View Full Version : Shooting at -6db?


Denny Gulvas
March 31st, 2012, 12:22 PM
I have been shooting with this camera for some time now and always try shooting at -3db. I recently heard that the camera was capable to shoot at -6db but I do not know how to get the setting to -6db. Can someone please explain? Thank you.....

Tom Mussatto
March 31st, 2012, 01:48 PM
In Menu, go to Camera Set

Then go to Gain Setup

Set L, M, and H to the settings you want. In your case L -3, M -6 and H whatever else you want

Then on the bottom left side of cam you will see a switch marked L M H. These will now be set to the value you assigned them and you can choose which one you want without having to go back to Menu.

Denny Gulvas
April 3rd, 2012, 05:33 AM
Thanks Tom! I can`t believe that I never saw that... I had the "automatic" db limits set up but never set the "manual' switches. I just figured the -6db would of been an option in "manual" also....

Tom Hardwick
April 3rd, 2012, 08:26 AM
And if it's bright enough it's well worth shooting at -6dB Denny. Connect your NX5 to a big tv using HDMI and you'll see what I mean.

Denny Gulvas
April 8th, 2012, 05:57 AM
Tom,
Can you explain the -3 and -6db. in relation to how it can enhance the picture quality? Thanks...

Tom Hardwick
April 8th, 2012, 06:06 AM
As I say - the best way to show the picture quality improvement is to simply HDMI your camera into a big tv. Use 0dB, then -3dB and finally -6dB, and watch the noise subside to zero as you dial down the gain. Of course going from 0 to -6dB means you've got to open the lens by a stop to compensate, but generally the difference in lens sharpness from f/4 to f/2.8 (say) is less noticeable than the silencing of the noise.

tom.

Denny Gulvas
April 8th, 2012, 06:16 AM
I just wondered how the camera could electrically enhance the already ultimate lens picture quality that comes from 0 db.?

Tom Hardwick
April 8th, 2012, 06:21 AM
When you do as I suggest you'll realise that 0dB isn't the 'ultimate lens picture quality' by any means.

Denny Gulvas
April 8th, 2012, 06:49 AM
Thank you for the replies...

Brian Drysdale
April 8th, 2012, 08:29 AM
I'd check on how the camera is handling the highlights, there's often a trade off involved in using the - gain.