Avoiding Overexposure at DVinfo.net

Will Hanlon · June 3rd, 2006, 11:54 PM

Do you guys have any tips for avoiding overexposure with the HVX200? Use the zebra lines, but what do you recommend setting them at?

Matt Irwin · June 4th, 2006, 12:31 PM

For narrative, I keep mine at 100 and 85. Haven't done much doc work with the HVX yet, but I'd probably set to 95 or 90 in order to be totally safe. This is a pretty subjective thing though.

The center marker is an awesome tool, but I can't see myself using it for run-and-gun shooting all that much because it only gives a reading for the small box. For narrative though, I love it-- it's like a poor man's waveform.

Greg Almond · July 13th, 2006, 11:10 AM

You have to remember, exposure isnt being under 100 using the Zebra lines, an image can be completely be blown out, but well within the broadcast safe range of 95 or 80.

There is no real-certified way to guarentee proper exposure, you can use the Zebra function of the camera as a guide or tool. The Best thing that you are going to be able to do is use your eye.

If you dont quite understand, the Zebra stripes are for rating the Brightness, the rating can go from 0 - over 100, Broadcast safe signal is under 100, but in no way does that mean the exposure is correct is when you have no zebra stripes showing.

Another tool that would help get proper exposure, is a light meter, It can tell you what Fstop to use to get proper exposure of a given light source. Good ones can be quite expensive but are a great tool in making a decision to what fstop to use.

I hope that helped explain a little bit, I have my zebras set for 80 and 100, but it doesnt tell me when a shot is properly exposed, it just tells me that my footage is going to be useable when it gets transmitted over the airwaves.

Steven Davis · July 13th, 2006, 11:48 AM

[QUOTE=Greg Almond]Another tool that would help get proper exposure, is a light meter, It can tell you what Fstop to use to get proper exposure of a given light source. Good ones can be quite expensive but are a great tool in making a decision to what fstop to use.QUOTE]

Greg http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...rch&Q=&ci=4540 ?

Seth Melnick · July 14th, 2006, 09:11 AM

Light meters are of limited use when determining exposure for video since the cameras sensitivity is not linear over its range. A meter really is only good for checking ratios in the video world.

But IMHO a production monitor and your eyes are better at checking ratios

June 3rd, 2006, 11:54 PM	#1
Will Hanlon Regular Crew Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 148	Avoiding Overexposure Do you guys have any tips for avoiding overexposure with the HVX200? Use the zebra lines, but what do you recommend setting them at?

June 4th, 2006, 12:31 PM	#2
Matt Irwin Major Player Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 327	For narrative, I keep mine at 100 and 85. Haven't done much doc work with the HVX yet, but I'd probably set to 95 or 90 in order to be totally safe. This is a pretty subjective thing though. The center marker is an awesome tool, but I can't see myself using it for run-and-gun shooting all that much because it only gives a reading for the small box. For narrative though, I love it-- it's like a poor man's waveform. __________________ Matt Irwin DP / matt.irwincine.com

July 13th, 2006, 11:10 AM	#3
Greg Almond New Boot Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 14	Over exposure You have to remember, exposure isnt being under 100 using the Zebra lines, an image can be completely be blown out, but well within the broadcast safe range of 95 or 80. There is no real-certified way to guarentee proper exposure, you can use the Zebra function of the camera as a guide or tool. The Best thing that you are going to be able to do is use your eye. If you dont quite understand, the Zebra stripes are for rating the Brightness, the rating can go from 0 - over 100, Broadcast safe signal is under 100, but in no way does that mean the exposure is correct is when you have no zebra stripes showing. Another tool that would help get proper exposure, is a light meter, It can tell you what Fstop to use to get proper exposure of a given light source. Good ones can be quite expensive but are a great tool in making a decision to what fstop to use. I hope that helped explain a little bit, I have my zebras set for 80 and 100, but it doesnt tell me when a shot is properly exposed, it just tells me that my footage is going to be useable when it gets transmitted over the airwaves.

July 13th, 2006, 11:48 AM	#4
Steven Davis Inner Circle Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Richmond, VA Posts: 3,065	[QUOTE=Greg Almond]Another tool that would help get proper exposure, is a light meter, It can tell you what Fstop to use to get proper exposure of a given light source. Good ones can be quite expensive but are a great tool in making a decision to what fstop to use.QUOTE] Greg http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...rch&Q=&ci=4540 ? __________________ What happens if I push the 'Red' button?

July 14th, 2006, 09:11 AM	#5
Seth Melnick Regular Crew Join Date: Sep 2005 Posts: 28	Light meters are of limited use when determining exposure for video since the cameras sensitivity is not linear over its range. A meter really is only good for checking ratios in the video world. But IMHO a production monitor and your eyes are better at checking ratios