Best way to achieve low light performance with NX5U? at DVinfo.net

Mike Butir · July 29th, 2011, 01:38 AM

Hi everyone,

I was wondering what you guys are changing your cameras settings to in order to obtain the best low light performance this camera can handle? I don't like to have much grain/noise in my shot pretty much none if possible. I would have my gain set to "0" or below that. Are there any settings that are changed in the picture profile settings to reduce grain if i ever have it set to 6db or even 9db or above?

I do however have a video light but if theres ever the case that i don't have that available i was wondering what would be other solutions.

Or what are ways that i can remove grain/noise in post? i work with Final cut pro

Thanks,
Mike

Michael Johnston · July 30th, 2011, 10:03 PM

Are you talking in terms of production where you're lighting the stuff and want a low light looking shot with no noise/grain or a news type situation where you are rolling b-roll in a natural situation with no light?

Generally speaking, the only way to get a shot with no noise is to stay at -3db or -6db and just throw enough light on what you're shooting until you can see what you are shooting. Anything from 0db up is going to have noise/grain. Really now way to avoid it with a 1/3" chip camera. I shoot news from time to time where some noise/grain is acceptable but never go above 9db.

Mike Butir · July 31st, 2011, 01:32 PM

im saying as in just general use. sometimes when i shoot i am not able to go down to -3db or -6db i might have to go up to 9db, i was just wondering if there were any settings in the picture profiles that i can turn on to reduce grain. like adjust the black level or something?

Tom Hardwick · August 4th, 2011, 07:27 AM

Here's some basic thoughts about getting the quietest pictures in low light.
Stay at wide-angle. Even if you zoom just a little towards telephoto you camera becomes less sensitive.
Don't use filters or lens adapters - they all soak a bit of light.
You might find a slower shutter speed is a stop gained at little visual expense.

I haven't found any PP settings increase low-light sensitivity.

tom.

July 29th, 2011, 01:38 AM	#1
Mike Butir Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Chicago Illinois Posts: 102	Best way to achieve low light performance with NX5U? Hi everyone, I was wondering what you guys are changing your cameras settings to in order to obtain the best low light performance this camera can handle? I don't like to have much grain/noise in my shot pretty much none if possible. I would have my gain set to "0" or below that. Are there any settings that are changed in the picture profile settings to reduce grain if i ever have it set to 6db or even 9db or above? I do however have a video light but if theres ever the case that i don't have that available i was wondering what would be other solutions. Or what are ways that i can remove grain/noise in post? i work with Final cut pro Thanks, Mike

July 30th, 2011, 10:03 PM	#2
Michael Johnston Regular Crew Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 130	Re: Best way to achieve low light performance with NX5U? Are you talking in terms of production where you're lighting the stuff and want a low light looking shot with no noise/grain or a news type situation where you are rolling b-roll in a natural situation with no light? Generally speaking, the only way to get a shot with no noise is to stay at -3db or -6db and just throw enough light on what you're shooting until you can see what you are shooting. Anything from 0db up is going to have noise/grain. Really now way to avoid it with a 1/3" chip camera. I shoot news from time to time where some noise/grain is acceptable but never go above 9db.

July 31st, 2011, 01:32 PM	#3
Mike Butir Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Chicago Illinois Posts: 102	Re: Best way to achieve low light performance with NX5U? im saying as in just general use. sometimes when i shoot i am not able to go down to -3db or -6db i might have to go up to 9db, i was just wondering if there were any settings in the picture profiles that i can turn on to reduce grain. like adjust the black level or something?

August 4th, 2011, 07:27 AM	#4
Tom Hardwick Inner Circle Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Billericay, England UK Posts: 4,711	Re: Best way to achieve low light performance with NX5U? Here's some basic thoughts about getting the quietest pictures in low light. Stay at wide-angle. Even if you zoom just a little towards telephoto you camera becomes less sensitive. Don't use filters or lens adapters - they all soak a bit of light. You might find a slower shutter speed is a stop gained at little visual expense. I haven't found any PP settings increase low-light sensitivity. tom.