Zebra and it's use at DVinfo.net

Miguel Lombana · April 10th, 2004, 08:55 AM

First let me state that I have a bit of a photography background and understand exposure settings, iris control, stops etc. The GL2 has offered me something that I've never had before, the Zebra pattern, however the fundemental use of it isn't well documented and after scouring the web with google I still can't get a clear "this is how to use this feature" report.

So with this in mind, can someone advise me the best way to use the function. I've experimented for the last few weeks since I purcahsed my GL2's and really haven't seen the best results.

Typically I shoot AUTO and ride the exposure lock and use the viewfinder only, I've set the zebra at 90% per a discussion in another group which referred to pro dv cams and some shooters that use 90 (so if this is the best I'm not sure, just going by what others have said).

When I shoot a subject that is showing high zebra I expose down a little to get them to go away, what I'm finding is that this is usually too much, so with that I say, where is the right place to setup this stuff.

OR should I just shut off the mode and go for the feel that I'm looking for the in viewfinder and trust my eyes.

OR should I just run full manual without zebra and shoot like I used to with my still cams. The only issue with this is that the 3 adjustments that you have to make when in manual are sometimes hard to get to quickly or it's easy to over shoot a setting by pushing the button too many times too quickly.

Miguel

Robin Davies-Rollinson · April 10th, 2004, 09:21 AM

The more you shoot, the more you'll get used to the settings and be able to find the best one for you.
Here's a useful little web page for you to look at: http://www.greatdv.com/cameras/Zebra.htm
I tend to use 100% because I'm a great believer in setting the exposure slightly under. It's so easy to blow the white levels with DV and they can't be rescued in post. My settings give me a fuller, slightly heavy image that suits my taste and produces very clean, sharp images.

Robin.

Miguel Lombana · April 10th, 2004, 09:28 AM

Thanks, now this is what I was looking for, it's basic, simple and clear. Appreciate it!

Miguel Lombana · April 10th, 2004, 10:02 AM

One more quick question, has anyone posted a direct relationship between the exposure lock clicks and actual F stop numbers?

Robin Davies-Rollinson · April 10th, 2004, 10:06 AM

Each one appears to be 1/4 stop. You can count them if you go from f2.8 to f4 or f5.6 to f8 for example since these are aperture "whole numbers"

Robin

Miguel Lombana · April 10th, 2004, 10:07 AM

Super! Life is getting good!

April 10th, 2004, 08:55 AM	#1
Miguel Lombana Major Player Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Litchfield Park, AZ (W/of Phoenix) Posts: 502	Zebra and it's use First let me state that I have a bit of a photography background and understand exposure settings, iris control, stops etc. The GL2 has offered me something that I've never had before, the Zebra pattern, however the fundemental use of it isn't well documented and after scouring the web with google I still can't get a clear "this is how to use this feature" report. So with this in mind, can someone advise me the best way to use the function. I've experimented for the last few weeks since I purcahsed my GL2's and really haven't seen the best results. Typically I shoot AUTO and ride the exposure lock and use the viewfinder only, I've set the zebra at 90% per a discussion in another group which referred to pro dv cams and some shooters that use 90 (so if this is the best I'm not sure, just going by what others have said). When I shoot a subject that is showing high zebra I expose down a little to get them to go away, what I'm finding is that this is usually too much, so with that I say, where is the right place to setup this stuff. OR should I just shut off the mode and go for the feel that I'm looking for the in viewfinder and trust my eyes. OR should I just run full manual without zebra and shoot like I used to with my still cams. The only issue with this is that the 3 adjustments that you have to make when in manual are sometimes hard to get to quickly or it's easy to over shoot a setting by pushing the button too many times too quickly. Miguel

April 10th, 2004, 09:21 AM	#2
Robin Davies-Rollinson Trustee Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Gwaelod-y-garth, Cardiff, CYMRU/WALES Posts: 1,215	The more you shoot, the more you'll get used to the settings and be able to find the best one for you. Here's a useful little web page for you to look at: http://www.greatdv.com/cameras/Zebra.htm I tend to use 100% because I'm a great believer in setting the exposure slightly under. It's so easy to blow the white levels with DV and they can't be rescued in post. My settings give me a fuller, slightly heavy image that suits my taste and produces very clean, sharp images. Robin.

April 10th, 2004, 09:28 AM	#3
Miguel Lombana Major Player Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Litchfield Park, AZ (W/of Phoenix) Posts: 502	Thanks, now this is what I was looking for, it's basic, simple and clear. Appreciate it!

April 10th, 2004, 10:02 AM	#4
Miguel Lombana Major Player Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Litchfield Park, AZ (W/of Phoenix) Posts: 502	One more quick question, has anyone posted a direct relationship between the exposure lock clicks and actual F stop numbers?

April 10th, 2004, 10:06 AM	#5
Robin Davies-Rollinson Trustee Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Gwaelod-y-garth, Cardiff, CYMRU/WALES Posts: 1,215	Each one appears to be 1/4 stop. You can count them if you go from f2.8 to f4 or f5.6 to f8 for example since these are aperture "whole numbers" Robin

April 10th, 2004, 10:07 AM	#6
Miguel Lombana Major Player Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Litchfield Park, AZ (W/of Phoenix) Posts: 502	Super! Life is getting good!