Hey Guys...

What's a good, not-too-expensive light meter for video work? I would use one mostly for green screen work. Any help would be really appreciated.

Get a laptop with DVRack on it maybe? It should have a waveform monitor, which shows you more information at once.

*For green screen work, it may be better to use a monitor (like DVRack; as opposed to a light meter) and see where dark patches are. Dark patches generally don't key well at all.

If you have interest in buying a classic Spectra Pro (http://www.clubfree.com/spectra/spec_cls.htm) or a Cinemeter II, I have both and would sell either ($100 or $250 respectively).

Chris...

I use the in-camera zebras.

The threshold is set at 60 IRE and I'll dial it in until the zebras barely show up.

Among the advantages of doing it this way is that hot spots and dark spots become obvious and are easily fixed in real time. When I barely see zebras all the way across I know the background is evenly lighted.

Another advantage is that you'll know you're getting the right levels to tape. Or P2 card. Or hard drive. Or whatever it's being recorded on... :-)

Thanks for the advice Dean...that's a really good idea, using the zebras. I don't need to meter to tell me what aperture to use, just if it's even.