimlic look.
 
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