Light Meter
Sep 18, 2011 23:52:39 #
Do I need to invest into a Light Meter. Will the light meter on my Nikon D80 and D200 suffice? It seems that the sand on the beach is a dull gray. Will a gray card work as well?
Sep 19, 2011 01:05:25 #
Sep 19, 2011 01:29:09 #
If you use a Expodisc or gray card type device, you won't need the hand held meter. I have two hand held meters and rarely use them. I use a lastolite disc that provides me with the correct exposure and white balance information. They are $25 and available at any good photo store or on-line.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/330874-REG/Lastolite_LL_LR1250_EZ_Balance_Grey.html
This is a tutorial on how to use it: (different card-same principle)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jxJSpxh_r90
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/330874-REG/Lastolite_LL_LR1250_EZ_Balance_Grey.html
This is a tutorial on how to use it: (different card-same principle)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jxJSpxh_r90
Sep 19, 2011 07:56:05 #
photocat
Loc: Atlanta, Ga
The issue is not one of WB, it is exposure. A light meter reads the whole as a middle gray value, it is clueless that this is white snow, white sand, etc.
You need to use your exposure compensation dial and test to see just how much more exposure you will need, or use manual metering and test to see how much more exposure is n eeded and then in those situations apply that information.
The meter in cameras reads reflective light, using a gray card is very helpful when using incident readings.
You need to use your exposure compensation dial and test to see just how much more exposure you will need, or use manual metering and test to see how much more exposure is n eeded and then in those situations apply that information.
The meter in cameras reads reflective light, using a gray card is very helpful when using incident readings.
Sep 19, 2011 10:08:23 #
Sep 19, 2011 10:42:14 #
photocat wrote:
The issue is not one of WB, it is exposure. A ligh... (show quote)
I have just bought a meter. I like having a backup to the camera for those times when I don't think the camera is telling me the whole story. It is useful. It is not necessary unless you are doing serious film or working IN studio.
Sep 19, 2011 11:27:51 #
A gray card (Lastolite disc) or expodisc work fine in the studio. When I use multiple lights it is much easier to measure each one using the lightmeter, though I rarely do meter each one. Experience allows me to get it very close.
Sep 19, 2011 11:40:00 #
Rick d. wrote:
A gray card (Lastolite disc) or expodisc work fine in the studio. When I use multiple lights it is much easier to measure each one using the lightmeter, though I rarely do meter each one. Experience allows me to get it very close.
As a friend (and lifetime professional videographer/photographer) put it: "It's a good tool to have in the box." That sort of says it for me. You aren't going to use it all the time ... not with in-camera metering so accurate these days ... but it comes in useful. Nice to be able to double check if you think your camera is not telling the story right or completely.
Sep 19, 2011 23:08:55 #
Hello JoelS, I'm going to recommend that you NOT get a light meter, but instead run to your nearest Barnes & Noble and pick up an invaluable book called "The Better Photo Guide to Exposure", by Sean Arbabi. I've learned so much and you will, too!
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