Zebra confused

I'm not going to argue this; you have a vast quantity of knowledge beyond mine; especially in lighting and yes, you have 20 times more experience than me.

First of all; it's not that confusing.

My logic was not to 'expose for faces' but to expose for both. I did not say 'Don't worry about whites' but 'Worry about whites'. As for jumping all over the place; this is one of those variables as mentioned above. For this 'event type' shooting I'd most definately take your approach; for a narrative film or a controlled environment Id be willing to use the other method.

I just want the user to be 100% informed; not neccasarily for this event but going forward.

But that's just me. When I learn something or am discovering something for the first time; I want to know E V E R Y T H I N G. We're not really talking about juggling 4 plates or some physcial demanding activity that requires massive coordination and control; but 2 buttons that do 2 one and the sames. I can't imagine telling my son when he was 11 months old "Only use one foot Jared. Hop little buddy! Hop! Don't worry about that left leg! Pogo Pogo!"

Sorry; humor insertion.

I would never suggest for this event to use both; I'd expose for the whites. Period. In fact; it is how I currently do it when shooting; but it is nice to lay all of the facts out.
 
John nothing you said is wrong. It's all personal taste. I know I hate double zebras as does most all of the folks I work with so I figure why teach folks how to juggle with four plates. But whatever works is great.
 
Quick question..

How do you even turn both on at the same time? When I cycle through I can only select one or the other. Not that I ever use two... but it's something worth knowing.
 
Walter_Graff said:
Film has a latitude that is at least 15 stops greater than a DV camera.
Click to expand...
I'll assume you're exaggerating there. Kodak claims their finest color negative (EI50D, 5245) tops out at 17 stops of dynamic range. But, I get your point; video pales in comparison to the best negative films.
 
Shaw said:
Quick question..

How do you even turn both on at the same time? When I cycle through I can only select one or the other. Not that I ever use two... but it's something worth knowing.
Click to expand...

I don't think it is possible to select both zebras simultaneously.
 
I appreciate the in-depth discussions.

The one fear I have is video noise. If I have to change anything in post, I die since I have to see all the mosquitos flying around. That is one of the bad things about DV. I wish I had the latitude of film.

One more thing:

In this case, I guess I should be using Chimera's instead of "hard" lighting. This would give a more even distribution?
 
Again...so impressed at mature, insightful discussions by people who can agree to disagree and not resort to name calling and other childish crap. This site rocks.

BTW...this is sooo over my head.
 
thisiswells said:
I'll assume you're exaggerating there. Kodak claims their finest color negative (EI50D, 5245) tops out at 17 stops of dynamic range. But, I get your point; video pales in comparison to the best negative films.
Click to expand...

Ok then if you want to go by the book then 12 stops of latitude.
 
And forgive me. I get some of the prosumer cameras confused. Most don't have the ability at two zebra zones together nor spot zebra. You wouldn't want it.
 
Sort of, using various techniques with exposure and development one can get at least three more stops of latitude out of some stocks. :)
 
Great discussion everyone. It's very helpful to actually witness the cognitive process of what, how and why. Really helps my understanding of the subject. Thanks!
 
I too found this whole thread to be really helpful... As an earlier poster said, I have learned alot from Barry's book, but the in depth discussion and theory here has given me a better understanding (said, before actually testing) of how and when to use one or both zebras.

I've for the most part only used the 100 zebra, but depending upon the shots, will start to use both at least to get an idea of the most even lighting that won't under or over expose.

thanks guys, these threads are the best ones to come across b/c you really learn from them.
 
On a related note, where would you guys put the Marker in this discussion?

As a newer DVX user would you recommend sticking with the zebras, or would you use the marker as well. I find it a little more confusing as far as what the number the marker gives you actually does. Are there certain numbers that you want to know that your shot is lit properly, or is that situational?

And, is this something to use with the zebras? or with one zebra? both? neither?

ok, enough questions.
 
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