Basic zebra stripes question

[Tony Davies-Patrick]

Originally Posted by Ash Greyson

I dont recommend it for anyone without EXTENSIVE knowledge of a particular camera, but I do not use zebras... then again, I have logged more hours on the XL2 than probably anybody. When I shoot Varicam I always use them but your setup depends on what yoy are shooting. On a Vari I set the Zebras to 80 for shooting people and aim for no zebras on the face.

On thing I can tell that is an absolute mistake is using the shutter to control light. The shutter is a perceived motion control, while it does effect the light, it is NOT a light adjustment. This is also an EFFECT that is IRREVERSIBLE. ND filters and Iris should be used to control light, you can also use the -3dB gain. You should also never go below F8 or so, get yourself some screw on ND filters if you are having problems (snow and sand and particularly bad). Shutter adjustments should only be done when you want the specific EFFECT they create. My only personal rule for breaking this code is in situations where there is almost NO light and you must lower the shutter to get an image. .

ash =o)

I'd have to disagree with Ash that it is a mistake to control light using the shutter (outdoor shooting). Yes, try to keep the aperture wider than f/8 if you can, but there are often times during filming in very bright daylight conditions, especially around reflective water and bright skies, when the employment of the ND filters + polarizer filter at your disposal are just not enough to maintain the aperture at the preferred f/5.6-f/2 - so, rather than closing the aperture beyond f/8, I often prefer to up the shutter speed slightly to maintain correct exposure.

[Tim Bickford]

Tony-

Thanks... I really do not have the experience to agree or disagree with changing the shutter. I've spent a lot of time reading posts in this XL2 forum and have come the conclusion that there are many ways to accomplish the same things.

I'll continue to experiment with all these suggestions. Thanks again!

Tim

[Tony Davies-Patrick]

Originally Posted by Tim Bickford

...and have come the conclusion that there are many ways to accomplish the same things.



Tim

Yes, that is a good thing to remember, Tim.

Try to experiment to reach your own goals...even though there may be many different roads leading to the same goal posts.

[Ash Greyson]

There is nothing to disagree about really. The shutter to control light should only be used when you are stuck without another option. You should carry enough ND, polarizers, etc. to not HAVE to use the shutter. Like I said, it is an irreversible effect you are applying to your footage and can dramatically effect the perception of the viewer. For sports, high action, music videos, etc. it can be a very nice effect but for some things it will absolutely kill the feel of natural motion.


ash =o)

[Tony Davies-Patrick]

No problem, Ash, we'll just have to agree to differ. - "...Sports, high action, music videos, etc.. and when you are stuck without another option..." - is enough reason to use the shutter to help maintain correct exposure.
I do not like using more than the inbuilt ND filters + Polarizer at the same time, and stay clear of stacking filters. It doesn't really matter how you maintain the basic exposure or control the light hitting the image sensor, as long as the end result is the type of footage that you wanted to achieve.

[K. Forman]

Not really on or off topic, but... I discovered quite by accident, when you are shooting Zebras, having the Zebra function on really confuses things. I wasn't sure if they were blowing out or even in focus.

[Ash Greyson]

Tony my advice is more directed toward people with less knowledge than you... I just wanted to make sure it was understood that the shutter is not a light adjustment and will create an effect. If you are after the effect, it is a great one that cannot be recreated in post effectively.



ash =o)