bradywurtz
Active member
what's the advantage of viewing the 'waveform' on the hmc-40 if you can just add zebra to the video?
Waveform
- Thread starter bradywurtz
- Start date
BobDiaz
The Professor
Zebra is wonderful, because I can quickly catch which areas of the image are too hot (bright). However, if I set the exposure to remove the zebras, I'm adjusting for the highlights and that may not be the ideal exposure.
The waveform allows me to see all the levels of the exposure to tell what is happening.
Bob Diaz
The waveform allows me to see all the levels of the exposure to tell what is happening.
Bob Diaz
bradywurtz
Active member
that helps
do you know of any sites or articles explain in more depth how to read waveforms properly? i just want to learn as much as i can about it since i've got one on the camera now
do you know of any sites or articles explain in more depth how to read waveforms properly? i just want to learn as much as i can about it since i've got one on the camera now
BobDiaz
The Professor
I can't find the thread where I commented on it, but here's a summery:
NORMAL:
The waveform shown above is a normal waveform. Notice that the upper and lower areas are balanced; nothing is shoved to one end or the other.
TOO HOT:
In this example, we see the waveform is pushed to high up and we're seeing a lot of the wave crushed against the top of the monitor. Zebra stripes should show if this option is selected.
NOT ENOUGH:
In this example, we are not allowing enough light into the camera; the waveform does not reach the top end of its range.
There are some shots where the lighting range is so wide, it's impossible to get everything. In that case, zoom into the area you want properly exposed. Remember you're seeking a balance between the upper area and the lower area. Some high contrast shots will have some of the waveform to much and some too little. The important thing is that you want the overall area of importance to be in the middle.
Also, the exposure can be a little of and still look good. Even +- 1/2 a stop still looks good.
Bob Diaz
NORMAL:
The waveform shown above is a normal waveform. Notice that the upper and lower areas are balanced; nothing is shoved to one end or the other.
TOO HOT:
In this example, we see the waveform is pushed to high up and we're seeing a lot of the wave crushed against the top of the monitor. Zebra stripes should show if this option is selected.
NOT ENOUGH:
In this example, we are not allowing enough light into the camera; the waveform does not reach the top end of its range.
There are some shots where the lighting range is so wide, it's impossible to get everything. In that case, zoom into the area you want properly exposed. Remember you're seeking a balance between the upper area and the lower area. Some high contrast shots will have some of the waveform to much and some too little. The important thing is that you want the overall area of importance to be in the middle.
Also, the exposure can be a little of and still look good. Even +- 1/2 a stop still looks good.
Bob Diaz