How to check proper exposure on VX2100? at DVinfo.net
DV Info Net

Go Back   DV Info Net > Sony XAVC / XDCAM / NXCAM / AVCHD / HDV / DV Camera Systems > Sony HDV and DV Camera Systems > Sony VX2100 / PD170 / PDX10 Companion

Sony VX2100 / PD170 / PDX10 Companion
Topics also include Sony's TRV950, VX2000, PD150 & DSR250 family.

Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Old August 4th, 2004, 10:57 PM   #1
Regular Crew
 
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Brasília-DF
Posts: 28
How to check proper exposure on VX2100?

As I've been reading all over, "a good way to check exposure is to ask the camera"

How do I ask my VX-2100 to do this?
Gustavo Nardelli is offline   Reply With Quote
Old August 5th, 2004, 01:05 AM   #2
Major Player
 
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Santa Rosa, California
Posts: 745
I'm sorry, how about your zebra stripes?
__________________
Breakthrough In Grey Room

Shawn Mielke is offline   Reply With Quote
Old August 5th, 2004, 10:49 AM   #3
Wrangler
 
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Vallejo, California
Posts: 4,049
Welcome to DVInfo, Gustavo.

Do a search for the term, "Zebra" on this forum or on the entire site. There have been lots of discussions about how to use the Zebra stripes to set proper exposure.
__________________
Mike Rehmus
Hey, I can see the carrot at the end of the tunnel!
Mike Rehmus is offline   Reply With Quote
Old August 5th, 2004, 07:56 PM   #4
Regular Crew
 
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Brasília-DF
Posts: 28
I've done that...

and I understand the ZEBRA pattern.

I read this at

http://www.urbanfox.tv/workbooks/sonypd150/pd150exposure.htm

"HOW DO YOU EXPOSE CORRECTLY?
I reckon there are three ways of setting exposure.

METHOD 1: Does it look right!
Unfortunately this method has two downsides. If you're a beginner you probably not sure what "right" is anyway. Plus, you need to set up your viewfinder/LCD screen correctly. If your screen is too bright or too dark you could get false positives. But as you get more experienced with your kit and after shooting in a range of conditions - you'll just sorta know when it is right.

METHOD 2: Ask the camera.
Zoom in to the subject - go to auto iris and let the camera decide the subjects's exposure - go back to manual iris - now zoom out to frame your shot. You must zoom in to the subject to prevent the auto function under or over compensating for the surrounding light levels. Remember there will be times when the subject will be correct but the background is too bright or too dark. That's the nature of video ie poor contrast ratios (about 50:1).

METHOD 3: Use the zebras.
see above "


I know PD150 performs different from VX2100 as for these kind of controls, but there must be a way for me to use my VX2100 in a manner that I can achieve propper exposure just like I've been doing when I take pictures with my CANON EOS-10D.

Does it makes sense to you?

T.I.A.,
Gustavo
Gustavo Nardelli is offline   Reply With Quote
Old August 5th, 2004, 08:25 PM   #5
Wrangler
 
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Vallejo, California
Posts: 4,049
Re: I've done that...

<<<-- Originally posted by Gustavo Nardelli : and I understand the ZEBRA pattern.

I read this at

http://www.urbanfox.tv/workbooks/sonypd150/pd150exposure.htm

"HOW DO YOU EXPOSE CORRECTLY?
I reckon there are three ways of setting exposure.

METHOD 1: Does it look right!
Unfortunately this method has two downsides. If you're a beginner you probably not sure what "right" is anyway. Plus, you need to set up your viewfinder/LCD screen correctly. If your screen is too bright or too dark you could get false positives. But as you get more experienced with your kit and after shooting in a range of conditions - you'll just sorta know when it is right.

------------------------
This rarely works OK because the LCD screen doesn't really provide a good enough image to determine exposure except in a gross sort of way.

METHOD 2: Ask the camera.
Zoom in to the subject - go to auto iris and let the camera decide the subjects's exposure - go back to manual iris - now zoom out to frame your shot. You must zoom in to the subject to prevent the auto function under or over compensating for the surrounding light levels. Remember there will be times when the subject will be correct but the background is too bright or too dark. That's the nature of video ie poor contrast ratios (about 50:1).

METHOD 3: Use the zebras.
see above "

-----------------------
2&3 are similar and are what is needed.
-------------------------


I know PD150 performs different from VX2100 as for these kind of controls, but there must be a way for me to use my VX2100 in a manner that I can achieve propper exposure just like I've been doing when I take pictures with my CANON EOS-10D.

Does it makes sense to you?
--------------------------
No, not really. You only have a couple of tools available to you that really 'measure' the video. You listed them in items 2 & 3. Item 1 would work if you have a good display but the LCD isn't good enough.

There is no method #4 unless you care to measure the camera's ASA equivalent and then use an exposure meter.

Beyond this, the only other choice is to use a waveform monitor. They aren't inexpensive and few are portable.

I think you are going to have to adapt yourself to the video camera as it just isn't going to act any different.



T.I.A.,
Gustavo -->>>
__________________
Mike Rehmus
Hey, I can see the carrot at the end of the tunnel!
Mike Rehmus is offline   Reply With Quote
Old August 6th, 2004, 01:52 PM   #6
Regular Crew
 
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Brasília-DF
Posts: 28
Thanks Mike

I'll apply an extra effort on learning how to deal with camcorders.

Regards,
Gus
Gustavo Nardelli is offline   Reply With Quote
Old August 6th, 2004, 03:42 PM   #7
Wrangler
 
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Vallejo, California
Posts: 4,049
They are not as easy to use a still cameras, for sure!

Good luck.

Sorry we didn't have a better answer but keep asking as you have more questions. That's what we are here for.
__________________
Mike Rehmus
Hey, I can see the carrot at the end of the tunnel!
Mike Rehmus is offline   Reply
Reply

DV Info Net refers all where-to-buy and where-to-rent questions exclusively to these trusted full line dealers and rental houses...

B&H Photo Video
(866) 521-7381
New York, NY USA

Scan Computers Int. Ltd.
+44 0871-472-4747
Bolton, Lancashire UK


DV Info Net also encourages you to support local businesses and buy from an authorized dealer in your neighborhood.
  You are here: DV Info Net > Sony XAVC / XDCAM / NXCAM / AVCHD / HDV / DV Camera Systems > Sony HDV and DV Camera Systems > Sony VX2100 / PD170 / PDX10 Companion

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

 



All times are GMT -6. The time now is 02:11 PM.


DV Info Net -- Real Names, Real People, Real Info!
1998-2024 The Digital Video Information Network