Lux levels for Z1U
 

Hey folks: an interesting question from a a fellow shooter in Europe. If we're working with a sporting venue tech crew to light the action on the floor, what should we suggest for the lux levels?

We're shooting a fast moving event, but are trying to avoid the "cameo" effect of the brightly lit fencers--in white uniforms--moving against a jet-black background. We're not using high shutter speeds.

If I had to guess, I'd suggest no more than 200-300 lux on the strip. Any other thoughts?

Hi Bill,

A quick search on google came up with a document ( http://www.cge-distribution.com/ress.../eclairage.pdf ) which suggest 300 lux for fencing training and 500 - 800 lux for national - international competitions. As a fencer myself I know I like my piste well lit.
If you have some control over the layout of the venue, there might be other ways to avoid a 'jet-black background'.

Greetings,

Dirk

Dirk: Thanks for the link. I guess I should have been Googling in French! My US version failed to turn up anything similar.

We may not have much control over the physical layout of the venue, but we might have a bit of a say in the intensity of the light levels...so these parameters may prove quite useful in preliminary discussions with the tech folks at the arena.

The problem I've had at the last two World Championship events is that the fencing uniforms have averaged 6-8 stops difference from the ambient floor light levels. It makes it tough to see anything but the fencers, and completely negates any kind of wideshot detail.

Are you going to the World Championships in October in Turin?