tweaking scene file settings / cinematography help

J

jsk

New member
I've seen a few scattered posts on this, but can people please post some good modifications to the standard 24p scene file settings (F5 and F6)?
I'd especially like to hear from any documentary DPs.

In particular, using the default F5 and auto iris, I often get footage that's a bit dark. Today I shot outdoors in beauty light, around 5pm, and the mid-tones were really crushed. The camera kept asking me to put on more ND, and that made the problem worse. Was this just a lattitude issue, based on the bright light, or should I modify settings?

I'm using zebras to monitor exposure (set to 80%), but I'm wondering if I should adjust the A. Iris Level. Why is it set to -2, and is it best to leave it there and just keep opening up when need be? I'm tempted to raise this but the manual says that Cine Gama should have the iris set 1/2 stop lower than normal.

I've also hooked up the camera to the monitor and done a bunch of tests with different settings (Cinelike-D and V etc), but I'd really appreciate any insights here.

Also, does anyone have settings that are a bit brighter and crisper? Like a finer grained, higher ASA 16mm film?

Thank you!
 
Re: tweaking scene file settings / cinematography

Re: tweaking scene file settings / cinematography

The auto-iris level is biased towards underexposure in the presets that use cinegamma. Overexposing in cinegamma is a disaster, so the cinegamma presets are biased to underexpose.

You can certainly change that, just watch your overall exposure levels.

Also, keep in mind that if you want richer colors, you will want to underexpose a bit. Video works a little like color reversal film: overexposure makes colors wash out and render flat, whereas a little underexposure can make the saturation pop.
 
Re: tweaking scene file settings / cinematography

Re: tweaking scene file settings / cinematography

Thanks Barry,

Anyone else have thoughts on this... or some good alternative settings? Or does everyone just stick with F5 or F6 (unless you want a setting for just 30p or 60i)?

For finishing on video (standard def, or possibly upconversion to HD), does anyone prefer F6 ro F5?

Jason
 
Re: tweaking scene file settings / cinematography

Re: tweaking scene file settings / cinematography

I usually prefer 24pA (F6) because I like being able to cleanly remove the 2:3:3:2 pulldown and edit in 24p regardless of my final format. When I'm ready to ouput, I can keep the footage in 24P for a 24P DVD or insert a conventional 2:3 pulldown for tape distribution. As long as your NLE can remove a 2:3:3:2 pulldown, I don't see a benefit in shooting 24pN (F5).

As for scene file settings, there's a lot of personal preference involved depending on the look you want. In general, I'd recommend turning off auto-exposure and setting the exposure yourself using the zebras and a good monitor. You can bring up the midtones without affecting the highlights by using a high gamma setting. However, what you've already done--running your own tests is the best solution.
 
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