Need Information: Proper setting of EX-3 Viewfinder controls

[Michael Palmer]

You should use the histogram to help with your exposure.You would calibrate this LCD the same as any field monitor using the bars to set brightness and contrast.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P6O7U6H0H38

Good Luck
Michael Palmer

Some contents or functionalities here are not available due to your cookie preferences!

This happens because the functionality/content marked as “Google Youtube” uses cookies that you choosed to keep disabled. In order to view this content or use this functionality, please enable cookies: click here to open your cookie preferences.

[Bill Griffin]

OK cool, but I do alot of news shooting…so I need to set the viewfinder, which is the most important thing…
thanks

Bill Griffin
HD Cameraman
972-475-6870
http://www.dallascamguy.com
Dallas, Texas USA

[Michael Palmer]

For News I would think getting the content as it unfolds is paramount, and one way to insure this is to allow the camera to expose for you by setting the exposure to auto. However if you are working in a controlled environment you can first take the time to calibrate your LCD viewfinder and use the Histogram to help you expose manually. You can switch from auto exposure to see what the camera is exposing as another aid in your decision. You can also set the Zebras to 95-100 and if they start to appear you will know that these areas are about to clip. Watch that link and try calibrating the viewfinder and only crank up the brightness if you need to see dark edges of the frame, but don’t use the viewfinder for setting the aperture.

Good Luck
Michael Palmer

[Bill Griffin]

Thanks anyway..but not the answer I am looking for.

Bill Griffin
HD Cameraman
972-475-6870
http://www.dallascamguy.com
Dallas, Texas USA

[Michael Palmer]

Bill it is the answer to your question, don’t use the viewfinder LCD to set your exposure, this isn’t a handycam.

Good Luck
Michael Palmer

[Robin Probyn]

Bill
I would question.. dont use your viewfinder to set aperture.. its the main thing I would use.. editors or studio guys might not see it that way ..
Set the brightness as in the video on the bars in your VF.. so you can just see the right hand bar of those 3 bottom right.. contrast I set by eye.. usually around the middle.. as long as its not way off either way is fine.. never use auto iris to shoot with.. as you know Im sure..
Is it a new camera for you.. I think basically you get used to your own camera,s VF.. and what looks right .. another reason rental is a pain.. clapped out or un known VF,s..

This is in doc or in your case news mode.. studio /drama different ..

[Martin Phillips]

Hi Bill,

In addition to what the others have said, I keep a spare card which contains a variety of footage I know is exactly spot-on exposure-wise in the camera bag (it’s just an SD card in an adapter, but it works). I regularly play this through the EX3 and make any adjustments necessary to the viewfinder controls. I keep my viewfinder controls taped up so they can’t accidentally get twiddled. I find this ‘calibration footage’ really helpful – probably not very scientific, but it works for me.

Martin Phillips Freelance Cameraman / Producer / Editor
Chesham, Buckinghamshire, UK. http://www.videodvdmaker.co.uk

[Michael Palmer]

Its really obvious that many people here on this forum don’t use two of the tools (Zebras and Histogram) on their camera to aid in choosing exposure. Many here don’t realize the LCD monitor/ viewfinder is just that, a monitor, and if it is not calibrated correctly it will give a false sense of accuracy. Its really to bad these LCD’s don’t have a waveform option because this tool would be much easier for a logical minded person to understand and use but they don’t, and even if they did it seems no one here would use it either. However once you understand a histogram you won’t trust anything else.

One last thing, auto iris is used all the time by semiprofessionals and true professionals who make a living shooting because either they have limited camera operating experience or they just want to use the built in light meter to aid in their exposure decision.
Zebras……….Histogram……….Auto Iris

These are tools found on your camera people, use them, I guaranty you will make better exposure decision.

I really think I’m done trying to help people here.

Good Luck
Michael Palmer

[Bill Griffin]

thats what I was looking for..thanks

Bill Griffin
HD Cameraman
972-475-6870
http://www.dallascamguy.com
Dallas, Texas USA

[Bill Griffin]

OK thanks for your help….

Bill Griffin
HD Cameraman
972-475-6870
http://www.dallascamguy.com
Dallas, Texas USA