Turn off zebras? at DVinfo.net

Neil Corbett · December 27th, 2008, 10:02 AM

I've always used zebras at 70% to judge exposure but i get a bit fixated with them and was thinking of turning them off. I've done some tests exposing on just what i see, and its similar to the exposure i get when using zebras, but usually a fraction under. I'd like to go without zebras but need a bit of reassurance its not a dumb idea. Do many people not use zebras and how do they find it?

Tom Hardwick · December 27th, 2008, 11:28 AM

On our Z1s the choice is between zebras and peaking, and for me zebras win hands down every single time. Don't get me wrong - I love having peaking (especially with our so-so v'finder resolution and the daft decision not to allow expanded focus while in the record mode) but auto focus on the Sony is a lot more accurate, dependable and useable than ever auto-exposure will be.

So keep the zebras on at all times I say. I use 100% but that's just me - I treat them as my 'long-stop' (to use a cricketing term), telling me what'll be pure white on the TV screen.

tom.

Alec Moreno · December 27th, 2008, 11:32 AM

I suspect you want to turn off the zebras because they're flooding your screen and you're having a difficult time seeing the picture. I rarely have that problem because I leave my zebras at 100%, and I've learned to judge exposure based on that setting. Without zebras, I can hit my exposure pretty well if I use the viewfinder, but they're almost a necessity if I'm going off the LCD.

Try raising your zebra setting and see if you like it any better.

Alec Moreno
http://www.1Day1ShotProductions.com

Neil Corbett · December 27th, 2008, 02:58 PM

Alec got it right there. The biggest pain I have is the zebras being all over the screen, it makes it hard to judge anything. At the same time I don't trust the lcd screen of the Z1. I'll have a play around with the zebra settings and see what I prefer.

Greg Laves · December 27th, 2008, 08:22 PM

I don't use Zebras all the time. Mostly, I use them for confidence when I am setting up the shot and have time for a quick check. Some times they can be distracting. I have a friend who is an awesome shooter and he will never use zebras.

December 27th, 2008, 10:02 AM	#1
Neil Corbett Regular Crew Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: London,UK Posts: 64	Turn off zebras? I've always used zebras at 70% to judge exposure but i get a bit fixated with them and was thinking of turning them off. I've done some tests exposing on just what i see, and its similar to the exposure i get when using zebras, but usually a fraction under. I'd like to go without zebras but need a bit of reassurance its not a dumb idea. Do many people not use zebras and how do they find it?

December 27th, 2008, 11:28 AM	#2
Tom Hardwick Inner Circle Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Billericay, England UK Posts: 4,711	On our Z1s the choice is between zebras and peaking, and for me zebras win hands down every single time. Don't get me wrong - I love having peaking (especially with our so-so v'finder resolution and the daft decision not to allow expanded focus while in the record mode) but auto focus on the Sony is a lot more accurate, dependable and useable than ever auto-exposure will be. So keep the zebras on at all times I say. I use 100% but that's just me - I treat them as my 'long-stop' (to use a cricketing term), telling me what'll be pure white on the TV screen. tom.

December 27th, 2008, 11:32 AM	#3
Alec Moreno Regular Crew Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Glendora, CA Posts: 184	I suspect you want to turn off the zebras because they're flooding your screen and you're having a difficult time seeing the picture. I rarely have that problem because I leave my zebras at 100%, and I've learned to judge exposure based on that setting. Without zebras, I can hit my exposure pretty well if I use the viewfinder, but they're almost a necessity if I'm going off the LCD. Try raising your zebra setting and see if you like it any better. Alec Moreno http://www.1Day1ShotProductions.com

December 27th, 2008, 02:58 PM	#4
Neil Corbett Regular Crew Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: London,UK Posts: 64	Alec got it right there. The biggest pain I have is the zebras being all over the screen, it makes it hard to judge anything. At the same time I don't trust the lcd screen of the Z1. I'll have a play around with the zebra settings and see what I prefer.

December 27th, 2008, 08:22 PM	#5
Greg Laves Major Player Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Corpus Christi, TX Posts: 640	I don't use Zebras all the time. Mostly, I use them for confidence when I am setting up the shot and have time for a quick check. Some times they can be distracting. I have a friend who is an awesome shooter and he will never use zebras.