Sony SR11 Face Detection Over Exposing at DVinfo.net

Tony Spring · June 15th, 2008, 11:40 PM

I tried the face detection on one of my SR11s this weekend. Focus seemed to work well when zooming in on off center subjects and this feature could be very useful on a pro level camcorder. I wasn't too impressed with exposure though, I found faces tended to blow out. I guess the answer is to use AE shift when it happens.

Wacharapong Chiowanich · June 16th, 2008, 05:45 AM

My guess is the face tracking function is programmed to err on overexposing the face(s) in more complexly lit scenes e.g. changing lights, shifting light sources or color temperatures etc. To most users of cameras such as the SR11, a slightly overexposed face is probably more acceptable than an underexposed one. The system nevertheless is useful in run and gun shooting and it will be just a matter of time before it is incorporated into professional cameras. I believe some makers will soon split the face tracking function into focus tracking (most useful), exposure tracking (less useful) and also maybe white-balance tracking (quite useful!) instead of lumping them altogether in one function that can wholely be either on or off.

I also like the idea of assigning more bit rates on the faces when the background or foreground is too out of focus to exhibit meaningful details.

Let's wait and see.

Wacharapong

Tony Spring · June 18th, 2008, 12:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wacharapong Chiowanich

I believe some makers will soon split the face tracking function into focus tracking (most useful), exposure tracking (less useful) and also maybe white-balance tracking (quite useful!) instead of lumping them altogether in one function that can wholely be either on or off.

That would be very useful, hope it happens!

Tom Hardwick · June 18th, 2008, 12:24 AM

I can't ever think that over-exposing has a plus point in digital as it's much easier to rectify under-exposed footage in post, and I use the Canopus 'region' filter to do this on many an occasion.

Maybe the 'spotlight' mode could be used in conjunction with the face detection when your background's predominantly dark, Tony?

tom.

June 15th, 2008, 11:40 PM	#1
Tony Spring Regular Crew Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: london UK Posts: 170	Sony SR11 Face Detection Over Exposing I tried the face detection on one of my SR11s this weekend. Focus seemed to work well when zooming in on off center subjects and this feature could be very useful on a pro level camcorder. I wasn't too impressed with exposure though, I found faces tended to blow out. I guess the answer is to use AE shift when it happens. __________________ www.springproductions.co.uk

June 16th, 2008, 05:45 AM	#2
Wacharapong Chiowanich Major Player Join Date: May 2008 Location: Bangkok, Thailand Posts: 400	My guess is the face tracking function is programmed to err on overexposing the face(s) in more complexly lit scenes e.g. changing lights, shifting light sources or color temperatures etc. To most users of cameras such as the SR11, a slightly overexposed face is probably more acceptable than an underexposed one. The system nevertheless is useful in run and gun shooting and it will be just a matter of time before it is incorporated into professional cameras. I believe some makers will soon split the face tracking function into focus tracking (most useful), exposure tracking (less useful) and also maybe white-balance tracking (quite useful!) instead of lumping them altogether in one function that can wholely be either on or off. I also like the idea of assigning more bit rates on the faces when the background or foreground is too out of focus to exhibit meaningful details. Let's wait and see. Wacharapong

June 18th, 2008, 12:24 AM	#4
Tom Hardwick Inner Circle Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Billericay, England UK Posts: 4,711	I can't ever think that over-exposing has a plus point in digital as it's much easier to rectify under-exposed footage in post, and I use the Canopus 'region' filter to do this on many an occasion. Maybe the 'spotlight' mode could be used in conjunction with the face detection when your background's predominantly dark, Tony? tom.