how do you check proper exposure on 7D in movie mode???

N

Nicholas Natteau

Veteran
Unfortunately, external monitors like the Marshall V-LCD50 and Small HD DP6 appear to be out of stock right now or not available yet at B&H. So right now I depend on Canon's WFT utility software to help me on interview shoots.

Canon's WFT is a great tool, but it doesn't tell you if your subject is correctly exposed. And unfortunately, ScopeBox doesn't appear to work with Canon 7D, not sure why.

Does anyone know any software I can download to my Macbook Pro that would allow me to see if my subject is correctly exposed: something with a waveform, vector scope, etc.

Thanks very much in advance.
 
sorry I can't seem to read the phrase "Canon WFT" without laughing because my eyes automatically read "Canon WTF" !

but to answer your question - easiest way is to take a still first and check the histograms for that still.
 
Hi J, that thought occurred to me also! Glad I checked my post, as I had accidentally written the WFT in the wrong order just prior to posting.

PerroneFord: Regarding the light meter, would you recommend a particular model or brand? I've heard of Sekonic. Not sure which one to get. Although if I did buy one, I would prefer to get a digital one. But I know that Sekonic meters can be quite expensive. I was so hoping that ScopeBox would work with my 7D as I come from a video background being used to vectorscopes, waveform monitors, etc. Not sure why the 7D doesn't appear in the ScopeBox list.
 
spot meter your main subject; thats what its for. then light the rest of the area appropriately.
 
Nicholas Natteau said:
Hi J, that thought occurred to me also! Glad I checked my post, as I had accidentally written the WFT in the wrong order just prior to posting.

PerroneFord: Regarding the light meter, would you recommend a particular model or brand? I've heard of Sekonic. Not sure which one to get. Although if I did buy one, I would prefer to get a digital one. But I know that Sekonic meters can be quite expensive. I was so hoping that ScopeBox would work with my 7D as I come from a video background being used to vectorscopes, waveform monitors, etc. Not sure why the 7D doesn't appear in the ScopeBox list.
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There are numerous ways to solve your issue.

1. Use a light meter. I use a SpectraCine IV. http://www.spectracine.com/product_2.html Cheaper than the Sekonics, but not as automated either. Works fine for me, and I've seen quite a few ASC/BSC cinematographers with them as well.

2. Take a photo and check the histograms

3. Use the built in spot meter on the camera. Meter the hottest spot in the frame, meter the darkest spot in the frame, adjust accordingly.

Or use all three methods together, or any combination. Two of them are free. I prefer the light meter because I generally pre-light.
 
Perrone laid it out nicely.

Just google and you will find numerous articles on how to read a histogram.

Once get the feel for that then you at least have another useable tool for checking exposure.
 
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