Light Meter at DVinfo.net

Chris Boyes · September 25th, 2006, 08:09 AM

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.

Glenn Chan · September 25th, 2006, 12:09 PM

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.

Charles Papert · September 25th, 2006, 01:20 PM

If you have interest in buying a classic Spectra Pro or a Cinemeter II, I have both and would sell either ($100 or $250 respectively).

Dean Sensui · September 25th, 2006, 04:38 PM

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... :-)

Chris Boyes · September 26th, 2006, 12:16 PM

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.

September 25th, 2006, 08:09 AM	#1
Chris Boyes New Boot Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 5	Light Meter 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.

September 25th, 2006, 12:09 PM	#2
Glenn Chan Inner Circle Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 4,750	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. Last edited by Glenn Chan; September 25th, 2006 at 01:48 PM.*

September 25th, 2006, 01:20 PM	#3
Charles Papert Wrangler Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 6,810	If you have interest in buying a classic Spectra Pro or a Cinemeter II, I have both and would sell either ($100 or $250 respectively). __________________ Charles Papert www.charlespapert.com

September 25th, 2006, 04:38 PM	#4
Dean Sensui Inner Circle Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Honolulu, HI Posts: 2,054	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... :-) __________________ Dean Sensui Exec Producer, Hawaii Goes Fishing

September 26th, 2006, 12:16 PM	#5
Chris Boyes New Boot Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Posts: 5	thanks 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.