Cine gamma

[Ajit]

Hi all,
Got a new EX1R and loaded Alister's picture profiles. The image exposure darkens by around 1 stop when I use one of the Cine gamma 1 PP when compared to the exposure when the PP is OFF. My question.. with the PP active do I now bring up the exposure level to what I think is correct using visual and zebra settings or do I leave the footage as is (dark) and correct in post? Do I risk negating the effect of the Cine gamma 1 PP if I correct in camera?

Thanks--Ajit

[alisterchapman]

You'll find your highlights and brighter parts of the image are getting darker when you use Cinegammas. This then allows you to bring your mid range exposure up a little without blowing out you highlights and this is how you gain dynamic range.

[Ajit]

Thanks Alister--but should I bring up the mid range exposure in camera or in FCP?

[alisterchapman]

In camera if you want to gain maximum range. Just expose as you would normally watching for highlights overexposing etc.

[Ajit]

Thanks--Im using a zebra setting of 90. Is that fine?

[M5Verde]

and how I get the best video shot at night? shot of street o some like that

[alisterchapman]

Ajit: Fine for what? What are you using zebra at 90 for, there is a further 18% of your exposure range above 90%, Cinegammas 1,3 and 4 go to 109% if your using zebras to indicate when you are approaching clipping then 100% would probably be more appropriate.

M5Verde: Probably using standard gamma 3. But it will depend on your workflow.

[Ajit]

Alistair,
I have now put zebra 1 on 90 and zebra 2 on 100. I shoot documentaries so the settings would be for the kind subject matter we have to show - locations, scrapes people interviews etc. But as I live in India Our skin colour is brown and the light levels very tropical and vertical. Would my steeings be ok? I have been testing for the past few days and reviewing the footage in fcp x and I think Ive got it ok. I use the Center spot meter along with the histogram a lot.
Thanks

Ajit

[Robin]

Ajit TBH I wouldnt let zebra,s and historams rule your life.. sounds like you are using the same camera .. once you are familiar with your view finder you can just shoot.. and concentrate on the actual shots.. if you want it dark and moody.. under expose.. if you want it brighter open up.. maybe set your zebra,s to 100% if no grading.. then you have your "save" level..