What is the DVX100A ISO?

S

Spottedmushroom

Member
Hello Everyone,

New to the group and just starting to use the DVX100A. My previous experience was with the sony PD-150 and I used ISO 400 (zero gain) for lighting a scene. I was wondering what could be used with the DVX100A.

Thanks.
 
Re: What is the DVX100A ISO?

It's 640 over most of the exposure curve, but you can't really use a lightmeter anyway -- the exposure curve varies depending on how much light there is in the scene, from a low of around 320, to 640 over most of the exposure range, up to as high as 1000 at the highest light levels.

There are many very long threads here about this subject.
 
Re: What is the DVX100A ISO?

Thanks Berry.

I tried searching under ISO ASA EI but no thread popped up. Another suggesting for finding the thread?

Thanks.
 
Re: What is the DVX100A ISO?

I'm not having any luck searching either -- search keeps timing out. I'm pretty sure searching on 640 would find it though.

I also put together a response or two on the subject over on IndieClub.
Here's one of those threads:
http://www.indieclub.com/tacoboard/thread.asp?ident=4511720058715542

Basically, don't use a light meter to set exposure. Those are for film, not video. Video doesn't have a linear exposure response, so the best you can do with a light meter is get a ballpark. You use your zebras, a properly calibrated production monitor, and a waveform monitor to set exposure in video.
 
Re: What is the DVX100A ISO?

Thanks Barry,

The info at IndieClub was helpful. Still no luck here with a search on 640.
Thanks. I like to know the ISO so that I can plan out the lighting design
before going to light a scene so that I have a good idea, what lights I need and how many, where, etc. This for me is a good starting point which I modify on set using the camera and monitor. hopefully this can reduce some production time and move it to pre-production. DPing my first DVX100A independent feature. Can't wait!
 
Re: What is the DVX100A ISO?

For pre-visualization and scouting, yes, that's an ideal use of the lightmeter, and the DVX in progressive is 640 across most of the exposure curve (from about f/4 to about f/11).
 
Re: What is the DVX100A ISO?

But you can use a light meter if you want to get a specific stop separation between lights on set.

Though I have yet to actually use my DVX in this situation.

but after you've lit the scene you can adjust your f.stop on your DVX too get zebra's under control..


any comments barry on this? Is it even worthwhile to do it this way?
 
Re: What is the DVX100A ISO?

Hey, whatever way you like to work is always worthwhile. You can definitely use a meter to set your key/fill ratio, etc.

On video shoots, I don't think I've seen a meter come out on the set in years, unless it's in use by a gaffer who never touches the camera. But for scouting, we use it, and for film shooting it's indispensible of course.

It's all up to your preferences. However, all I'm trying to point out is that one shouldn't get lured into a false sense of security that a light meter is going to deliver the "right" stop to shoot at, because the video exposure curve is not linear, and you need to let the camera/monitor/waveform let you know what the right stop is. A light meter doesn't hurt, but in video it shouldn't be the sole determining factor for exposure.
 
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