proper use of the backlightswitch at DVinfo.net

Frank Feijen · July 13th, 2005, 01:05 AM

Here's a newbie question for ya:

The manual states that, when filming under bright circumstances, the backlight of the LCDpanel can be switched off, to save batterypower.

Yet when i try this, the image is very very very dark - even if the brightness is pushed up all the way.
If i turn on the backlight: everything looks ok, equal to the viewfinder.

So when do/can i turn it of?

Tim Ashbrooke · July 14th, 2005, 05:08 PM

Hi Frank

I turn it off when I'm shooting outdoors in direct sunlight, and I can still see the picture very clearly. It must have a reflective backing or something....

cheers
Tim

Colvin Eccleston · July 15th, 2005, 08:09 AM

My lcd has been the same from new. Without the backlight switch, I can't use it. I have a hood fitted now so I just leave it switched on.

Jeremy Rochefort · July 15th, 2005, 11:54 AM

"Spotlight" will reduce the camera's exposure by one or two stops. "Backlight" has the opposite effect. If for example you are shooting against a dark background, by selecting "Backlight", you are forcing the camera to expose by one or two stops higher.

Remember, by setting your exposure to Auto (yuch), the camera must judge for itself what the correct exposure should be based on the "entire" frame. If you have a subject which you want to expose correctly, you should expose for the subject specifically and not for the entire frame and this can only be effectively achieved by selecting the manual mode for the camera. Also remember that if you are going to work on manual, every manual setting will be INACTIVE until you press the corresponding button eg. Iris, Gain Shutter Speed. The most common mistake that one tends to make is to NOT select the Gain. What then happens is that the camera will adjust the gain to compensate which could potentially screw up your footage.

Cheers

Frank Feijen · July 15th, 2005, 10:41 PM

Thanks for the info guys!

For Jeremy: I must admit that it's a bit confusing, but i meant the backlightfunction for the lcd-screen.
I totally agree that manually is the way to work, and in that case the spot- and backlightfunctions you mentioned, dont work.

Jeremy Rochefort · July 16th, 2005, 04:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frank Feijen

Thanks for the info guys!

For Jeremy: I must admit that it's a bit confusing, but i meant the backlightfunction for the lcd-screen.
I totally agree that manually is the way to work, and in that case the spot- and backlightfunctions you mentioned, dont work.

Duh!!!!! - maybe I should read carefully before I post an answer :)

And yes, if your backlight for the LCD is off, you have a problem viewing - mine's on all the time - tried switching off once after I just got the camera and saw the results and switched it right back on - never been off since then. But then, if you are used to using the viewfinder more than the lcd - switch the backlight off.

To be honest, I haven't done a test for battery life with the backlight on and then off - but then, I always have spare batteries in my pocket.

Cheers

July 13th, 2005, 01:05 AM	#1
Frank Feijen Regular Crew Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Brussels - Belgium Posts: 36	proper use of the backlightswitch Here's a newbie question for ya: The manual states that, when filming under bright circumstances, the backlight of the LCDpanel can be switched off, to save batterypower. Yet when i try this, the image is very very very dark - even if the brightness is pushed up all the way. If i turn on the backlight: everything looks ok, equal to the viewfinder. So when do/can i turn it of?

July 15th, 2005, 11:54 AM	#4
Jeremy Rochefort Regular Crew Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Cape Town, SA Posts: 159	"Spotlight" will reduce the camera's exposure by one or two stops. "Backlight" has the opposite effect. If for example you are shooting against a dark background, by selecting "Backlight", you are forcing the camera to expose by one or two stops higher. Remember, by setting your exposure to Auto (yuch), the camera must judge for itself what the correct exposure should be based on the "entire" frame. If you have a subject which you want to expose correctly, you should expose for the subject specifically and not for the entire frame and this can only be effectively achieved by selecting the manual mode for the camera. Also remember that if you are going to work on manual, every manual setting will be INACTIVE until you press the corresponding button eg. Iris, Gain Shutter Speed. The most common mistake that one tends to make is to NOT select the Gain. What then happens is that the camera will adjust the gain to compensate which could potentially screw up your footage. Cheers __________________ MJ Productions Never let the need for money outweigh the need for Quality, Friendly and Professional Service

July 14th, 2005, 05:08 PM	#2
Tim Ashbrooke Regular Crew Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Grafton, NSW, Australia Posts: 38	Hi Frank I turn it off when I'm shooting outdoors in direct sunlight, and I can still see the picture very clearly. It must have a reflective backing or something.... cheers Tim

July 15th, 2005, 08:09 AM	#3
Colvin Eccleston Regular Crew Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Manchester, UK Posts: 93	My lcd has been the same from new. Without the backlight switch, I can't use it. I have a hood fitted now so I just leave it switched on.

July 15th, 2005, 10:41 PM	#5
Frank Feijen Regular Crew Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Brussels - Belgium Posts: 36	Thanks for the info guys! For Jeremy: I must admit that it's a bit confusing, but i meant the backlightfunction for the lcd-screen. I totally agree that manually is the way to work, and in that case the spot- and backlightfunctions you mentioned, dont work.