Zebra Setting on 100B

The zebras are already set at 80% and 100%. I prefer the 80%. If you get much higher, you can get blowouts.
 
The zebras are there to keep you from over-exposing a shot. If you see the stripes, you are over-exposed and will have blowouts (white areas with no detail). The 100% zebra kicks in at full exposure, right up to the verge of over-exposure and possible blowout. The 80% zebra kicks in at a lower point, about 20% under full exposure. I use the 80% zebra to get a more film-like image and insure against blowouts. 80% is also better for skin tones.
 
I use the lower zebra setting to get the best exposure on people's faces. Eighty percent zebra on a person's highlight areas of the face, cheekbones, nose ridge or forehead, and I'm golden!
 
I'm curious how you guys deal with an outdoor event in the harsh sun where you don't want to blow out a person's white shirt yet want to be able to see the person's face, which is mostly in the shadow? Think wedding ceremony where the bride's dress is mostly in the sun while her face is shaded by a gazebo.
 
mikeshu said:
I'm curious how you guys deal with an outdoor event in the harsh sun where you don't want to blow out a person's white shirt yet want to be able to see the person's face, which is mostly in the shadow? Think wedding ceremony where the bride's dress is mostly in the sun while her face is shaded by a gazebo.
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That's the nightmare scenario for a video camera. Pretty much a worst-case scenario. It's the type of scenario that the DRS function was created to try to handle.

But in that case, I'd try to protect from overexposing the dress as much as possible, as long as the face doesn't go too dark. Actually, if I were you, faced with that type of shot, I'd try to zoom in as much as possible to frame out the overexposed dress, that way you can focus on giving proper exposure to the face.

Or have her step fully into the light if you can.
 
Whew, using reflectors is not workable in a ceremony setting, but I think the zooming option works better. The issue is that I use a steadicam, and zooming in is hard stuff to keep smooth. More practice for me I guess.

Thanks, Barry. Now I know it's not me being an idiot operator that I get flustered by the challenge.
 
I do event type shooting outdoors ---not exactly weddings though--dudes with guns wearing funny clothes.
For me, the 100% zebra setting in full sun is usually the way to go. Bear in mind, you may end up sacrificing some highlight areas in a shot to get decent exposure on faces. Shady settings or overcast days---definitely switch to 80%.
 
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