I've always used zebras at 70% to judge exposure but i get a bit fixated with them and was thinking of turning them off. I've done some tests exposing on just what i see, and its similar to the exposure i get when using zebras, but usually a fraction under. I'd like to go without zebras but need a bit of reassurance its not a dumb idea. Do many people not use zebras and how do they find it?

On our Z1s the choice is between zebras and peaking, and for me zebras win hands down every single time. Don't get me wrong - I love having peaking (especially with our so-so v'finder resolution and the daft decision not to allow expanded focus while in the record mode) but auto focus on the Sony is a lot more accurate, dependable and useable than ever auto-exposure will be.

So keep the zebras on at all times I say. I use 100% but that's just me - I treat them as my 'long-stop' (to use a cricketing term), telling me what'll be pure white on the TV screen.

tom.

I suspect you want to turn off the zebras because they're flooding your screen and you're having a difficult time seeing the picture. I rarely have that problem because I leave my zebras at 100%, and I've learned to judge exposure based on that setting. Without zebras, I can hit my exposure pretty well if I use the viewfinder, but they're almost a necessity if I'm going off the LCD.

Try raising your zebra setting and see if you like it any better.

Alec Moreno
http://www.1Day1ShotProductions.com

Alec got it right there. The biggest pain I have is the zebras being all over the screen, it makes it hard to judge anything. At the same time I don't trust the lcd screen of the Z1. I'll have a play around with the zebra settings and see what I prefer.

I don't use Zebras all the time. Mostly, I use them for confidence when I am setting up the shot and have time for a quick check. Some times they can be distracting. I have a friend who is an awesome shooter and he will never use zebras.