Levels and Zebras

D. Collins wrote on 2/25/2012, 5:34 PM

When setting black & white levels to 16-235 on the video scope, I noticed the if I have the preview window large and then slide the window smaller to see the audio tracks (without moving the cusor on the timeline, in other words, the same frame) the B&W settings change. The white in no longer at 235, but some value darker.
How should these levels be set if it depends on the size of you monitoring window?

If I could please squeeze in one more question, I recorded a singer and set zebra to 70 on facial flush tones, but noticed there is very little luminance level above 80. Should I set the Zebra to 100 or 70 for proper exposure?

I appreciate and value your comments.

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Comments

Marc S wrote on 2/28/2012, 12:32 AM

Rich,

Since you're using the 5D you should consider the "magic lantern" firmware. It adds zebra capability to your camera. Just google the word to find info. It's free.

amendegw wrote on 2/28/2012, 4:43 AM

"Sorry for newbie question, but how do you set "zebra". The word "zebra" never appears in the Sony 500 page user manual"I don't know much about the "Sony 500" (is that the Sony HDR-CX500V?). However, the degree of implementation of Zebras can vary with the camcorder. For example, I have 3 HD cameras:

Canon HG21: No Zebras
Panasonic TM700: One non-configurable Zebra setting (assuming it's 100 IRE/235 RGB).
Panasonic AC130: Two conifigurable Zebra settings. Each can be set from 50-105.

So... I wouldn't doubt that you "Sony 500" just doesn't implement Zebras. (a quick Google search on the Sony HDR-CX500V seems to indicate that Zebras are not supported).

...Jerry

Grazie wrote on 2/28/2012, 6:38 AM

Erm? I got 2 Zebras. I can set them independently of each other. Now what do I do?

G

farss wrote on 2/28/2012, 6:43 AM

"I got 2 Zebras. I can set them independently of each other. Now what do I do?"

I would set one to 100 and one to 65 or 70.

The 65/70 use for skin, the 100 to indicate anything that's going to be clipped.
The rest is up to you. You may get situation where to get skin around the right value something is going to clip. You can fix the lighting or decide which is more important.

Bob.

Grazie wrote on 2/28/2012, 8:14 AM

So, if I've got Zeb"A" on 65/70 & Zeb"B" on 100 AND I get Zebras on skins - bad news. IF in the same picture I get NO "A" zebs on skin but "B" zebs elsewhere, it could mean that the Skin is good to go, but the "B" zeb area is poo.

Yes?

OK . . .

G

farss wrote on 2/28/2012, 1:29 PM

"So, if I've got Zeb"A" on 65/70 & Zeb"B" on 100 AND I get Zebras on skins - bad news. IF in the same picture I get NO "A" zebs on skin but "B" zebs elsewhere, it could mean that the Skin is good to go, but the "B" zeb area is poo.

No,

You want skin exposed correct so you want Zebra A just showing on skin.
You would try to avoid zebra B showing on anything.
You need to be careful because zebra A will only have show in a 5% range so you could easily over expose. Close down iris and slowly open it until you just see zebra A on skin.

Bob.

Grazie wrote on 2/28/2012, 2:28 PM

Excellent. Thanks Bob.

G

Steve Mann wrote on 2/28/2012, 4:09 PM

"so if you see zebras but the luminance is still between 235 and 255 and not over 255, you can retrieve it in post."
I should have said a "hint of zebras" is OK. At least that's how I train my shooters.