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John Yamamoto June 6th, 2006 08:49 AM

paolo, how to print out a color chart for test
 
paolo,
may i ask u a stupid question.
I m interested on calibrate my JVC to color correct and exposure correct
how can i print a chart? or any free downlaod?

i use freeware virtualdub and a free filter to do vectorscope.

however i main concern is to preserve the maximum of dynamic range for possible film output ( not cine-like gamma) so a maximum of DR is able to give me room to ajust with
I also noticed that both MAC and PC are on 2.2 gamma
any difference to the V3?
i am still using V2 as i m happy with it.
i disable all color because i prefer corect it at post

thanks
JY

Paolo Ciccone June 6th, 2006 09:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by John Yamamoto
paolo,
may i ask u a stupid question.
I m interested on calibrate my JVC to color correct and exposure correct
how can i print a chart? or any free downlaod?

Hi John.
The reason charts like the ones made by DSC cost that much is because they are printed with color accurate printers and they are verified with very sophisticated analysis tools in order to check that the charts return the expected amount and type of light that will position a given color in the right position in your vectorscope. You can't print it on you inkjet, sorry :)

Quote:

I also noticed that both MAC and PC are on 2.2 gamma any difference to the V3?
Actually PCs and Mac use different gammas. My configuration for the camera is indipendent of the computer you use, it is based on a calibrated system. If you plan on distributing your footage only to computer viewers you'll have to do your own testing on both platforms and decided for the right compromise when color correcting.

Quote:

i am still using V2 as i m happy with it. i disable all color because i prefer corect it at post
Not sure I understood this.

Take care.

Enzo Giobbé June 8th, 2006 12:44 PM

Royale with Cheese
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Stephan Ahonen
What about the Royale with Cheese?

The French love the Royale with Cheese. They use these little guillotine
cutters to chop them in half :)

Enzo Giobbé June 8th, 2006 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paolo Ciccone
Miseria!

Porca!

Quote:

That will be very interesting. Just to be clear, I know well that the HD100 cannot touch the quality and resolution of film. Any Arri camera will beat the crap out of the HD100. No argument here :)
My interest i the HD100 is based on my "digital background" (20 year of software development) and the fact that, for what I want to do, it's good enough.!
Paolo, of course I didn't think you though a $100K+ cam is ever going to
compete with a $6K cam.

Hahaha, wish it could. But the differences are not all that great as long as
you work within the limitations of the HD100. The biggest factor is the
skill and experience of the DP.

When I get some real time I will post my impressions of the on-the-fly tests
between the various film cams and the JVC unit, but here's something to whet
your appetite, the JVC output comes very, very close (intercut close) to the
VariCam. You could probably do an A - B test on the edited footage intercut
from both cams and not be able to tell which is which.

Film is not a "look", it's a medium. I think what most people are looking
for is something that looks other than video (because of the bias against,
which is not totally warranted, but exists because of all the schlocky
projects produced in the past on video). I believe the proper term should be a
non-video look. My biggest problem with any video cam for film use is the
DOF issue. When I set up a shot, my first question for the director is "what
do you want to see". DOF is one of the most important tools a DP has at
their disposal, and giving it up means losing one of our most important
aspects in telling a story.

Quote:

I might add the M2 along the way.
Ahhh, you mean a Redrock. I though you were talking about a new camera, duh... I have used the Mini35 but not the Redrock. The Mini35 (besides being a PITA to use), still has pretty deep focus when shooting at a good working stop (around f/4) with the stock lens unless you are in the longer focal lengths. The 13mm lens is even worse (you can use the macro to throw it out more, but using the macro ring to adjust focus/DOF gives you a very narrow focus plane). How does the Redrock adapter stack up?

Also, I should have made it clearer, my only use of the HD100 in covering
Cannes was on the Steadicam. I never did really get to use it or the 2
HVX200 we had with us (to be used as tape up, put anywhere cams) much. All
my Cannes broadcast output (except for the Steadicam shots) was in PAL
Digibeta 16:9 format.

Paolo Ciccone June 12th, 2006 05:41 PM

Enzo, I didn't see this till today. Sorry for the late reply.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Enzo Giobbé
but here's something to whet
your appetite, the JVC output comes very, very close (intercut close) to the
VariCam. You could probably do an A - B test on the edited footage intercut
from both cams and not be able to tell which is which.

That's impressive.
Quote:

DOF is one of the most important tools a DP has at
their disposal, and giving it up means losing one of our most important
aspects in telling a story.
And that's the big issue with video cameras. I gues that when people refer to the "film look" they refer to the film-style lighting+shallow DOF+24fps cadence.

Quote:

How does the Redrock adapter stack up?
Don't know directly. My only experience has been with the Mini35. It seems that the M2 is actually more "finnicky" than the Mini35. That's because it uses the stock lens and allows you to use, for example, Nikon SLR primes in order to get shallower DOF. I'm not too crazy about the design (stock lens+additional lens+upside down image) but in absence of other options (the Mini35 is way out of range for me) this can work. Of course I could rent the Mini35 when it's the time but for the cost of the rental (2 weeks) you can buy the M2. Still not decided about it, just exploring the possibilities.

Cheers!

Paolo Ciccone June 12th, 2006 05:44 PM

ISO/ASA Speed of TC 3.0
 
For the ones that are interested, I tested the configuration to be roughly equivalent to 200 ISO. Given that the lens loses light through the zoom this is a variable number. The 200 ISO were measured at f2.8 and approximatly with 19mm lens.

Enzo Giobbé June 13th, 2006 02:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paolo Ciccone
Don't know directly. My only experience has been with the Mini35. It seems that the M2 is actually more "finnicky" than the Mini35. That's because it uses the stock lens and allows you to use, for example, Nikon SLR primes in order to get shallower DOF. I'm not too crazy about the design (stock lens+additional lens+upside down image) but in absence of other options (the Mini35 is way out of range for me) this can work.

No prob Paolo,

Since I started out as a fashion photographer, an upside image dosen't much bother me :)

What conversion does the M2 do? I have a ton of Nikon lenses, including a 13mm Nikon linear WA, but the exit grab is much less on a 1/3" block, so conversion (if any) is important.

Since the M2 is even more finicky than the Mini35, maybe the best bet is to place a Panny S35 between the HD100 and the action, you think?

Or, how about a set of f/.01 primes for the HD100, that should help with the DOF :))

Marc Colemont June 13th, 2006 02:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paolo Ciccone
For the ones that are interested, I tested the configuration to be roughly equivalent to 200 ISO. Given that the lens loses light through the zoom this is a variable number. The 200 ISO were measured at f2.8 and approximatly with 19mm lens.

Hi Paolo, how do you measure this?
I'm curious what ISO 'the low light setting' of Tim Dashwood is giving.

Paolo Ciccone June 13th, 2006 02:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Enzo Giobbé
What conversion does the M2 do? I have a ton of Nikon lenses, including a 13mm Nikon linear WA, but the exit grab is much less on a 1/3" block, so conversion (if any) is important.

Ooooh, 13mm, I'd like to see that on the HD100. Don't know about the coersion. The M2 uses a ground glass, similarly to the Mini35, but it is in front o the stock lens. The Redrock Micro person I talked to said that you actually need to zoom in with the stock lens in order to frame the image from the ground glass. I guess this is one of the problems reported with the unit. If you touch the zoom on the stock lens then you're in trouble.

Quote:

Since the M2 is even more finicky than the Mini35, maybe the best bet is to place a Panny S35 between the HD100 and the action, you think?
That's assuming a lot. For example that I know what a Panny S35 is :)

Enzo Giobbé June 13th, 2006 02:47 PM

Interesting...
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Paolo Ciccone
For the ones that are interested, I tested the configuration to be roughly equivalent to 200 ISO. Given that the lens loses light through the zoom this is a variable number. The 200 ISO were measured at f2.8 and approximatly with 19mm lens.

In setting my exposure curve on a grad GS chart, I come up with a 320 ISO equivalent (wide open at 16mm zoom), but we are both in the same ball park that's for sure. I use 100% clip, maybe you are at 108% clip?

FYI, the stock lens works out to be a T1.5 on the wide end, and a T2 on the far end.

I have found that using a "400 slide" meter setting gives a good exposure compromise for the HD100 on Caucasian faces (when a meter is actually called for). Otherwise, I use a 80% Z setting on the hottest specular highlight for a Caucasian face, and adjust that for the subject's actual skin tone by setting the Z to more or less pattern blooming.

Paolo Ciccone June 13th, 2006 02:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marc Colemont
Hi Paolo, how do you measure this?
I'm curious what ISO 'the low light setting' of Tim Dashwood is giving.

I framed my DSC chart, lit it with even light from two sources at the same distance/angle. Verified that the grey area was showing as a even fuzzy line in the center of the chart in the WFM.
Changed the aperture until the grey area fell on the 40%-45% marker. Adjusted my light meter to give me the same exposure. Read the resulting ISO rating. It was 200.

Now, as I said, there is no way of rating this solidly because the lens is not constant across the range but my measurement was not at the two extremes so, it can work as a reference. If you go wide you'll gain some sensitivity, probably around 220. If you zoom in you loose "film speed".
Also, I played with the Gamma settings a bit. If you're in a low light situation you might want to switch the Gamma from "Cinelike" to "Standard". Standard gives you more light but its has a less balanced, IMHO, response. The "X" shape of the grayscale from the chart looks a little bit shifted toward the top. The Cinelike gamma seems to be more even and able to handle highlights better.

Paolo Ciccone June 13th, 2006 02:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Enzo Giobbé
I use 100% clip, maybe you are at 108% clip?

Yes, I use 108%.

Quote:

FYI, the stock lens works out to be a T1.5 on the wide end, and a T2 on the far end.
Good to know, thank you.

Enzo Giobbé June 13th, 2006 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paolo Ciccone
That's assuming a lot. For example that I know what a Panny S35 is :)

Spiacente Paolo,

Panavision Super 35. Hahaha, that solves the DOF issue, that's for sure :)

Enzo Giobbé June 13th, 2006 03:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paolo Ciccone
I framed my DSC chart, lit it with even light from two sources at the same distance/angle. Verified that the grey area was showing as a even fuzzy line in the center of the chart in the WFM.

Paolo,

Just curious, are you using a spot (reflective) meter on the 18% gray, or an incident meter at the chart position?

Steve Mullen June 13th, 2006 04:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Enzo Giobbé
In setting my exposure curve on a grad GS chart, I come up with a 320 ISO equivalent (wide open at 16mm zoom). FYI, the stock lens works out to be a T1.5 on the wide end, and a T2 on the far end.

I have found that using a "400 slide" meter setting gives a good exposure compromise for the HD100 on Caucasian faces.

1) When you say "400 slide" meter -- do you mean set an ASA of 400?

2) When one sets a CAMERA/FILM ASA and a Shutter-speed and the reads-out the Aperature, I assume that the reading is assuming the T-stop and F-stop are the same -- a ratio of 1:1. With Primes, this is a reasonable assumption. But with zooms it is not -- as you have measured.

So, in theory, one should set the Aperature slightly more OPEN than the meter reading. Correct? For example, 10% more open.

If that's true, shouldn't the ASA you dial into the meter be 10% LOWER. Thus, if you knew the TRUE ASA sensitivity of the camera, without lens, you would lower this value by an amount suitable for each zoom lens you installed.

HOWEVER, since you obtained the sensitivity with the stock lens using the Aperature indicated on this lens -- and the shutter-speed -- the ASA you got is already lower. So, the camera ASA can be computerd by:

Camera ASA = [ [ WIDE (F-stop/T-stop) + TELE (F-stop/T-stop) ] /2] X Meter ASA

So when you say ASA 320 -- have you already taken into account the AVERAGE difference (ratio) between F-stop and T-stop at Wide through Tele?

I ask, because as more lenses come to market -- we need the Camera's ASA. Then, each lens will have its own average F-stop/T-stop ratio.


Paolo -- why get as at the 40%-45% marker? What's wrong with shooting an AVERAGE brightly lit scene and getting the ASA there?


Last, I'm getting a bit confused because I think this discussion includes ASA values from two different lenses. Correct?

Paolo Ciccone June 13th, 2006 05:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve Mullen
Paolo -- why get as at the 40%-45% marker? What's wrong with shooting an AVERAGE brightly lit scene and getting the ASA there?

I adapted the procedure from Scott Billup's "Digital Moviemaking" where Sean Fairburn describes how to do it. Specifically I placed the 18% gray of the DSC chart in that range because the line is rather thick and so it covers a range instead of just one value in the WFM. Fairburn says that that's where it should be and it actually makes sense when you look at the monitor. BTW, the camera's reading agreed with that too. The display on the LCD rated the scene as perfectly exposed. Not terribly important but a verification that the exposure was OK. It could be wrong but now I now that the reading from the camera is aligned.

Quote:

Last, I'm getting a bit confused because I think this discussion includes ASA values from two different lenses. Correct?
I don't think so, I believe that we are talking about the stock lens. It's just that Enzo, like any self-respecing crazy Italian, can't stop making jokes ;)

Enzo Giobbé June 17th, 2006 10:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve Mullen
1) When you say "400 slide" meter -- do you mean set an ASA of 400?

Yes.

Quote:

2) When one sets a CAMERA/FILM ASA and a Shutter-speed and the reads-out the Aperature, I assume that the reading is assuming the T-stop and F-stop are the same -- a ratio of 1:1. With Primes, this is a reasonable assumption. But with zooms it is not -- as you have measured.

So, in theory, one should set the Aperature slightly more OPEN than the meter reading. Correct? For example, 10% more open.
No. Too confusing. Since all two current lenses "officially" available for the HD100 are only calibrated in f stops, it's best to do the conversion on the meter and then transfer the setting to the camera as an f stop value.

Out of respect to Paolo, I just did a more comprehensive test using just a 18% gray card instead of a grad. The following are absolute values that can then be modified by the user to their own personal exposure preferences. These settings are based on the factory presets for HD/24/108% and HD/30/100%. I could not come up with any other method to arrive at the actual ISO sensitivity of the camera that would not be biased or affected by personal user settings.

To arrive at the absolute ISO settings for the HD100, I first had to factor in the difference between the f stop and T stop values. Since I know that the stock lens has a T stop range of 1.5 to 2.0, I set my meter between the 1/8 and 1/15 shutter speed marks for a 24 camera shutter, and at the 1/15 mark for a 30 camera shutter. The indicated f stop would then mirror the correct exposure for the median T stop of the lens.

For practical purposes, the stock lens can be said to have a median T stop of f/1.8.

Now, based on those shutter speed settings, and after doing a white balance using a 5600K light source, I shot a 18% gray card and passed it out to a vectorscope. A 18% gray value is normally said to be between 45 and 55 IRE (I used 55 IRE, as do most broadcast outlets). At 55 IRE on the vector, using my converted shutter speed settings on the meter, I came up with an absolute ISO value of 250 at a 24 shutter/108% clip and 200 for a 30 shutter at 100% clip.

Since my broadcast chain editors (I shoot for several broadcast outlets) all seem to like the HD100 output to be a little on the underexposed side, I would personally use a 320/ 400 ASA @ 1/15 shutter setting on my meter to arrive at the correct ISO / f stop for my uses (at a 30 camera shutter setting 100% white clip, using my personal color and camera settings). Deviating from the factory default settings will most likely result in a change to the exposure curve / ISO rating, that's why I used the factory defaults to arrive at my "absolute" HD100 ISO rating.

Quote:

So when you say ASA 320 -- have you already taken into account the AVERAGE difference (ratio) between F-stop and T-stop at Wide through Tele?
Yes.

Quote:

I ask, because as more lenses come to market -- we need the Camera's ASA. Then, each lens will have its own average F-stop/T-stop ratio.
Agreed.

Steve, I'm posting the manner at which I arrived at the absolute ISO setting for the HD100, because you are obviously a very technical person. For myself and Paolo, who are just simple Italians, a simpler answer would be to set your incident meter at between the 1/8 and 1/15 shutter mark @ 250 ISO for a 24 camera shutter/108% clip and 1/15 shutter@ 200 ISO for a 30 camera shutter/100% clip (using the stock lens), or:

24 camera shutter/108%clip = 1/12 shutter @ 250 ISO on the meter = corrected f stop reading for the stock lens.

30 camera shutter/100%clip = 1/15 shutter @ 200 ISO on the meter = corrected f stop reading for the stock lens.

...and then modify the above values based on your own personal user and exposure preference camera settings.

Two asides, the built in meter appears to be calibrated for a 12% gray card using the factory default settings, and using the factory defaults for the HD/30/108% setting, the ISO works out to be about 225.

Steve Mullen June 17th, 2006 05:58 PM

You guys are so far ahead of me that I'm going to try to repeat back what I think I understand:

1) "These settings are based on the factory presets for HD/24/108% and HD/30/100%."

I had never noticed that the IRE limit was different between 24p (to film) and 30p (for broadcast video.) It makes complete sense. Thank you!



2) "To arrive at the absolute ISO settings for the HD100, I first had to factor in the difference between the f stop and T stop values."

OK.


3) "I know that the stock lens has a T stop range of 1.5 to 2.0, ... . For practical purposes, the stock lens can be said to have a median T stop of f/1.8."

The stock lenses F stop range is from f/1.4 to f/1.8. Thus, the average F-stop is f/1.6. Correct?


4) Therefore, we know the loss of light is the difference between 1.6 and 1.8. If, for example, based on a meter reading, I were to set an exposure of 1.6 -- the shot will be slightly underexposed. Correct?


5) So I want to bias the meter so that it indicates f/1.6 when the exposure should be f/1.8. That means the bias must be toward slight OVER-exposure. In fact, about 1/4 stop over-exposed. Correct?


6) Which means the meter's ASA setting should be reduced OR the meter's shutter-speed should be INCREASED. Either will cause, for the same amount of light, the iris value to be smaller. Correct?


7) "I set my meter between the 1/8 and 1/15 shutter speed marks for a 24 camera shutter, and at the 1/15 mark for a 30 camera shutter. The indicated f stop would then mirror the correct exposure for the median T stop of the lens."

Here's where I'm doubly lost!!!!


8)(A) You DECREASED rather than INCREASED the shutter-speed which would bias toward under-sposure. This ie reverse of what I think needs to be done get the correct exposure. (B) You mention a 1/30th shutter-speed. But, 30p uses a 1/60th shuttter-speed. (24p uses a 1/48th shutter-speed).


9) "Now, based on those shutter speed settings, and after doing a white balance using a 5600K light source, I shot a 18% gray card and passed it out to a vectorscope. A 18% gray value is normally said to be between 45 and 55 IRE (I used 55 IRE, as do most broadcast outlets)."

OK


10) "Since my broadcast chain editors (I shoot for several broadcast outlets) all seem to like the HD100 output to be a little on the underexposed side, I would personally use a 320/ 400 ASA rather than 200/250."

By increasing the ASA you do indeed reduce the exposure for a given amount of light.


11) "That's why I used the factory defaults to arrive at my "absolute" HD100 ISO rating."

I agree fully.


12) A simpler answer would be to set your incident meter ... .

Would it be any different for a reflective meter?

Steve Oakley June 17th, 2006 06:31 PM

Ouch... there is a lot of bad math & procedure going on here.

1. to calibrate the camera's ISO, you should be using a standard B&W chip chart with the 10 steps of black/white. the reason is that if you set an iris based on a single value, you may well be clipping highlights and shadows, or not making a full signal in the real world.

2.the cameras black level, white clip, gamma and knee all come into play. The most important are black level and knee, since they can significantly change the correct exposure in the real world. In any attempt to derive an ISO rating, you should be using your normal shooting settings. You could also try the factory plain settings for a worst case ISO setting.

3. Shutter - the proper shutter for 24P is 1/48th, or 24FPS on you light meter. For 30P, I prefer to shoot @30th, but techincally you should be using 1/60th. For me 1/60th is just regular video looking, so I opt for the slower shutter speed, which is a one stop gain. very usefull in low light. Again effective ISO is in big part based your shooting habits/settings.

4. the change of T stop in the lens is close to a stop. averaging to F1.8 or F1.7 means you will be a 1/2 stop over at the long end, and 1/2stop under at the long end, and thats a big deal with video. The effective exposure is at the particular focal length the lens is at *not* the theoretical average because its not the averaged setting thats hitting the sensors, its the actual shooting iris. FWIW, most of the fall off *should* be happening at the very last 20% of the lens, most of it before should be pretty close.

to measure the cameras ISO you should point the camera at the chip chart and frame it up, *white balance* the camera because that does make a difference, and then look at a *waveform* monitor, not a vectorscope which is used to measure color levels/vectors, not overall video levels.If you are using a vectorscope to set levels, you are off by about 20% if there is color in the image. on a pure gray scale, it might be close provided the camera was white balanced.

Looking at the waveform, you should have 100/108IRE for white, and black at 7.5 or 0 depending on your video standard and delivery format. at that point, you can now take out your light meter, and read the light at the chart. Your shutter should match the camera. Now adjust the ISO until the lightmeter's F value matches the camera's. That ISO is what the camera is shooting at. You can now take the light meter and use it for prelighting and know it will be very close to what the camera will be happy with.


I have used this technique for years - I've worked as a LD ( and engineer) in a couple of TV stations where I did not have camera's around when lighting, yet had to get lit. Once I had my meter calibrated to the camera's, I would consistanly light sets, and find the cameras irised with +-1/2 stop of my meter reading. The main difference for the reading is based on if the set was high-key, shadowdy, or average ( typical interior ) and the camera was adjusted a little for the best look. 1/3 a stop is a visible difference in light to a video camera, so when I lit sets, my keys were always dead on to +- .1 stops, more than that and you had a problem.


Steve Oakley

Stephen L. Noe June 17th, 2006 06:51 PM

Didn't Adam Wilt and the boys figure the ISO at just under 320?

Enzo Giobbé June 17th, 2006 08:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve Oakley
Ouch... there is a lot of bad math & procedure going on here.

Steve Oakley

Steve, I did use a waveform to check the levels, I had used the vector first just to check where the 18% gray fell, and I had vector on the brain.

If you look at my original post, you will notice I used a grad to check the ISO of the camera, I come up with a 320 ISO using the grad.

This test was for Paolo: "Out of respect to Paolo, I just did a more comprehensive test using just a 18% gray card instead of a grad."

The stock lens is T1.5 at 16mm and T2.0 at 88mm with the falloff starting to kick in at about 55mm.

Steve Mullen June 17th, 2006 11:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve Oakley
Shutter -- the proper shutter for 24P is 1/48th, or 24FPS on your light meter. For 30P, I prefer to shoot @30th, but techincally you should be using 1/60th. For me 1/60th is just regular videV looking, so I opt for the slower shutter speed, which is a one stop gain. very usefull in low light.

It's interesting that with the original JVC, I insisted that 1/60th was correct because 1/48th would be correct for 24p. Now I'm beginning to find 1/30th looks a lot less electronically "strobby" on the original JVC.

But, logically I can't justify why 1/48th looks good at 24fps, but a much slower shutter looks good at a slightly higher frame rate.

One possibility -- not often discussed (and OT) is that the nature of a film shutter's pass across a frame of film is different than the full frame shutter opening done in video.

If SOMEHOW the moving wedge shutter of the film camera's shutter yields it's own motion blur -- then the 1/48th number is not completely valid, The extra moving wedge blur might yield a true film shutter speed lower than 1/48th.

Alternately, the instant ON/OFF of an electronic shutter might make 1/60th LOOK more like a higher shutter-speed. For example, 1/96th. So, when we drop a video shutter by 2 to 1/30th -- the EFFECTIVE LOOK drops to 1/48th.

Either way, I'm convinced, that the electronic shutter -- even when set exactly to that of a film camera -- does not produce the same result. The electronic shutter seems to create more severe judder on motion.

Paolo Ciccone June 17th, 2006 11:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Enzo Giobbé
Out of respect to Paolo, I just did a more comprehensive test using just a 18% gray card instead of a grad.

Thank you Enzo.
I won't even try to digest your numbers at this late hour (10:30pm) after a pretty intense day of shooting the first episode of "2nd Unit" :)
I just wanted to thank for your time and insight. I will take a look at your post tomorrow when I'll have the right energy to appreciate it :)

Paolo Ciccone June 17th, 2006 11:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stephen L. Noe
Didn't Adam Wilt and the boys figure the ISO at just under 320?

Yes, and I never meant to doubt his numbers, it's just that in his article he didn't mention the gamma type and value that he used. I assume that it was the factory settings. I wanted to check the value of TC3 because I noticed that the camera changes sensitivity to light based on the gamma settings. Try this for fun: Set gamma at "CineLike" -1 as per TC 3. Adjust the iris for what you consider correct exposure of the scene. Go back to the menu and switch to gamma "Standard" with the same -1 value. Your scene should become immediately much brighter.
Maybe Enzo or Steve or anybody else :) can explain what's happening when you do that. The way I interpret it is that the camera is more sensitive to light with Standard gamma and so the ISO speed depends on the type of gamma selected.
Or maybe I'm allucinating :)

Enzo Giobbé June 18th, 2006 01:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve Mullen
You guys are so far ahead of me that I'm going to try to repeat back what I think I understand:

Eat more pasta! :)

Quote:

The stock lenses F stop range is from f/1.4 to f/1.8. Thus, the average F-stop is f/1.6. Correct?
Steve, first of all we are talking two things. One is the quasi ISO of the camera (this is the film speed set on the meter). Two is the actual f stop to T stop conversion (we need a number to set the lens aperture to).

Since the lens is calibrated in f stops, we have no choice but to make the T stop conversion. The stock lens is f/1.4 to 1.8, but T1.5 to T2.0, so I called it T1.8 across the zoom range of the lens. If you shot wide all the time, then you could use T1.5, if you shot in the 60 - 88mm range most of the time, T2.0 or T1.9 would work. MY aim was to arrive at an f stop reading on the meter that would transfer directly to the lens using Paolo's 18% gray measurement system.

This would keep Paolo from having to tell the 1st AC "4.5 plus 10%" :) I actually do all such conversions in my head, preferring to keep my meter at 1/48 unless I am under or overcranking.

Quote:

8)(A) You DECREASED rather than INCREASED the shutter-speed which would bias toward under-sposure. This ie reverse of what I think needs to be done get the correct exposure. (B) You mention a 1/30th shutter-speed. But, 30p uses a 1/60th shuttter-speed. (24p uses a 1/48th shutter-speed).
You are correct. I counted down 1/3 - 1/2 instead of up, my bad. And yes, I set my meter at 1/48 for film and PAL video, and 1/60 for NTSC video (double the 1/24 and 1/30 speeds I used in my example).

Quote:

Would it be any different for a reflective meter?
Not if you were shooting a 18% gray card. I only use a reflective meter to measure contrast ratios.

Let me set Paolo's system aside for a minute. By using a grad (instead of Paolo's solid 18% gray) and the factory defaults, I think I achieved a more accurate overall luminance reading for the base ISO camera setting.

Using my system, I came up with a quasi ISO setting for the HD100 of 320. However, Paolo (using his TC3 settings) came up with 200. Now we know that the gamma setting will change the overall exposure curve, so that may account for the difference in Paolo's ISO vs. mine.

Paolo's methodology, however was entirely correct. Exposure meters live in a 18% gray world.

Stephen L. Noe June 18th, 2006 08:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paolo Ciccone
Yes, and I never meant to doubt his numbers, it's just that in his article he didn't mention the gamma type and value that he used. I assume that it was the factory settings. I wanted to check the value of TC3 because I noticed that the camera changes sensitivity to light based on the gamma settings. Try this for fun: Set gamma at "CineLike" -1 as per TC 3. Adjust the iris for what you consider correct exposure of the scene. Go back to the menu and switch to gamma "Standard" with the same -1 value. Your scene should become immediately much brighter.
Maybe Enzo or Steve or anybody else :) can explain what's happening when you do that. The way I interpret it is that the camera is more sensitive to light with Standard gamma and so the ISO speed depends on the type of gamma selected.
Or maybe I'm allucinating :)

Yes, I see the need to describe the difference in ISO when settings are placed in the camera which change the gamma curve. If the TCV3 scene file is the max contrast the camera can produce then you should get a lower ISO value than stock settings. I struggle with this because in uncontrolled lighting (outdoor) the image get's shot to hell with overexposure and blooming (in the primary reds and secondary yellows) and the stock settings are more favorable for a more balanced look. It's odd because with a film camera, the film's speed is the constant in the equation and with the JVC, the ISO floats depending on what scene file you select. Solid work guys. It goes a long way in explaining where and why there is such a difference between scene files (not just color but the full gamut).

Paolo Ciccone June 19th, 2006 08:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Enzo Giobbé
Panavision Super 35. Hahaha, that solves the DOF issue, that's for sure :)

Oh yeah! And the cost of the rental for the lens is probably higher than the cost of the HD100 :)

K. Forman June 19th, 2006 08:41 AM

Paolo- I love the improvement with your TC3 settings, but... how would you modify it to really saturate reds and greens, without blowing out?

Steve Mullen June 19th, 2006 08:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Enzo Giobbé
Eat more pasta! :)

In the USA most of us on diets because we don't drink enough good wine!

"You are correct. I counted down 1/3 - 1/2 instead of up, my bad."

OK -- now it all makes sense.


"Not if you were shooting a 18% gray card. I only use a reflective meter to measure contrast ratios."

1) If I were setting exposure with an 18% card/cloth I would use my meter in Reflective Mode to measure the light reflecting from the gray. Correct?

2) If I were setting exposure, I could also measure light falling on an AVERAGE scene using Incident Mode. Correct?

3) If I were computing contrast ratios -- which is for me the main reason to use a meter -- I would use my meter in Reflective Mode to measure the actual light reflecting from each area within the scene. Correct?

In all cases, I would set shutter-speed appropriately for 24p or 30p.

Now comes the question of which ASA to use.

1) Some say the ASA varies by WHICH gamma curve is selected. Can anyone demonstrate/calculate HOW Enzo's and Paolo's selected gamma setting actually would cause the difference between 200 and 320?

2) Some say the ASA varies by whether you have low or bight illumination. This is why some have claimed, the camera has several ASA values. I can't understand this.


Lastly, a dumb question. I take my old JVC HDV camera and point it at an average daylight scene. I set the camera and my lightmeter to 1/60th. I read the F-stop from the camera. Now I measure the EV of the scene. Using the F-stop and EV I find the ASA that matches. Why isn't that the camera's ASA?

Paolo Ciccone June 19th, 2006 09:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Enzo Giobbé
Out of respect to Paolo, I just did a more comprehensive test using just a 18% gray card instead of a grad.

Thank you my friend.

Quote:

I came up with an absolute ISO value of 250 at a 24 shutter/108% clip and 200 for a 30 shutter at 100% clip.
Makes perfect sense. I just wanted to highlight, in case is not clear to everybody, that different shutter speed implies more/less light exposing the "frame" and that explains the difference in ISO rating. Thank you for testing the two different situations, my original test was only at 24fps. Your numbers give us a more complete picture.

Quote:

For myself and Paolo, who are just simple Italians...
Hehehehe.

Thanks again Enzo, that was very useful and informative.

Paolo Ciccone June 19th, 2006 09:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Keith Forman
Paolo- I love the improvement with your TC3 settings, but... how would you modify it to really saturate reds and greens, without blowing out?

Thanks. If you want more reds please see the V2 on my web site. By changing the blue gain you end up with more reds. I wouldn't touch the green because it has side effects on the whole color matrix, just too complex. Also, if you like more or less saturation I would achieve that in post. Remember TC is not meant to be a look but a way of bringing the most information into your camera. If you want more saturated reds and green I would use the color correction of your compositer/NLE.

K. Forman June 19th, 2006 09:42 AM

Thanks Paolo. The reason I ask, is because I am shooting a family of Cardinals in my back yard. Brilliant red against lush greens, and it just isn't capturing quite right. Of course, I also don't have any way to capture to the PC yet, or to view externally. I'm working on it.

Paolo Ciccone June 19th, 2006 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Keith Forman
Thanks Paolo. The reason I ask, is because I am shooting a family of Cardinals in my back yard. Brilliant red against lush greens, and it just isn't capturing quite right.

I see. For "lush green", if you're shooting under bright sunlight, I would use a polarizer. That should make the foliage become much better.
In absence of that use the built-in ND.

K. Forman June 19th, 2006 10:56 AM

Use a polorizer... I should have thought of that. I still haven't received my UV filter yet, and I knew I should have added a Polorizer... (slaps forehead!) Thanks!

By the way, where is the sweet spot on the 16x lens?

Paolo Ciccone June 19th, 2006 11:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Keith Forman
By the way, where is the sweet spot on the 16x lens?

There is a post by Tim Dashwood about that, do a search in the past articles.
I think it's around f4.0 but Tim has a complete description of it.

K. Forman June 19th, 2006 11:43 AM

Thanks again Paolo. It never hurts to get a second, or third opinion.

Steve Mullen June 19th, 2006 12:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paolo Ciccone
I just wanted to highlight, in case is not clear to everybody, that different shutter speed implies more/less light exposing the "frame" and that explains the difference in ISO rating.


It sure isn't clear to me.

A camera should, except for differences in gamma and perhaps maximum IRE level, have a constant ASA. This value we dial into a meter.

Now we set the shutter-speed on the camera and on the meter.

Next we measure the light (e.g., EV).

Then we dial in the EV and read-out the F-stop.

+++++++++++

Although the gamma curve and perhaps maximum IRE level are believed to alter camera ASA -- I haven't seen how the gamma curves value and clipping level can computationally convert one ASA to the other.

In short, it seems a good theory -- but I haven't seen anyone actually compute the two ASA values from the gamma curves and perhaps maximum IRE levels. I don't even know how to compute this.

But, one should be able to build a logicical agruement of how gamma curve A and a clipping level A should be able to move the "A" ASA lower or higher than the "B" ASA which uses gamma curve B and a clipping level B.

Paolo Ciccone June 20th, 2006 09:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve Mullen
A camera should, except for differences in gamma and perhaps maximum IRE level, have a constant ASA. This value we dial into a meter.

Hmmm. A faster shutter speed brings in less light. This produces a different , lower, signal from the CCD. That's the best way I can describe it.
If you keep the frame rate constant, say 24fps, a 1/48 shutter speed is your baseline, say 200 ISO, at 1/96 you reduce the amount of light by one stop and you'll have 100 ISO.

Steve Mullen June 20th, 2006 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paolo Ciccone
Hmmm. A faster shutter speed brings in less light.

Yes, but that has nothing to do with ASA. The first step is to set ASA on your meter. It never changes for a given film nor should it for a given camera electronics.

Light-level is dialed in from the measure. Then shutter-speed vs Iris are recriprical.

I'm still back at the CLAIM a camera has different sensitivity values based upon the chosen gamma curve and/or clip setting. Gamma curves have a number that represents the curve. Like 1.8 or 2.0.

Does anyone know what this value means?

Does anyone know HOW this number would alter camera sensitivity? If the number is larger does it increase or decrease sensitivity. What is the equation for this?

What are the values of the two gamma curves that have been used for the testing. For example, what is the value of CineGamma?

If one understands all this, it should be possible to compute an ASA at one gamma from the ASA at the other gamma. If one can compute -- then it validates the verbal explanation. Without a math proof, it's all just words to me.

Joshua Clarke January 18th, 2007 05:29 PM

Paolo,

We were doing some camera tests using TCV3 and Mr. Dashwood's Warm .scn files. I have not yet been able to color and grade the footage yet, but I'd like to get your input on something.

I'm really impressed with how your TCV3 renders colors and I would very much like to use it for the commercial we will be shooting soon. But one thing bothers me - we shot and will be shooting under 3200K lighting and implementing a hot window behind the subject, similar to the images I've included below. While white balancing the camera for 3200K and implementing TCV3, the background outside goes a little.... or a lot.... turquoise.

http://www.sect1.com/files/josh/take_one.jpg

Compare that to Mr. Dashwood's Warm .scn file, which has a much more pleasant bluish cast.

http://www.sect1.com/files/josh/take_two.jpg

When it comes time to shoot, I will be placing Rosco 3411 (3/4 CTO) on the window to drop the skylight down in color a bit, and obviously that will affect the color - I'm just not sure in what way because the gel has yet to arrive and I'm unable to test it.

I'm wondering if you've had a similar experience with mixed sources and the TCV3 settings and/or any advice to give me. Thanks, you've already been a great help with the work you've done on the .scn files.


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