Question re black levels at DVinfo.net

Scott Di Lalla · May 23rd, 2006, 12:44 PM

Through trial and error I am really locking a preset that is perfect for the theme of my film. I need a real film/grainy look and with great suggestions in the past I am just about there. I have the setup level and master pedestal turned all the way down and the blacks are set to press....the only problem I am having is when I am shooting in low-lit situations the eyes look like dark holes if my subject turns away from the main light source. It's a run and gun type of deal so i can't properly light them. When something is too dark I would guess there is not enough info there to save it in post, so I am thinking to make another preset where the master pedestal and setup level is back to 0 and set the blacks to Middle. Look forward to getting your thoughts on this. Thanks

Ash Greyson · May 23rd, 2006, 04:17 PM

Lots of ways to go about it... you can stretch the blacks, you can up the MP and setup level or a combo of all three. You might come up with 2 presets, one for wides and one for closer shots. Another thing you can do in areas of stark contrast is use the exposure to bring the highlight areas down to where they are viewable then CRANK the master pedestal. This will look very washed out and milky but with some color correction (mainly a mild saturation boost, and contrast adjustment) will give you a look you simply cant get with many video cameras in this class.

ash =o)

Scott Di Lalla · May 23rd, 2006, 05:33 PM

thanks ash

May 23rd, 2006, 12:44 PM	#1
Scott Di Lalla Regular Crew Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 49	Question re black levels Through trial and error I am really locking a preset that is perfect for the theme of my film. I need a real film/grainy look and with great suggestions in the past I am just about there. I have the setup level and master pedestal turned all the way down and the blacks are set to press....the only problem I am having is when I am shooting in low-lit situations the eyes look like dark holes if my subject turns away from the main light source. It's a run and gun type of deal so i can't properly light them. When something is too dark I would guess there is not enough info there to save it in post, so I am thinking to make another preset where the master pedestal and setup level is back to 0 and set the blacks to Middle. Look forward to getting your thoughts on this. Thanks __________________ S. di Lalla http://www.choppertown.net Last edited by Scott Di Lalla; May 23rd, 2006 at 04:27 PM.

May 23rd, 2006, 05:33 PM	#3
Scott Di Lalla Regular Crew Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 49	thanks ash __________________ S. di Lalla http://www.choppertown.net

May 23rd, 2006, 04:17 PM	#2
Ash Greyson Trustee Join Date: May 2003 Location: Tulsa, OK Posts: 1,689	Lots of ways to go about it... you can stretch the blacks, you can up the MP and setup level or a combo of all three. You might come up with 2 presets, one for wides and one for closer shots. Another thing you can do in areas of stark contrast is use the exposure to bring the highlight areas down to where they are viewable then CRANK the master pedestal. This will look very washed out and milky but with some color correction (mainly a mild saturation boost, and contrast adjustment) will give you a look you simply cant get with many video cameras in this class. ash =o)